Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Conservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Red Hook board approves CPF funding to buy conservation easement for Camp Rising Sun
Summary
The Red Hook Town Board adopted SEQR findings and authorized use of Community Preservation Fund money to acquire a conservation and public-access easement on the 142.62-acre Camp Rising Sun parcel, with the town’s share capped at roughly $390,000–$393,000; appraisals and easement language will be finalized before closing.
The Red Hook Town Board voted March 10 to advance the Camp Rising Sun conservation project by adopting a draft negative declaration under SEQR and approving use of Community Preservation Fund (CPF) money to buy a conservation easement and public-access easement for an approximately 142.62-acre parcel on Oriole Mills Road.
Supervisor said the Winnicke (Winnicke/Winnicke Land Trust) application estimates the total acquisition cost at about $1.6 million and that the town’s share would not exceed $393,000 as proposed in the application (later references during discussion cited $390,000). Board members emphasized the approvals are conditional: the town must finalize two appraisals and the exact easement language before closing.
Supporters at the hearing described the project as a mix of water-protection and trail access. “We’re excited about the project,” resident Henry Woods said, urging more outdoor recreation options in the town’s eastern neighborhoods. Sheila Bath, representing the Sawkill watershed community, highlighted the conservation value: the parcel includes more than a mile of the Sawkill, about 40 acres of wetland and an unnamed tributary that the group wants to protect and preserve for public access.
Project presenters said planned improvements are minimal. The EAF notes the use of stone dust to cover existing grass walking trails and a proposed 10-car parking area (approximately 4,000 sq ft). The consultant told the board the improved areas total just under an acre (roughly 42,000 sq ft) and recommended treating the work conservatively for erosion and sediment control; Winnicke expects to pursue required DEC stormwater permits if thresholds are met and will implement erosion-control measures regardless.
On environmental review, the board determined the proposed acquisition will not have a significant adverse environmental impact after reviewing the EAF, advisory committee recommendation and letters of support. The board then approved a separate resolution authorizing CPF spending on the easement, with terms described in the application. Members stressed that two appraisals are required by the state and that the easement language and updated appraisals will be completed before finalizing a purchase; the consultant estimated appraisal updates in about three to four months.
The board did not disclose final closing dates; the resolution sets a maximum town contribution (the board indicated the amount will be revisited once the appraisals and survey are complete). The board also discussed parking limits and easement terms intended to restrict future expansion of parking and keep the site largely in its natural state.
Next steps: finalize the conservation easement draft, secure the two required appraisals and complete the DEC/permit review as needed; the board will reconvene before closing and execute the purchase only after appraisals support the agreed price.
