Open Space Acquisition Program

After a 10-year moratorium on Open Space acquisitions, County Executive Ed Day, announced that the County will once again be acquiring Open Space properties starting in January 2020. The County has committed up to $30,000,000 to fund this program.

The Open Space Acquisition Program first launched in 1999 when County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef announced the County's would acquire areas of scenic beauty, environmentally sensitive lands, farms, and Hudson River waterfront areas. He realized the importance of protecting the rapidly disappearing natural, cultural, and historic resources in Rockland County and decided to take action to protect these important features for the future by creating the program. In addition, County Executive Vanderhoef took an aggressive stance by recommending that $30,000,000 be allocated to this program in the capital budget, factoring in the high cost of purchasing a valuable and dwindling commodity, our natural resources.

Between 1999 and 2010, 31 individual properties were acquired preserving 1,204 acres of land. A total of $23,300,000 in County funds were expended while $11,576,000 in state grants and partnerships with Land Trusts and local municipalities were leveraged. The Open Space Acquisition Program has successfully provided access to the Hudson River (27 acres), preserved steep slopes (500 acres), protected wetlands (350 acres), and preserved a valuable historic resource (.5 acres). The remaining acreage includes floodplains, scenic vistas, and properties to provide access to other parklands. These parcels are scattered throughout the five Towns in the County and offer a variety of recreational opportunities.

Map: Locations of Acquired Open Space

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