State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "State Parks is
grateful for this partnership with OSI and the generous support of Anne
Perkins Cabot, whose family has been such stewards and advocates for the
Hudson Highlands for many years. These projects will help more people
safely reach the trails at Fahnestock and the Appalachian Trail to
experience the beauty of this area."
The Perkins-Cabot family has lived in the area for decades and in
1991, transferred more than 1,700 acres to OSI that eventually became
part of Fahnestock State Park. Cabot is a founding family member of the
Palisades Interstate Park Commission and is also a board member of the
Palisades Parks Conservancy.
Anne Cabot said, "My grandfather, George Perkins, followed by his
son, my father, loved the Hudson Valley. This love inspired them to
protect the land and build partnerships that would forever expand the
public's enjoyment of this region. As the public's use and appreciation
for the land has grown and evolved over the years, they would have
loved that the project we celebrate today, created through a partnership
between New York State Parks, the Open Space Institute, and the
Topfield Foundation, will continue their vision of conservation,
stewardship, and public access to a landscape our family has treasured
for generations."
Senator Sue Serino said, "With New Yorkers taking to our green spaces
like never before, we are grateful to OSI and to Anne Perkins Cabot for
making an investment that will enable countless residents and visitors
alike to safely explore the great Fahnestock State Park. These
trailheads and designated parking areas are exciting additions to the
local area, and we hope these projects will serve as models to inspire
other partnerships throughout the Hudson Valley where similar challenges
exist."
Assembly Member Sandy Galef said, "This past year has shown us just
how crucial access to open spaces in nature is for mental and physical
well-being. The opening of the new parking and trailheads at Fahnestock
State Park could not be more timely as hikers and enthusiasts of the
outdoors will be all the more eager to get outside this summer. Thank
you to the Cabot Family for protecting this Hudson Valley landscape and
to the Open Space Institute's vision and commitment for bringing this
project to life."
During the last decade, more than three million people have visited
Fahnestock State Park, which is spread across more than 14,000 acres in
Putnam and Dutchess counties. Annual visitation at the park is up more
than 38 percent during this period.
Fahnestock State Park has more than 62 miles of hiking trails, as
well as 10 miles of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches about 2,200
miles from Georgia to Maine.
About the Open Space Institute
Founded in 1974 to protect significant landscapes in New York State,
the Open Space Institute has added more than 40,000 acres to the state
park system, including 7,000 acres to Fahnestock State Park. Through its
local conservation work, OSI has more than doubled the size of the park
-- helping to protect Fahnestock and its underlying watersheds, and
preserve this beloved, forested landscape.
In 2016, OSI raised more than $1.2 million to renovate the Canopus
Beach/Winter Park Complex at Fahnestock and improve trails and
trailheads. OSI is continuing its commitment to this beloved landscape
by carrying out critically needed repairs and access improvements so
that future generations can continue to enjoy the park.