Continues State’s Ongoing Commitment to Increasing Recreational Opportunities and Habitat Restoration and Builds upon FLLT’s 29,000 Acres Protected in Region to Date

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) today announced the protection of more than 195 acres in Ontario and Schuyler counties. The State is acquiring 57 acres in the towns of Canadice and Richmond, Ontario County, that will be added to the Honeoye Inlet Wildlife Management Area and 140 acres of wetlands in the towns of Dix and Montour Falls, Schuyler County, that will be added to the Catharine Creek Wildlife Management Area.

“Protecting water quality and preserving wildlife habitat are top priorities for DEC and our conservation partners across the state,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "Once again, DEC is partnering with the Finger Lakes Land Trust on acquisitions that will enhance the State’s Wildlife Management Area network and these lands’ recreational and environmental benefits for New Yorkers.”

“These acquisitions expand recreational opportunities while helping to ensure water quality,” said Finger Lakes Land Trust Executive Director Andy Zepp. “We are delighted to continue our productive partnership with the DEC.”

Honeoye Inlet Acquisition
Three parcels totaling 57 acres near the south end of Honeoye Lake were purchased by the FLLT in 2019. Two of the properties include frontage on East Lake Road and consist of steep mixed hardwood forest overlooking the inlet and lake. A third parcel located on West Lake Road buffers adjacent state-owned wetlands and provides scenic views of the lake and surrounding hillsides. Protection of these three properties will help ensure water quality within Honeoye Lake and maintain the land’s role in filtering runoff. DEC purchased these parcels from the FLLT for $126,000.

Catharine Creek Acquisition
The new 140-acre wetland parcel is adjacent to both State Route 14 and the popular Catharine Valley Trail, bordering Catharine Creek Wildlife Management Area. DEC purchased this property from the FLLT for $118,000. The FLLT will use the proceeds to cover costs associated with other land transactions with the State and enable future time-sensitive acquisitions.

DEC funding for these acquisitions was provided by the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), a critical resource for environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, recreation access, water quality improvement, and environmental justice projects. Among the many environmental victories in the 2022-23 State Budget, Governor Hochul succeeded in increasing the EPF from $300 to $400 million, the highest-ever level of funding in the program's history. 

By working cooperatively with landowners and local communities, the Finger Lakes Land Trust has protected over 29,000 acres of the region’s undeveloped lakeshore, rugged gorges, rolling forest, and scenic farmland. The FLLT owns and manages a network of over 45 nature preserves that are open to the public and holds perpetual conservation easements on 172 properties that remain in private ownership.

The FLLT focuses on protecting critical habitat for fish and wildlife, conserving lands that are important for water quality, connecting existing conservation lands, and keeping prime farmland in agriculture. The organization also provides programs to educate local governments, landowners, and residents about conservation and the region’s unique natural resources. Additional information about the Finger Lakes Land Trust may be found at www.fllt.org.

Note: Pictures attached
Photo of Catharine Creek parcel (credit: Bill Hecht)
Photo of the Honeoye Inlet WMA (credit: Chuck Feil)