BYRNE ANNOUNCES DEC GRANTS FOR PUTNAM LAND TRUSTS

Assemblyman Kevin Byrne (R, C, I, Ref-Mahopac) meets with representatives of the Hudson Highlands Land Trust. (From left to right) Executive Director Michelle Smith, Assemblyman Kevin Byrne, and Director of Development and Outreach MJ Martin

Funding provided through NYS DEC in partnership with the Land Trust Alliance

Two Putnam County land trusts will be among 58 recipients of statewide funding as part of the department’s 14th annual grant program, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced last month. The Hudson Highlands Land Trust, based in Garisson, NY, and the Putnam County Land Trust will receive an excess of $70,000 in total funding through the program, offered in partnership with the Land Trust Alliance. This financial support will spearhead a number of upgrades and planning initiatives which promise to both promote outdoor recreation in Putnam County, and position the two organizations for continued future success.

The Hudson Highlands Land Trust will utilize its $40,000 dollar grant to implement a management plan and perform significant public access improvements to the recently purchased Granite Mountain Preserve in Putnam Valley. The Putnam County Land Trust, an operation fully staffed by volunteers, will receive a total of $30,100 through two grants, and will purpose this funding toward trail improvements and the development of a multi-year strategic plan.

“Putnam County’s beautiful nature preserves are among its most precious assets, and we all owe our gratitude to both the Hudson Highlands and Putnam County Land Trusts for the work they do to protect them,” said Assemblyman Kevin Byrne (R, C, I, Ref-Mahopac). “I am thrilled to see these two worthy organizations included amongst the recipients of this year’s DEC grants, and look forward to continuing to serve as an advocate for them in the State Assembly.”