When? May 17^th (rain date May 18^th)

Time? 10 a.m.

Where? Minnewaska State Park, upper parking lot. If the parking lot is full, we will meet in the Awosting parking lot adjacent to the Minnewaska State Park entrance. For directions to the park go to: http://newpaltz.hvnet.com/hikeclimb/minnewas.htm

Details: We will hike out to Castle Point and return via Hamilton Point (total of about 5 miles on nearly level terrain). This will bring us within a clear view of the region that may possibly be developed by the Awosting Reserve. This hike is to protest such an action. Bring: lunch, sturdy shoes, appropriate hiking gear (depending on the weather), water, camera and friends!

What are the Shawangunks?

The Shawangunks are a spectacular mountain range located in the Lower Hudson Valley just to the west of New Paltz, NY.

Why are the Shawangunks important?

The Shawangunk Mountains have been identified as one of the "Last Great Places" on Earth by the Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy selects such locations based on "the vulnerability of the site, the threats to it, and the ability to lessen those threats and sustain the diversity of life…[where such] places are still healthy, functioning ecosystems….The overriding goal at these places is to protect their biological diversity (http://www.lastgreatplaces.org/#map). Nearly 25,000 acres of the ridge are protected by adjoining preserves and parks, including the Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park, and the Sam’s Point Preserve. The ridge protects an astounding diversity of wildlife and vegetation, including the largest continuous dwarf pitch pine forest on bedrock in the world. Also living on the ridge are over 140 species of endangered, threatened and rare animals and plants, including bobcats, bald eagles, peregrine falcons and timber rattlesnakes. In addition to the diversity of wildlife, the Shawangunk Mountains exhibit outstanding geological features, including an extensive cliff face, numerous glacial remnants and year-round ice caves. While 25,000 acres of the ridge are protected, many of the significant biological features are widely spread. "The whole Shawangunk Range is more important as a resource than any if its individual parts"

The Shawangunks are also one of the most heavily visited regions in the Lower Hudson Valley receiving over 500,000 people a year. People are drawn to this region for its unparalleled beauty, its peace and solitude and the spectacular recreational possibilities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and climbing.

What is the threat?

From the Save the Ridge web site (www.savetheridge.com): "A huge luxury development is being planned on a 2600 acre parcel on the Shawangunk Ridge in the towns of Gardiner and Shawangunk, New York. This crucial segment of land adjoins Minnewaska Park and Sam's Point Preserve. Because the northern Shawangunk Ridge remains unfragmented, this majestic ridge….supports a diversity of rare plants and animals. Its view shed stretches for hundreds of square miles. Exploitation of its fragile terrain would destroy a precious natural resource." The proposed development would divide these, currently undeveloped, 2600 acres into lots that would accommodate 350 luxury homes. In addition, there are plans for a 300 acre private championship golf course, a 12,500 ft² clubhouse, an 8,000 ft² wastewater facility and a 3,000 ft² sales building. The map at the bottom of the page shows where this development would take place. Note that the development EXTENDS into the Palmaghatt Ravine and to within ½ mile of Lake Awosting!! Not only will this destroy the beautiful views that draws 1000’s of people to the Minnewaska region (this is one of the most hiked and biked areas in the park), it will significantly fragment the present-day ecological corridor, thus threatening the fragile biological balance that exists today. As stated recently by the Mohonk Preserve in their official position opposing the proposed development, "Alternatives must be carefully considered, as required by law, to find acceptable solutions without irreversibly transforming the critical open space functions and core biodiversity values that have made the ridge a widely treasured landscape and a community asset to our region." Please join us in fighting this proposal. We need to send a clear message that we as citizens, and caretakers, oppose this destructive abuse of this unique region.

Daniel Brownstein is a local high school science teacher. He was recently the recipient of the 2002 Outstanding Earth Science Teacher's Award from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers and the 2003 National Teaching Award from RadioShack. For more information about the hike, contact him at danielbrownstein@yahoo.com..