New York State has acquired 900 acres of forestland in Olive, marking the largest expansion of the Catskill Forest Preserve in more than a decade and reinforcing the state’s effort to conserve 30% of its land and water by 2030.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the acquisition on Wednesday alongside the completion of safety and accessibility upgrades to the Peekamoose Blue Hole, a popular swimming destination in the town of Denning. Together, the two initiatives aim to enhance recreational access while safeguarding ecologically sensitive landscapes in the Catskill region.
“With the acquisition of 900 acres of forested beauty and water quality protection, and enhancements at one of the state’s most frequented natural wonders, New York State is continuing to invest in the Catskills to ensure their continued natural legacy and the ability of all New Yorkers to enjoy it,” Hochul said in a press release.
The $4.2 million purchase, made in partnership with the Open Space Institute, is the first land acquisition funded through the state’s $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, approved by voters in 2022. The newly protected land in the town of Olive borders the Sundown Wild Forest and includes Wagon Wheel Notch, Low Point, and Little High Point. It also safeguards critical watershed lands draining into the Ashokan Reservoir, a vital source of drinking water New York City.
The Open Space Institute purchased the land from the Golden family in 2019 and held it until it could be transferred to state ownership. “By keeping these landscapes wild and undisturbed, we are protecting vital wildlife habitat, creating new recreational opportunities, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and preserving the land’s natural ability to filter water flowing into the Ashokan watershed,” said Open Space Institute President and CEO Erik Kulleseid.
The newly acquired acreage will be managed as part of the Catskill Forest Preserve and offers new opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and other outdoor activities.
Local leaders praised the initiative. “It is satisfying to know this land will remain ‘forever wild’ and sustain natural habitats for future generations,” said Jim Sofranko, supervisor of the town of Olive.
In Denning, the state also unveiled a newly constructed parking lot and the first phase of a 3,270-foot accessible trail at the Peekamoose Blue Hole, part of a broader effort to protect the area from overuse. Additional upgrades include a footbridge and retaining wall. Visitors are reminded that permits are still required to access the site between May 15 and September 15.
“The completed upgrades will make the area safer for both residents and visitors,” said Denning Town Supervisor David Brooks.
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger called the changes “major milestones” that “will make this beloved destination safer and more accessible for all.”
In addition to physical upgrades, DEC released a draft Visitor Use Management Plan for the formerly trailless Catskill high peaks, aiming to mitigate environmental damage from growing foot traffic. Public comments are being accepted through Sept. 15, with a virtual hearing scheduled for Aug. 6 at 6 p.m.
The initiatives are part of Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign to encourage New Yorkers to reconnect with the outdoors.
Noah Eckstein is the editor-in-chief of The Overlook. Send correspondence to noah@theoverlooknews.com.