New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the addition of 291 acres to Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Ulster County, expanding the park to nearly 24,000 acres. The newly acquired land helps protect a critical section of the northern Shawangunk Mountains and supports the state’s broader goal to conserve 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030.
The $641,000 purchase, completed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation using funds from the Environmental Protection Fund, was made possible through a partnership with the Open Space Institute. The acquisition helps prevent forest fragmentation, enhances biodiversity, and provides additional recreational access on the park’s northern edge, while preserving scenic views of the Rondout Valley.
Officials from the state and partner organizations lauded the environmental, recreational, and community benefits of the expansion. With this addition, Minnewaska—now the third-largest state park in New York—continues to offer diverse landscapes and outdoor experiences, drawing over a million visitors annually.
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