The Peru Gazette

DEC News Release of December 19, 2025 – DEC recently acquired approximately 1,624 acres of conservation easement on lands in northern New York from the Open Space Institute (OSI). Approximately 1,414 acres were acquired through a conservation easement held by OSI on lands owned by Chazy Resource Management Inc. (CRMI) in Clinton County, while a 210-acre conservation easement in Essex County on lands owned by OSI was also purchased.

The CRMI Conservation Easement includes more than 1,400 acres in the towns of Dannemora and Saranac, Clinton County. This easement protects the property from any future development and provides public access along the former Delaware & Hudson Railway for approximately 16-miles and comprising approximately 200 acres. Permitted recreational activities along the 16-mile former rail corridor include biking, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ATV use. Fishing, hunting, and trapping by the public is not permitted on any part of this easement.

The Tahawus Core Historic Area Conservation Easement protects 210 acres in the Town of Newcomb, Essex County, on Upper Works Road owned by OSI. The property is a uniquely positioned access point for the High Peaks Wilderness Area, providing trailhead parking for the Mount Adams Fire Tower, East River, Calamity Brook, and Indian Pass Trails. Recreational activities permitted include year-round non-motorized activities including hunting, fishing, trapping, skiing, and nature study. Motorized access is restricted to Upper Works Road, while Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD) are permitted on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about DEC’s OPDMD program.

Learn more about the recreation management for each site by reading the Interim Recreation Management Plans on DEC’s website: Chazy Highlands Wild Forest and High Peaks Wilderness Complex. For more information about the recent conservation easement acquisitions, read the November 26 press release.

The recently acquired approximately 1,624 acres add to the more than 900,000 acres of conservation easement lands managed by DEC. Find more information on the DEC Conservation Easements webpage. Funding for both Conservation Easements was provided through the Environmental Protection Fund.