NYS improves recreation site, acquires 900 acres in Ulster Co.

OLIVE, N.Y. (NEWS10)– As part of the state’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, Governor Kathy Hochul’s office announced the acquisition of 900 acres of land in the Ashokan Reservoir watershed as well as completed improvements to the Peekamoose Blue Hole site. According to the governor’s office, the two announcements will enhance recreational access and ensure long-term environmental protection.

The land acquisition was purchased for $4.2 million to protect the drinking water in the Ashokan Reservoir watershed. The new land will form the largest addition to the Catskill Forest preserve since 2011, the governor’s office said.

“The Catskill region provides countless ways to get offline, get outside and connect with nature,” Gov. Hochul said. “With the acquisition of 900 acres of forested beauty and water quality protection, and enhancements at one of the State’s most frequented natural wonders, New York State is continuing to invest in the Catskills to ensure their continued natural legacy and the ability of all New Yorkers to enjoy it.”

The improvements to Peekamoose Blue Hole, including an improved parking area and connector trail, were designed to enhance safety and accessibility to the site.

According to state officials, the acquisition was funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, and secured by the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Open Space Institute.

“We are protecting New York’s invaluable natural resources and improving access and safety to open spaces here in Ulster County and throughout the region. This marks our first land acquisition funded through the historic Environmental Bond Act and we are grateful to our partners at the Open Space Institute for ensuring the permanent protection of 900 acres in this special place,” New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “As we protect these important places, we are advancing significant upgrades to the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor to improve safety and support local governments and we are addressing key aspects of visitor use management across the region. DEC is demonstrating our commitment to the Catskill Forest Preserve and the region’s communities.”

“The upgrades at Peekamoose Blue Hole will make this beloved destination safer and more accessible for all, while the 900-acre land acquisition in Olive — one of the largest additions to the Catskill Forest Preserve in recent memory — will protect critical watershed lands and expand opportunities for public recreation,” Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said. “I want to thank Governor Hochul, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Open Space Institute for their leadership and partnership in preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of our region for generations to come.”

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