The Finger Lakes Land Trust has acquired a key stretch of shoreline along Skaneateles Lake, preserving 15 forested acres and 850 feet of lakefront that includes part of the iconic fossil-rich Staghorn Cliffs.
Announced June 24, the purchase also protects 1,120 feet of streambank along Barber Gulf in the town of Spafford. The newly secured land lies adjacent to the organization’s existing 90-acre Staghorn Cliffs Preserve and the 21-acre Cora Kampfe Dickinson Conservation Area—forming a growing corridor of conserved shoreline now totaling 3,000 feet.
“This acquisition will secure steep slopes and sensitive shoreline areas that would lead to increased erosion and runoff if they were developed,” said Finger Lakes Land Trust President Andrew Zepp.
In addition to safeguarding habitat for Bald Eagles and other wildlife, the site sits above steep cliffs and will be accessible only by canoe or kayak. Its preservation helps protect Skaneateles Lake, which provides unfiltered drinking water for 220,000 people, including Syracuse residents.
The tract is part of a broader greenbelt initiative encircling the lake’s southern end, which is recognized as a priority in New York State’s Open Space Plan and designated as an Important Bird Area by National Audubon.
The Land Trust funded the acquisition through an internal loan from its Opportunity Fund and has launched a campaign to raise $1.1 million for the purchase and long-term management. Those interested in contributing can contact the organization at (607) 275-9487 or [email protected].