A 108-acre wooded parcel surrounded by James Kennedy State Forest has been permanently protected, thanks to a land gift from the estate of David Connolly to the Finger Lakes Land Trust.
The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) announced the acquisition Wednesday, describing the land as an “inholding” that serves as a key buffer to the Finger Lakes Trail along its southern edge. The property, located in the town of Virgil, will be transferred to New York State to expand the adjacent state forest.
The land features steep slopes, hardwood forests, a small pond, and 1,400 feet of frontage on a tributary to the East Branch of Owego Creek, part of the Susquehanna River watershed. The new protection will help conserve water quality, provide public recreation, and preserve wildlife habitat.
“This land has been enjoyed for years by David Connolly’s family and friends,” the Trust noted. Connolly created numerous trails on the property for ATV rides and outdoor experiences before his passing.
The newly protected area sits near Greek Peak Mountain Resort and joins over 250 nearby acres already safeguarded under perpetual conservation easements held by the FLLT. The property includes more than 3,000 feet of frontage along Baldwin Road and an additional 1,000 feet on a public forest access road, improving public entry to the state forest.
Conservation easements allow land to remain privately owned while permanently restricting development to preserve its ecological value. Such lands stay on local tax rolls and remain available for traditional uses like farming and hunting.
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