The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) has purchased 24 acres featuring 1,680 feet of frontage along the Chemung River in the town of Chemung. The Land Trust intends to ultimately transfer the parcel to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for future use as a public conservation area and fishing access site.
Located off of County Route 60 in Chemung County, the wooded property contains roosting habitat for Bald Eagles and migratory birds. Small ponds and stands of mixed hardwood trees define the parcel, which also contains scenic views of the surrounding hills.
The FLLT is focused on protecting lands bordering the Chemung River to safeguard wildlife habitat and create new recreational opportunities. To date, the organization has protected over 14 miles of streambank and over 3,000 acres in the Chemung River watershed. Protected lands include the Steege Hill, Houghton, and Plymouth Woods nature preserves, and three parcels acquired in partnership with New York State to create the Big Flats Wildlife Management Area.
“The Chemung River is a remarkable natural resource that provides outstanding opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Land Trust President Andrew Zepp. “By working together with local partners, we can secure vital habitats for fish and wildlife while expanding public access to the river.”
By working cooperatively with landowners and local communities, the Finger Lakes Land Trust has protected over 34,000 acres of the region’s undeveloped lakeshore, rugged gorges, rolling forest, and scenic farmland. The FLLT owns and manages a network of over 45 nature preserves that are open to the public and holds perpetual conservation easements on 200 properties that remain in private ownership.
The Land Trust focuses on protecting critical habitat for fish and wildlife, conserving lands that are important for water quality, connecting existing conservation lands, and keeping prime farmland in agriculture. The organization also provides programs to educate local governments, landowners, and residents about conservation and the region’s unique natural resources.
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