News from HHLT: February 2026 | |
| Hello from HHLT's Public Policy Corner, | | |
Just as nature has its seasons, so too does public policy work. The new year brings with it budget season in New York. So, HHLT staff will once again head up to Albany to advocate for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), State park stewardship and improvements, along with the protection of the Hudson River and its watershed.
In April, we will also travel to Washington D.C. to join the Land Trust Alliance in its national advocacy work. Meeting face-to-face with lawmakers and their staff is one of the most effective ways to ensure elected officials hear your concerns. We were pleased to see that Governor Hochul’s recently released $260 billion Fiscal Year 2027 proposed Executive Budget calls for funding the EPF at $425 million. While that may sound like a lot of money, it’s important to understand that the EPF is a source of funding for countless programs.
The EPF doesn’t just fund the conservation of open space and natural resources; it also dedicates vital resources to water quality projects, parks and recreation, agricultural protections, and even solid waste and recycling programs. A lot can change between now and the finalization of the state’s budget, and ensuring a robust EPF is a priority, but budgets are just one piece of the conservation puzzle.
In addition to our advocacy work, we are engaged at the municipal level, assisting towns with community preservation planning and funding, facilitating the inventorying of natural resources and open spaces, and advising on the municipal comprehensive planning process, which is so important for guiding sustainable growth in the Highlands region. Land use planning and public policy play a major role in the conservation of the New York Highlands region, and HHLT is proud to contribute to these efforts and ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of this region we call home.
Thank you for your continued support in these efforts,
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Edward (Ted) Warren
Public Policy Manager, Hudson Highlands Land Trust
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How You Can Make a Difference:
State leaders need to hear from constituents about environmental priorities. Reach out to Governor Hochul’s office by phone at 1.518.474.8390, through the contact form at www.governor.ny.gov, or via mail at NYS State Capitol Building, Albany, NY 12224. Inform your elected officials that funding the EPF protects clean water, green spaces, parks, and recreation, along with many other benefits that communities throughout New York rely on.
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| | | The West Point Cultural Resource Management Office is Seeking Public Input on the Proposed Electric Transmission: | |
Orange and Rockland Utilities, in partnership with the U.S. Army Garrison West Point, has proposed a major upgrade to its existing electric transmission line and associated infrastructure from Woodbury, New York, to the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. The project would replace existing power lines with higher-voltage lines, requiring new poles and infrastructure across 12 miles of the Hudson Highlands, including 2.5 miles of new right-of-way.
Because this project would impact vegetation in the Hudson Highlands landscape and impact views within the U.S. Military Academy National Historic Landmark District and the Garrison Landing Historic District, the Army is seeking public input on the proposed project and alternative routes.
Click the link below to review the full summary of the proposed project. Submit comments to the USAG West Point Cultural Resources Management Office at usarmy.westpoint.usamc.mbx.cultural-resources@army.mil. Public input will be accepted until the end of the day on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Access the full project summary on the West Point Cultural Resource homepage. To access the PDF, CLICK HERE.
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Existing view looking east-northeast from Harriman State Park. | Photographic simulation showing the proposed view looking east-northeast from Harriman State Park. | | | Project map, Proposed 69-KV Transmission Line Upgrade | | | Amphibian Migrations Season | |
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When spring rains arrive and temperatures reach 40 degrees, frogs, toads, and salamanders wake up from their winter sleep, also known as brumation, and begin their journey to nearby vernal pools to breed which often forces them to cross busy streets, sometimes heavily trafficked ones, where many don’t survive the journey.
To help address this challenge, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's Hudson River Estuary Program and Cornell University coordinate the Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings (AM&RC) Project, and HHLT has been a partner since 2020, organizing local volunteer efforts in Putnam County. On rainy spring evenings, trained volunteers wearing safety vests act as “crossing guards” for these small travelers, helping them navigate dangerous roadways safely. Last year, 27 local volunteers helped 536 amphibians cross roads in our area, including spotted salamanders, spring peepers, pickerel frogs, wood frogs, green frogs, leopard frogs, and American toads.
Wetlands -- which filter our water, buffer against floods, store carbon, and provide irreplaceable habitat -- depend on healthy amphibian populations. Vernal pools are crucial for amphibians like wood frogs, spotted salamanders, and American toads by providing safe, predator-free, and nutrient-rich environments for breeding and larval development. In return amphibians keep the insect population in check and serve as a food source for larger animals, maintaining a balanced food chain. Understanding the presence and health of amphibian populations help us better understand the overall ecological health of surrounding forests. By helping amphibians complete their migrations, volunteers protect both the animals and the vital ecosystems they sustain. The data collected also helps scientists understand wetland health throughout the Hudson River Estuary.
Interested in joining this effort? You don’t need any special background, just a willingness to help on rainy spring nights. Training sessions will teach you everything you need to know, including how to identify different species and stay safe near roads. Visit the DEC's AM&RC Resource Page to learn more. To register for an upcoming DEC training or education talk, see below:
Contact Nadia Azizi at nadia.azizi@hhlt.org to be added to local volunteer efforts in Putnam County and Southern Dutchess County.
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| Hudson River EagleFest, This Saturday! | | |
Don't miss HHLT's exhibit at the 22nd Annual Hudson River EagleFest at Croton Point Park this Saturday, February 7! This all-day event features:
- Live bird shows featuring birds of prey
- Guided bird walks with up close viewings
- Heated tents with nature displays and exhibits
- Crafts and games for kids
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Food trucks and more!
Stop by HHLT's table to stamp your EagleFest passport, test your skills with Match the Plant Life Cycle, and check out our other fun activities! HHLT sends a big thanks to our partner, Teatown Lake Reservation, for organizing this fantastic educational event. See you there!
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Winter Hike at Lane Gate Preserve:
Looking for a fun adventure to get outdoors with the family? Join HHLT staff Saturday, February 21 for a winter hike at Lane Gate Preserve in Cold Spring, NY. Weather conditions permitting, we will be snowshoeing at the preserve. Registration is required using the link below by February 18.
Click HERE to register.
We hope to see you there! For any questions, email nadia.azizi@hhlt.org.
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Click on the links below for more information about these upcoming events.
Note: A double asterisk (**) indicates pre-registration or tickets are required.
Feb. 4, 11, & 25: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: Women in Science Webinar Series**
Feb. 5&11: Audubon Society: Webinar, Participate in the 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count**
Feb. 7: Putnam Valley Library: History & Culture of the First Peoples of the Hudson Valley**
Feb. 8, 15, & 22: Butterfield Library: Free Trees for Kids, Registration Open**
Feb. 16: Outdoor Promise: Presidents Day Hike to Snake Hill, Newburgh**
Feb. 19: Westchester Land Trust: Trail Maintenance @Westchester Wilderness Walk/Zofnass Family Preserve**
Feb. 19: Cornell Cooperative Ext. Putnam County: Food Preservation Lunch & Learn Series**
Feb. 25: Mianus River Gorge: Red Flags in Green Spaces, Understanding the Risks of Tick Bite Exposure
Feb. 26: Putnam History Museum: Virtual Lecture, Slavery and Anti-Slavery in HV**
Feb. 27: Butterfield Library: Peekskill Riots: Ep. 4 "A Long ways From Home"**
Feb. 28: Sustainable Putnam: Volunteer Brainstorming Session**
Feb. 28: Putnam Valley Library: The Plight of the Ramapough People, Discussion**
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HHLT conserves and cares for the lands and waters of the Hudson Highlands,
so that people and nature can flourish together for generations to come.
You make our work possible. Thank you for your support!
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Photo credits, top to bottom: Banner (HHLT Staff); Photo of Ted (HHLT Staff); Kids at the Preserve (Nadia Azizi); Transmission Line Photos & Maps (U.S. Army Garrison West Point); Amphibian Close-Up (Vaun Evarts); Eagle Close-Up (Davis Connelly);
Person Snowshoeing (Cory Tiger)
Hudson Highlands Land Trust
20 Nazareth Way, P.O. Box 226, Garrison, NY 10524
(845) 424-3358
info@hhlt.org
www.hhlt.org
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