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Land Trust Acquires Conklin Gully

06/02/2009

The Finger Lakes Land Trust last week announced its acquisition of 72 acres adjoining High Tor Wildlife Management Area in the Town of Italy, Yates County. This parcel, acquired from the Murray family of Illinois, was identified as a priority for protection due to the fact that it includes half of Conklin Gully – a scenic gulf located just east of Naples. The remainder of the Gully is already part of the state wildlife management area. The Murray property also features hardwood forests with seasonal views of Canandaigua Lake, more than 2,000 feet of frontage on Parish Hill Road, and is adjacent to a popular segment of the Finger Lakes Trail.

The Land Trust moved quickly to acquire the land when it learned that the property was being considered for development. By utilizing an internal loan from its Land Protection Fund, the organization was able to complete the purchase. This project represents the Land Trust’s fourth adjoining High Tor, which is recognized in New York State’s Open Space Plan as a priority project. High Tor is also recognized by the National Audubon Society as one of the state’s Important Bird Areas (see attached map for this and other projects).

“This is a spectacular property,” says Land Trust executive director Andrew Zepp. “Conklin Gully is truly one of the region’s premiere natural areas and this acquisition will ensure that the site will be conserved while remaining open to public access.” The Land Trust ultimately intends to convey the land to New York State as an addition to the wildlife management area. In the meantime, the organization seeks to raise $100,000 to cover the cost of purchasing the land, as well as other related acquisition and land stewardship expenses. The public will have an opportunity to view the property and contribute to its protection through the Land Trust’s “Hike for the Highlands” – a series of three hikes highlighting forested natural areas in the Finger Lakes Region.

The first hike in the series introduced visitors to Bear Swamp State Forest in the eastern Finger Lakes on Saturday, May 30th. Two hikes will be offered in the Bristol Hills and the High Tor Wildlife Management Area on Saturday, June 6th. The program will culminate with a series of hikes and educational programs at Finger Lakes National Forest on Saturday June 13th. The hike series is designed to raise awareness about these areas while also raising funds for their protection. Additional information about the series is available at the Land Trust’s web site – www.fllt.org.

This recent acquisition is the Land Trust’s second completed project in Yates County this year. In January, the organization partnered with Yates County to complete the purchase of a conservation easement on Hallpine Farms – a 220-acre agricultural operation located just south of Penn Yan.