Background The Orange County Land Trust (OCLT) has entered into a one-year option agreement with the landowner to purchase over 300 acres of forest, agricultural land, and rocky summit comprising Sugar Loaf Mountain.
The Sugar Loaf Mountain property, which abuts Goosepond Mountain State Park in Chester, NY and the Highlands Trail, is of great importance to the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, & Historic Preservation.
Within 3-5 years of acquiring the property, OCLT hopes to transfer the land to NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, & Historic Preservation as an extraordinary, new addition to Goosepond Mountain State Park.
A Boost to Access, Recreation, Business
Facilitating the creation of a trail system that would connect the center of the “Arts & Crafts village” shops to the mountain’s summit will boost local business and tourism.
Visitors from across the region that come for the mountain trails, will stay for the shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities provided by the many local merchants and storefronts.
A Boost to Biodiversity
Protecting the Sugar Loaf Mountain property has not only been a priority for local residents, but for conservationists as well.
The “Rocky summit grassland” habitat found on the property is designated a “Significant natural community” by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The land is also a designated “Significant Biodiversity Area” and “Important bat foraging area,” with particular importance for rare plants and terrestrial animals.
Additionally, protecting the property is vital for maintaining water quality, as the land is situated within the Moodna Creek Watershed and features a number of streams and intermittent brooks.
We Need Your Help!
Donations from members of the community, like you, help make projects like these possible. Support the Orange County Land Trust by making a charitable contribution today. Your generous support will ensure the protection of the Sugar Loaf Mountain property, and other irreplaceable natural landscapes and working farms
