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Governor Hochul Announces Completion of William H. Pouch Scout Camp Conservation Easement

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the final phase of permanent protection for the 121-acre William H. Pouch Scout Camp Conservation Easement on Staten Island, an urban oasis inside the 2,800-acre Staten Island Greenbelt. The conservation easement expands public recreational opportunities in the region while conserving the property's natural resources. This significant milestone marks the completion of a joint conservation partnership between New York State, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Trust for Public Land.

Key Takeaways:

  • The William H. Pouch Scout Camp Conservation Easement has been permanently protected through a $9.62 million investment in the final phase of the project, marking the completion of a three-phase conservation effort.
  • The conservation easement protects 121 acres of the property, ensuring that the land remains accessible for recreational activities such as camping, hiking, and swimming.
  • The easement is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and will allow for continued public access to the site.
  • New York State invested $6 million in the initial phases of the project and worked closely with the New York City Parks and the Trust for Public Land.
  • The Trust for Public Land executed an option with the "Scouting America, Greater New York Councils" to preserve the property in three phases through the purchase of a conservation easement.
  • A total of $20.62 million was invested in the conservation effort, with $6 million provided by New York State and $5 million by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation in 2012 for the first phase.
  • The conservation easement will help protect the property from future development and ensure that the land remains a safe space for outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, and camping, for future generations.
  • Governor Hochul's administration has committed to expanding land conservation efforts in New York, including initiatives like DEC's Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts Grant Program.
  • The goal of protecting at least 30 percent of U.S. land and water by 2030 is promoted through legislation signed by Governor Hochul in December 2022.

Statistics:

  • $9.62 million: The investment in the final phase of the William H. Pouch Scout Camp Conservation Easement.
  • 121 acres: The property protected through the conservation easement.
  • 2,800 acres: The Staten Island Greenbelt, of which the William H. Pouch Scout Camp Conservation Easement is a part.
  • 2011: The year the Trust for Public Land executed an option with the "Scouting America, Greater New York Councils" to preserve the property in three phases.
  • 2012: The year New York City invested $5 million in the first phase of the project.
  • 2013: The year New York State invested $6 million for the second phase of the project.
  • $20.62 million: The total investment in the conservation effort.
  • 2030: The year by which the goal of protecting at least 30 percent of U.S. land and water is to be achieved.

Sources:

  • Governor Hochul, "Governor Hochul Announces Completion of William H. Pouch Scout Camp Conservation Easement," August 5, original text here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-completion-william-h-pouch-scout-camp-conservation-easement.
  • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
  • Trust for Public Land.
  • New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.

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