Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News)- The Finger Lake Land Trust (FLLT) has purchased 218 acres bordering Bear Swamp State Forest in Cayuga County.
This is the ninth conservation project in the area of Bear Swamp. New York State’s Open Space Plan has recognized the area of Bear Swamp as a priority project. The National Audubon Society has also designated the area an important area for bird conservation and habitat preservation.
The 218 acres are made up of wetlands, forests, and 1,755 feet of frontage along Bear Swamp Creek. 141 of the 218 acres of newly acquired land are intended to be transferred to New York State as an addition to Bear Swamp State Forest.
According to FLLT, the remaining 77 acres are primarily agricultural land and will be protected through a conservation easement. The land will be sold to a buyer who agrees to the terms in the conservation agreement. Proceeds from the sale will be used towards FLLT’s Opportunity Fund which allows the funds to be used to facilitate time-sensitive land acquisitions.
Bear Swamp Creek is the largest water stream that flows into Skaneateles Lake, which is the unfiltered drinking water supply for the City of Syracuse.
“Protection of these properties will safeguard water quality in Skaneateles Lake, protect wildlife habitat, and provide additional recreational opportunities. In addition to filtering water quality in the creek as it wends its way northward to the lake, Bear Swamp State Forest hosts a popular network of recreational trails—over 15 miles of multiuse trails and miles of quiet, unpaved roads.” The FLLT said in a press release on Tuesday.