We are pleased to announce that 2011 ended with the protection of close to 90 acres in Putnam Valley and Philipstown. Working closely with the property owners, Hudson Highlands Land Trust completed two conservation easements in December that fully reflect the property owners' wishes to protect their land for future generations.

Roger Gair has fond memories of his childhood in Putnam Valley and his parents' horse farm. He and his wife, Lilly, have continued the tradition of caring for the land and the horses. For decades, they have crossed Peekskill Hollow Road several times a day, travelling from their house on one side to the stables on the other, to water and feed the animals. Faced with increased traffic along the winding road and rising property taxes, and armed with a strong desire to protect their 58-acre parcel, Lilly and Roger contacted HHLT Director of Land Preservation Katrina Shindledecker at the end of the summer. The property is currently for sale and the Gairs wanted to ensure that the parcels' natural beauty and spectacular natural resources were protected for generations to come. In accordance with the Gairs' wishes, the conservation agreement protects the land from being subdivided, limiting development in order to preserve its scenic character and protect its natural resources.

Although Steve Holley has not owned his property as long as the Gairs have, his determination to conserve his land for the benefit of future generations is as strong. He and Katrina worked closely to craft an agreement to conserve nearly 29 acres, visible from Route 9 and state parkland, and protect the Annsville Creek as it runs through the property on its way to the Hudson River. In addition, Holley's property is adjacent to other HHLT conserved lands, which enhances the conservation value for the whole area.

 "When private landowners choose to protect their property through a conservation easement donation, they achieve permanent conservation goals for their land, which is the ultimate exercise of property rights," said Andy Chmar, HHLT's Executive Director. "Communities benefit twice, initially because the property stays in private ownership and on the tax rolls, and secondly because future property taxes are mitigated for all with less residential development that would require additional public services."