NEW PALTZ – The State Department of Environmental Conservation has released the draft West of Hudson Unit Management Plan that covers 7,900 acres in the towns of Warwick, New Windsor, Montgomery and Hamptonburgh in Orange County and the towns of Plattekill, Esopus, Saugerties, and Ulster in Ulster County.
“Unit management plans are an important tool to assess the unique natural resources, recreational opportunities, and economic benefits of our protected areas, and provide a solid foundation for the development of long-term land management goals,” said Regional DEC Director Kelly Turturro.
A public session is scheduled at the DEC offices at 21 South Putt Corners Road in New Paltz beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17.
The West of Hudson State Forest UMP includes:
Pochuck Mountain State Forest, 506 acres in the Town of Warwick
Mount Peter Hawk Watch, five acres, in the Town of Warwick
Stewart State Forest, 6,635 acres, in the towns of New Windsor, Montgomery and Hamptonburgh
Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area, 83 acres, in the Town of Plattekill
Black Creek State Forest, 578 acres, in the Town of Esopus
Turkey Point State Forest, 140 acres, in the Town of Saugerties.
