The Open Space Institute has acquired 132 acres in Sloatsburg as part of the Eagle Valley Assemblage conservation project, located in the corridor between Sterling Forest and Harriman State Parks. The project will enhance regional recreational opportunities and protect critical drinking water resources in an area facing heavy development pressure.
OSI intends to convey the land to the County, which is exploring opportunities for it, including creating a new county park with linkages between the Sloatsburg train station and other protected areas such as Harriman State Park, the Town of Ramapo’s Liberty Ridge Park, Eleanor Burlingham County Park, and Dater Mountain County Park.
OSI’s Eagle Valley Assemblage includes the 87-acre Eagle Valley property, which OSI purchased on March 14 for 1.6 million; and the 45-acre Cherso Realty property, which OSI purchased on May 17 for $1.275 million.
The newly protected properties, located within the Nakoma Brook drainage basin, play a critical role in safeguarding the Ramapo Valley Aquifer, which provides a third of Rockland County’s public water supply. The protection of these properties will safeguard downstream drinking water resources identified as priority acquisitions in the Rockland County Comprehensive Plan, Sloatsburg Comprehensive Plan, and the New York State Open Space Plan.
The Rockland County Legislature thanks the Open Space Institute for its amazing efforts!