The Finger Lakes Land Trust applauds Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James for reaching an agreement to accelerate and streamline the State’s land conservation programs. This effort identifies steps to improve the land acquisition process by focusing on the use of title insurance.

“This is very positive step for New York State which will help streamline the land acquisition process and address a backlog of pending acquisitions for conservation,” said Land Trust President Andrew Zepp. “Within the Finger Lakes region, this includes additions to state forests in Cayuga, Cortland, Steuben, and Tompkins counties as well as additions to Bare Hill Unique Area and the High Tor Wildlife Management Area in Yates County. These acquisitions will all result in the conservation of significant natural resources while expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation.”

The agreement simplifies the administrative review procedures to expedite conservation projects that preserve water quality, protect wildlife habitat and diverse ecosystems, promote working lands and support rural economies, increase climate mitigation and resiliency, and expand recreation and public access opportunities across the state.