Dear friends,

Tomorrow is World Wetlands Day. Just as forests are called the "lungs" of the earth, wetlands are often considered its "kidneys" because they regulate groundwater and filter pollutants from the landscape.

For decades, wetlands were deemed wasted space, filled in to pave the way for more development. Now we know that wetlands large and small are rich reservoirs of biodiversity that also play a vital role in drinking water protection and stormwater management. Wetlands provide other often-overlooked ecosystem services that support human well-being and quality of life.

We can see wetlands every day as we work and play. Examples include tidal wetlands along the Hudson River, such as Iona Island and Constitution Marsh; the Great Swamp, stretching 20 miles through Dover, Pawling, Patterson, and Southeast; and vernal pools throughout the Highlands.

These diverse natural areas should be celebrated and protected. Your support makes that possible! According to the National Wetlands Inventory, HHLT protects 133 acres of wetlands, including those pictured here -- and possibly more, as so many wetlands remain unmapped.

Thank you for everything you do to protect and care for these vital habitats, and the Highlands landscape we all love.

Katrina Shindledecker, Executive Director

Hudson Highlands Land Trust

Celebrating Wetlands: Rich Reservoirs of Biodiversity

World Wetlands Day is February 2, so this is an excellent time to consider the important roles that wetlands play in the Hudson Highlands and across the state. Wetlands are land areas that are saturated or flooded with water, permanently or seasonally, forming distinct ecosystems. They can be inland, such as lakes and ponds, or coastal, like estuaries and saltwater marshes.

Wetlands are rich reservoirs of biodiversity that are vital for nature and humanity to thrive; nearly 40% of the earth's plant and animal species depend on them. Wetlands filter and protect our drinking water resources. They also play a major role in stormwater management: Just one acre of wetland can store up to 1.5 million gallons of floodwater. Wetlands serve as a critical line of defense against climate change, capturing and storing more carbon dioxide than any other ecosystem on earth. Wetlands are also places of tranquil scenic beauty, enjoyed by hikers, birders, kayakers, and others.

Around the world and here in the Highlands, wetlands are under threat from development and other human activities. But there is good news ahead for New York's wetlands: In 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law historic revisions to the Freshwater Wetlands Act that will expand state protection of these vital ecosystems.

Currently, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's jurisdiction is limited to wetlands that cover at least 12.4 acres and are identified on the NYS Freshwater Wetlands Map. The new legislation eliminates the map requirement as of 2025, and in 2028, the DEC's jurisdiction will include wetlands as small as 7.4 acres. In addition, any proposed project near a wetland will have to be at least 100 feet away from its boundary. The DEC estimates this new legislation will effectively save over a million acres of small and unmapped freshwater wetlands across the state. HHLT is grateful to our state legislators and Governor Hochul for working together to protect our state's wetlands for the benefit of wildlife and future generations.

Help Amphibians Cross the Road to Find Their Wetlands!

Speaking of the importance of wetlands to wildlife and biodiversity: Each spring, amphibians embark on a seasonal migration from their winter habitats to their spring breeding grounds – small, temporary wetlands called vernal pools. This annual migration is known as "Big Night," even though it usually happens over several nights.

Sometimes frogs and salamanders have to cross busy roadways to get to those important wetlands. Yikes! You can learn how to help amphibians get across local roads safely. Visit DEC's Amphibian Migrations & Road Crossings Resource Page to learn more. And: If you are interested in volunteering with us this spring to help amphibians cross our local roads during Big Night, click here to contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Nadia Azizi.

Thanks to all HHLT volunteers and partners who help us protect local wildlife!

Look for Eagles (and HHLT Staff) at EagleFest this Saturday!

Be sure to stop by HHLT's exhibit at the 20th Annual Hudson River EagleFest at Croton Point Park this Saturday, February 3! This amazing all-day event features:

• Live bird shows featuring birds of prey
• Bird walks where you can view eagles through spotting scopes
• Heated tents with nature displays and exhibits
• Crafts and games for kids
• Food trucks and more!

At HHLT's table, you can get your EagleFest passport stamped, play wildlife bingo, and check out our other fun EagleFest activities! HHLT sends big kudos to our partner Teatown Lake Reservation for organizing this fantastic educational event. See you there!

Warehouse Development in the Hudson Valley: Treetops Project

What’s the fastest-growing industry in the Hudson Valley? According to the New York State Department of Labor, it’s the warehousing sector. Right now, a warehouse project known as "Treetops" is under consideration by the Town of Cornwall Planning Board.

A developer has proposed to build five warehouses totaling roughly 1.7 million square feet on a 200-acre forested parcel in Cornwall next to the Moodna Creek. First introduced in late 2021, the project is now in the middle of the NYS-mandated SEQR environmental review process. (Project images seen here were provided to Cornwall officials by the developer.)

Over the years, this wooded land along 9W has been the site of several other development proposals. HHLT is listed as an "interested agency" for the Treetops project. HHLT staff are attending the public meetings and providing comments to the Cornwall Planning Board to outline the potential environmental impacts of the project.

At a recent Town Board meeting, several audience members noted that they had only recently learned about the Treetops warehouse proposal. You still have an opportunity to review plans for the project and to ensure your voice is heard. Learn more about the project by clicking here. And, if you are interested in providing feedback to the Cornwall Planning Board, the public comment period has been extended until February 16. 

Public Policy Corner: Ted Goes to Albany to Advocate!

Feb. 3-25: Hudson Highlands Nature Center: Maple Sugar Tours. All ages: Weekends

Feb. 3: Teatown Lake Reservation: EagleFest at Croton Point Park. All ages: Ticketed

Feb. 4: Putnam Highlands Audubon/Boscobel: Eagle Watch at Boscobel. Ticketed

Feb. 8: NYNJTC: Native American Sacred/Ceremonial Landscapes. Ticketed.

Feb. 11: Ft. Montgomery Historic Site: Winter Wildlife Survival. All ages: RSVP req'd

Feb. 13: Butterfield Library: Hudson River & Underground Railroad. Children

Feb. 23: Putnam History Museum: American Revolution Trivia Night. Adults

Hudson Highlands Land Trust protects and preserves

the natural resources and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands.

You make our work possible. Thank you for your support!

Photo credits, top to bottom: Ross Corsair (Snow play, Winter Hill, 2023); HHLT staff (all wetlands images); Nicole Wooten for HHLT (frog crossing the road); Richard Lee (eagle); Town of Cornwall (Treetops warehouse project); HHLT staff (Edward "Ted" Warren).

Hudson Highlands Land Trust

20 Nazareth Way, P.O. Box 226, Garrison, NY 10524

(845) 424-3358

info@hhlt.org

www.hhlt.org