Land Deal Protects 13 Scenic Acres in Cold Spring

Latest victory in campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most

COLD SPRING (Putnam County)—Taking another step in its campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most, Scenic Hudson has purchased 13 acres next to the organization's West Point Foundry Preserve.

One of the largest primarily undeveloped parcels in this historic village, the hilltop property features a mix of lawn and woodlands overlooking Foundry Cove, a popular destination for kayakers and bird watchers. Lying within the state-designated Hudson Highlands Scenic Area of Statewide Significance, the land is visible from the adjoining heavily traveled Metro-North commuter railroad line, the Hudson River and points on its western shore. From the property there are excellent views of Constitution Marsh, the river, West Point and the Hudson Highlands.

A home on the property was built circa 1830 for William Kemble, co-founder of the nearby West Point Foundry, whose ruins lie within West Point Foundry Preserve. Both the house and its grounds are largely unmodified since the 19th century; author Washington Irving was said to have been a frequent guest of the Kembles. Scenic Hudson is seeking potential users for the building and intends to make the site a community asset.

The property was acquired from the Campbell family, descendants of William Kemble who have owned the house since the early 20th century. Scenic Hudson Land Project Manager Matt Shipkey finalized the purchase.

"Outdoor museum" will tell story of historic foundry

At adjacent West Point Foundry Preserve, Scenic Hudson plans to create a world-class "outdoor museum" telling the story of this 19th-century industrial powerhouse that manufactured some of America's first steam engines and locomotives, as well as the Parrott gun, a cannon credited with winning the Civil War. Displays also will explore the stunning ecological renewal of this 87-acre property, which Scenic Hudson purchased in 1996 to halt development of a hotel complex. The preserve is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized by the federal government's Preserve America program.

Scenic Hudson also owns Foundry Dock Park on Cold Spring's waterfront. Site of the foundry's wharf, it features a small-boat launch and viewing decks that provide spectacular Hudson Highlands views.

Collaborative campaign celebrates Quadricentennial by protecting treasured acres

"With its historic foundry ruins and stunning Foundry Cove, few places in the Hudson Valley contain as much history and natural beauty as West Point Foundry Preserve. This transaction ensures that development will not encroach on this national treasure as we work to make it one of America's premier industrial-heritage attractions," said Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan.

"Our family first approached land trusts 20 years ago, hoping to keep the place from commercial development. Now we know it's safe," said Alice Campbell Romano.

Scenic Hudson's campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most was launched in 2007 to provide a lasting way of commemorating the Quadricentennial of Henry Hudson's 1609 voyage of discovery. It is a collaborative effort with fellow land trusts, governments, individuals and businesses to protect 65,000 acres of great scenic, ecological and agricultural significance throughout the Hudson Valley. Prime aspects of this initiative are preserving lands that buffer public parks and historic sites and safeguarding iconic views.

"These beautiful and historic acres are a critical part of what we call 'The Land That Matters Most.' They feature in – and offer glimpses of – some of the Hudson Valley's most magnificent and important vistas. Their protection will enhance the experiences of people who come to explore nature at Foundry Cove or discover the history of West Point Foundry. We applaud the Campbell family, whose commitment to conservation made this possible," said Steve Rosenberg, executive director of the Scenic Hudson Land Trust.

Funds for this transaction came from Scenic Hudson's The Lila Acheson and DeWitt Wallace Fund for the Hudson Highlands.

Land preservation key to economic opportunity

Scenic Hudson also pursues its campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most realizing that preserving land provides the cornerstone of a sustainable economy for the region. According to Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation and its 2008 survey of 2,000 corporate executives and site-selection professionals nationwide, the valley's unique quality of life is a leading selling point. Also, words most associated with the valley were scenic beauty and nature. Further, tourism spending in the 10-county region is $4.7 billion annually. In Putnam County alone, the tourism industry is responsible for $59 million in spending each year, generating $3.6 million annually in local taxes and employing nearly 1,300 people.

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 25,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally and economically healthy communities, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources.

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