The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced an information session on January 20, 2026, to solicit public input on the development of a unit management plan (UMP) for the Grape Hollow State Forest in the towns of Beekman and Pawling in Dutchess County. The meeting will include a short presentation by DEC Region 3 Division of Lands and Forests, followed by an open table session with DEC staff to facilitate conversation and answer questions.  

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Town of Beekman Recreation Center, 29 Recreation Center Road, Hopewell Junction, NY, 12533.   

The purpose of the public information session is to solicit input from the public on the types of public use and supporting facilities they may want developed at Grape Hollow State Forest and how the land will be managed.   

Since 2024, the property has been designated as State Forest, owned and managed by DEC, which guarantees public access and the permanent protection of wildlife habitat. Grape Hollow State Forest is open to hunting and trapping during appropriate seasons, as well as hiking and wildlife watching. There are currently no marked trails. The UMP will examine forest management, maintenance, and recreational activities at the property and make recommendations to meet needs for the next 10 years.  

For more information on Grape Hollow State Forest, visit DEC’s website: Grape Hollow State Forest - NYSDEC