The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) has achieved a major milestone of 35,000 acres conserved across the 12-county region. This accomplishment represents over three decades of long-term, consensus-based strategies to protect the cherished landscapes of the Finger Lakes.

Since its beginning as an all-volunteer organization in 1989, the FLLT has grown into an accredited conservation organization with an ever-growing network of protected lands. By focusing on water quality, outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, and wildlife habitat, the organization has protected over six miles of lakeshore, 1,752 acres of wetlands, 221 miles of creek frontage, and has created 55 miles of publicly accessible hiking trails to date.

Photo: Chris Ray

Recent projects include the permanent protection of 850 feet of pristine shoreline at the south end of Skaneateles Lake; a partnership with the Village of Aurora to create a new shoreline park on Cayuga Lake; the opening of a new nature preserve on Keuka Lake’s Bluff Point; and the purchase of a 117-acre addition to the state’s Harriet Hollister Spencer Recreation Area near Honeoye Lake.

The FLLT extends sincere gratitude to its members, partners, and volunteers whose dedication and commitment have ensured the organization’s success.

“I personally would like to express my appreciation to those mentioned above,” said Karen Meriwether, Chair of the FLLT Board of Directors and Keuka Lake resident. “Additionally, I would like to recognize the staff of FLLT not only for their many contributions to this milestone but for the enthusiastic and respectful manner in which they approach every aspect of their work.”

You can also watch a short video on this achievement here.