The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) has acquired 101 acres of open land just outside the village of Skaneateles, which will be transformed into a public nature preserve known as the Shotwell Brook Conservation Area. The newly protected land, located near the headwaters of Shotwell Brook, a key tributary to Skaneateles Lake, will help safeguard water quality and provide a scenic, accessible outdoor space for the community.
The land acquisition comes at a critical time, as the area faces increasing development pressure. By preserving the property, the FLLT aims to protect the ecological integrity of Shotwell Brook, which flows into Skaneateles Lake near the water intake that supplies Syracuse’s unfiltered drinking water. The conservation area will serve as a natural buffer, helping to maintain the high water quality that the lake is known for.
“This project combines two of our most important goals: expanding public access to the natural beauty around Skaneateles Lake and preserving the water quality that is so vital to Syracuse and central New York,” said Sean O’Keefe, a member of the Land Trust’s board and a Skaneateles resident.
The FLLT plans to enhance the property’s ecological health through a series of restoration projects in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program. The restoration work will include wetland enhancements, planting native trees and shrubs, establishing grasslands, and managing invasive species. Additionally, the land trust will develop 2.1 miles of walking trails, including a universally accessible loop, as well as wildlife viewing areas and scenic overlooks.
The conservation area is also set to feature an interpretive kiosk and a parking area, allowing the public to easily access the site for recreation and educational purposes.
Local leaders have praised the acquisition as a significant win for the environment and the community. Skaneateles Town Supervisor Chris Legg emphasized the project’s contribution to preserving open space and protecting water quality. “This new conservation area complements 89 acres of protected land owned by the town, which also helps safeguard Shotwell Brook. We are proud to support this project with $50,000 from our Land and Development Rights Acquisition Fund,” Legg said.
The acquisition is part of a broader effort by the FLLT to conserve key parcels of land in the Finger Lakes region, where development pressures are growing. Marc Pietropaoli, a local physician and the former owner of the property, expressed his satisfaction with the sale to the FLLT, noting that the land’s protection is a “game changer” for the community. “I am incredibly pleased to have completed the sale,” Pietropaoli said, adding that he looks forward to seeing the public benefit from the newly conserved area.
The project has garnered support from environmental organizations and local residents alike. Frank Moses, Executive Director of the Skaneateles Lake Association, lauded the FLLT’s efforts, noting that “every acre of protected land is a critical step in ensuring the quality of life and water for future generations.”
The FLLT was able to purchase the property using an internal loan from its Opportunity Fund, a pool of capital that facilitates time-sensitive land acquisitions. To support the ecological restoration and public access improvements, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has committed $1.3 million through its Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP). The project also received a $150,000 grant from the Central New York Community Foundation, alongside various private contributions.
To help replenish the Opportunity Fund and cover additional project costs, the FLLT has launched a fundraising campaign. The funds raised will support long-term management of the conservation area as well as the development of the public amenities planned for the site.
With the creation of the Shotwell Brook Conservation Area, the FLLT continues its mission of preserving the natural landscapes and waters of the Finger Lakes region. The organization remains committed to protecting vital ecosystems and offering the public opportunities to connect with the region’s stunning natural resources.
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