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Newsletter
Priorities for 2004 and Beyond
In January we began a discussion of what the priorities should be for the Conservancy for 2004 and beyond. At our March meeting we discussed an edited version of what we did in January. Members present at the meeting recognized that priorities will continue to evolve as conditions and opportunities change. We agreed that the following list of priorities will provide good guidance for the Conservancy in the coming years:
Work with the Town and others to make improvements to Cornell Park. This should include bank stabilization, small launch facility for canoes and kayaks (non-motorized vessels), information kiosk, landscaping and perhaps a dock.
Improve our stewardship of properties we manage by preparing and implementing a Land Management Plan for the Hannacroix Creek Preserve, Hudson River Interpretive Trail site, and the Alexy addition. Specific activities to support the plan could include trail improvement, maintaining/improving information at kiosks, removing iron gates at entrance to preserve and designation of the Hannacroix Preserve and HRIT as part of Hudson River Valley Greenway trail system.
Secure the views and ambience of the Preserve by appropriately protecting adjacent properties, including completing acquisition of the Alexy property.
Identify, and evaluate conceptual trail options. Opportunities may include: Connect HRIT trail to Shady Harbor access road via a trail or board walk along low land property; link the Hannacroix Creek preserve/Interpretive Trail to the Dirtrict 1 Park and Coeymans; improve pedestrian access along route 144; create a boardwalk overlooking the Hudson above Shady Harbor marina.
Pursue opportunities to preserve views along River Road.
Inventory and map natural and historic resources, trails, and public lands in the Town to support each of the above priorities.
Erect attractive welcome signs at entrances to Town and/or Hamlet. If practical use local talent to construct.
Increase active participation by conservancy members and involve more of the town (especially west of Route 9W).
Work more closely with town board including improved enforcement of clean up.
Addition to the Preserve:
Frank and Trudy Litto have made a very generous donation of
land
that will provide a buffer to protect the Paper Mill Trail and expand
the Hannacroix Creek Preserve by some 30 acres. This land is on the
east side of the Paper Mill trail all the way from Madison Avenue to
the existing Preserve property. The land contains rolling terrain with
rock outcroppings, lovely pines and small stream that could be
developed into a lovely pond site at some point in the future. Many,
many thanks to the Litto’s for this wonderful addition to the preserve.
Land Transfers
Property along the Hudson river from the current Hudson River
Interpretive Trail site (owned by the Town of New Baltimore and managed
by the Conservancy) south past the sewer treatment plant to near the
marina will be transferred from the State Office of General Services to
the Department of Environmental Conservation DEC). This is land that
was formerly under water. It was created years ago when dredging spoils
were deposited behind the dike to create new land. The State completed
a survey of the site in the spring of 2004 and the process has been
proceeding since then. We hope the transfer will take place by
summer 2005. Once the transfer is complete, the DEC will work with
upland property owners and others in the community to develop a
management plan for the site. This plan will identify objectives for
managing the site (for instance habitat protection and improvement,
improved public access for passive recreation etc.) while assuring that
the “riparian rights” of upland owners are maintained. Parking for the
site will continue to be provided at the Preserve. The New Baltimore
Conservancy will work with DEC and the Greene County Soil and Water
Conservation District to manage this property as it does with the
current HRIT site.
2007 Dues & Tax Exempt Donations
Membership dues are $10 per person and $20 per family.
If you wish to join the New Baltimore Conservancy lease mail in your
dues to P.O. Box 322, New Baltimore, NY 12124. Your dues, donations and
time are what keep the Conservancy operating. Every dollar of
dues, donations or grant money the Conservancy receives goes right back
into the community.
