The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) has acquired 24 acres of riverfront land in the town of Chemung, securing 1,680 feet of frontage along the Chemung River. The property will eventually be transferred to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for use as a public conservation area and fishing access site.
Riverfront parcel supports wildlife habitat
Located off County Route 60 in Chemung County, the newly protected parcel includes forested land, small ponds, and habitat for roosting Bald Eagles and migratory birds. The site also features mixed hardwoods and sweeping views of the surrounding hills.
The acquisition aligns with FLLT’s ongoing efforts to safeguard land along the Chemung River, which supports fish, birds, and other native species.
Expanding public access and recreation
“Our goal is to protect sensitive habitats while creating new opportunities for the public to enjoy the outdoors,” said FLLT President Andrew Zepp. “The Chemung River is a remarkable resource for recreation, and this project will help ensure it’s accessible for future generations.”
The organization plans to transfer the site to the DEC, which would manage it as part of the state’s conservation land system.
Ongoing conservation efforts in the watershed
With this latest addition, the Finger Lakes Land Trust has now protected more than 14 miles of streambank and over 3,000 acres in the Chemung River watershed.
Previous conservation work includes the Steege Hill, Houghton, and Plymouth Woods nature preserves. The FLLT has also collaborated with New York State to secure land for the Big Flats Wildlife Management Area.
For more information about the Land Trust’s efforts, visit fllt.org.
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