Supported by Governor’s Adventure NY Initiative to Connect New Yorkers
with Nature

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced new improvements at Mt. Loretto Unique Area in Staten Island completed under the State’s Adventure NY initiative to connect more New Yorkers with nature. The improvements, supported by a $1.5 million state investment, include upgrades to Kenny and Cunningham roads and a newly installed pavilion.

“Mt. Loretto’s five habitat zones are unique, not just for New York City, but for the state, making its accessibility even more crucial,” said Commissioner Seggos. “Adventure NY-supported improvements at Mt. Loretto, like those already competed on state-owned lands across New York, are evidence of Governor Cuomo’s ongoing commitment to making sure more New Yorkers have access to our state’s peerless natural resources.” 

Mt. Loretto Unique Area provides nature lovers with more than 200 acres of forest, grasslands, tidal and freshwater wetlands, and coastal shoreline on the southern shore of Staten Island. The property boast three hiking trails, a freshwater pond with an accessible fishing pier, a mile of shoreline for saltwater fishing on Prince's Bay, and an array of habitats for bird species. The renovations to Kenny Road and Cunningham Road allows improved access to much of the property, and the new pavilion will enhance visitors’ experiences. These improvements show Governor Cuomo’s continued commitment to making Mt. Loretto accessible to visitors of all abilities.

Under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Adventure NY initiative, DEC is making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active outdoor recreation, connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors, protect natural resources, and boost local economies. This initiative will support the completion of more than 75 projects over the next three years, ranging from improvements to youth camps and environmental education centers to new boat launches, duck blinds, and hiking trails. Read more about Adventure NY.

DEC manages 4.6 million acres of public lands, including three million acres in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve, 52 campgrounds, 5 day-use areas, more than 5,000 miles of formal trails, and hundreds of trailheads, boat launches, and fishing piers.

State Senator Andrew Lanza said, “The Mount Loretto waterside property is one of the most beautiful places in New York City and I will continue to fight to keep it accessible to our residents. I want to thank Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Seggos for investing in these improvements in the Mount Loretto Unique Area.  They will give people and families the ability to further enjoy and explore the great outdoors offered right here on Staten Island.”

Plan your next outdoor adventure and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or Instagram. For more information on Mt Loretto Unique Area, visit DEC's website.