Last week, senator Michelle Hinchey and former assemblyman Kevin Cahill unveiled the Ulster County Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway on State Route 28. Their legislation, signed into law by the governor, officially names the stretch of highway from the Kingston traffic circle to the Town of Ulster municipal line.
Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “It was my privilege to partner with former assemblyman Kevin Cahill to establish the Ulster County Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway on Route 28, one of our most traveled local roads. This highway naming is a permanent tribute to our Korean War veterans, standing as a powerful, everyday reminder to our community and the millions of visitors to our region of the immeasurable sacrifices these veterans made for our country. I’m proud to have helped create this special designation for our Korean War veterans, and I know that it’s acts like these that will ensure their service is rightfully honored and elevated in public consciousness.”
Former assemblyman Cahill said, “Memorializing those who served our nation at times of conflict and war is one of the ways we can assure that their duty and sacrifice are always remembered. Senator Michelle Hinchey has been a leader in recognizing the importance of saying thank you to our veterans. As one of her early acts in office, governor Kathy Hochul honored our Korean War vets by signing this important legislation into law. Thank you Senator Hinchey and Governor Hochul for making this long overdue recognition possible. And especially thank you to Korean War and all veterans for their service to our great nation.”
Hinchey welcomed elected officials and veterans to a sign unveiling ceremony on Wednesday, August 14, in the Town of Ulster.
DEC and Open Space Institute announce expansion of Roosa Gap State Forest
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Open Space Institute (OSI) have announced the addition of more than 98 acres of fully forested land to Roosa Gap State Forest in Sullivan County. Located high on the Shawangunk Ridge, the parcel is home to one of the largest chestnut oak forests in New York State.
“Protecting and growing New York’s forest resources, sustaining the State’s investments in growing forests like Roosa Gap, and DEC’s ongoing work with land trusts, private landowners and other stakeholders are critical to bolstering climate resiliency in the long term,” DEC interim commissioner Sean Mahar said. “DEC is excited to partner with OSI to conserve this land, protecting forest habitat and providing improved recreational opportunities for residents and visitors in Sullivan County.”
“OSI is proud of this newest achievement in our decades-long work along the iconic Shawangunk Ridge,” OSI president and CEO Erik Kulleseid said. “Our efforts in the Shawangunks have delivered critical benefits including the safeguarding of habitat for countless wildlife species and the conservation and enhancement of numerous outdoor recreation areas. It is a true privilege to continue protecting the natural resources and inimitable beauty of this region.”
Originally acquired by OSI in 2006, the property was transferred to the DEC to become part of Roosa Gap. This expansion of the state forest will enhance opportunities for hiking and other recreational activities in the southern Shawangunks, as well as protecting important stretches of the 357-mile Long Path and the 71-mile Shawangunk Ridge Trail, which cross through the parcel. DEC purchased the 98-acre parcel using $155,840 from the State’s Environmental Protection Fund.
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