Saving 35,000-acre Delaware Watershed Wilderness Project Launched by OCLT
Orange County Land Trust supporters and stakeholders gathered for the event.
By David Ofshinsky
The Orange County Land Trust (OCLT) commenced its ‘Save Orange County’s Last Wilderness’ campaign at the NYDEC River Access in Sparrowbush on April 19.
The ‘Last Wilderness’ denotes the 35,000-acre Delaware Watershed area of western Orange County bordered by the Delaware River and the Shawangunk Ridge that teems with unique geology, history, and natural resources. The bulk of this region lies within the communities of Deerpark and Port Jervis.
The campaign will be a multiyear effort to hasten land conservation efforts in order to safeguard drinking water, lessen flooding, maintain the diverse wildlife and ecosystems, and support recreation, tourism, and economic development. Several local officials expressed support for the project from their various vantagepoints.
With the Delaware River in the background, OCLT Executive Director Jim Delaune said, “This unique, unspoiled area is a rarity these days that must be preserved.”
Following Delaune, County Legislator Tom Faggione enthused, “In Orange County, the West is Best! This campaign is a great opportunity to preserve the beauty of the area while promoting tourism related business.”
Port Jervis Mayor Dominic Cicalese also applauded the campaign for protecting the watershed while providing economic development. Deerpark Town Supervisor Gary Spears echoed his support for the effort.
Mike Ward, President of the Outdoor Club of Port Jervis, who has guided trail development in the area, emphasized the value of preserving the wilderness for protecting water in Port Jervis reservoirs and the Delaware and Neversink Rivers running through the city. Acquiring the land for preservation is the strategy.
“That will require tens of millions of dollars,” he said.
The Orange County Land Trust was founded in 1993. Its mission is to preserve water resources, critical habitat, rural and urban farmland, scenic viewsheds and ecosystems in and around Orange County. To learn more, visit www.saveocwilderness.org
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