Gov. George Pataki, flanked by local environmentalists and officials, came to
the Bashakill Wildlife Management area in Mamakating Friday to announce the
purchase of 942 acres of land along the Shawangunk Ridge.
The $937,700 purchase was made to expand and enhance the Shawangunk Ridge
hiking trail by providing a link from the Bashakill area to the Wurtsboro Ridge
State Forest and northeast to the Shawangunk Ridge State Forest.
"Sullivan County is growing and will grow," said the governor. "The
preservation of open space is not just consistent with this, but synergistic."
Mamakating Supervisor Charles Penna said he and other town residents
"continue to look forward to smart growth and preservation." He also said he
wanted "to reassure our community that the town's property and school taxes will
continue to be paid" on the protected acreage.
