Habitat management, Recreational access, Water conservation
Highlands Conservation Act projects in New York

States

New York

Ecosystem

Forest, River/stream, Rural, Urban, Wetland

Subject

Landscape conservation
Photograph from a wooded hilltop of the Hudson River
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The New York Highlands region encompasses Appalachian hills and valleys extending from Pawling and Southeast county at the Connecticut border, following the Hudson Highland mountains, across the Hudson River, and continues on to Warwick and Ramapo counties at the New Jersey border. Projects in the state are conserving important wildlife habitat, creating new outdoor recreational areas and protecting drinking water supplies for residents in and around Patterson, Philipstown and Warwick, just to name a few, and it is in close proximity to New York City. The successes of the Highlands Conservation Act are the result of the hard work of multiple state and local partners, supported by a 50% funding match from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

State partners include:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Click here for a complete list of HCA partners in New York

New York Highlands at a glance:
Number of Completed Projects Acres ConservedTotal Obligated funds 
245,942 $27,949,982.00 

View the 2024 Highlands Conservation Act New York fact sheet.

an image of a detailed fact sheet on stats the Highlands Conservation Act program. For the full fact sheet, visit the Highlands Conservation Act program website
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News

a boardwalk leads into a vast marsh with rolling mountains in the distance
Adding acres multiplies opportunities
Experience the wonders of nature on an accessible walking trail or challenging hiking trail in the Highlands region of New York, where wildlife, scenic vistas and recreational opportunities abound, thanks in part to the Highlands Conservation Act.
Story
Photograph from a wooded hilltop of the Hudson River
A conservation career measured in acres
Throughout her career in land conservation, one woman has enjoyed many experiences and opportunities while working to protect places that are important to wildlife, water quality, and public access.
Story
Our Partners
A trail leads into the forest along a stone wall through the autumn leaves.
Creating a conservation corridor in New York State
Approximately one hour north of New York City, a planned land acquisition will provide protection of natural resources and areas for public recreation. With the help of the Highlands Conservation Act grant program, through the coordination of the Westchester Land Trust and several partners, this 93...
Story
Recreation

Programs

A pond reflects sunlight on the water. Wild grass, lily pads, and wildflowers surround the pond. Tall trees grow on the land in the distance across the pond.
The Highlands region spans 3.4 million acres across Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In an effort to conserve natural resources in this region, the Highlands Conservation Act was passed in 2004, founding the Highlands Conservation Act grant program. This grant program is among...
Program