Land Protection
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is a patchwork of properties dedicated for protection. The preserve currently includes 3,400 acres of protected land, managed by the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission.
Why protect land?
By protecting land and restoring native plant communities, we connect small fragments of pine barrens to create a larger pine barrens landscape. Larger areas of protected habitat give wildlife more space to move and find resources. This should improve the chances of long-term survival for pine barrens species.
Vision
Land that falls within the boundaries of the Albany Pine Bush Study Area (the study area boundary is indicated by the yellow line in the map above) has the potential to be protected as part of the preserve. Within the study area, we prioritize land that still supports native, pine barrens species. You can find more information about how we select land for protection, the tools we use to protect and manage it, and our land protection goals in the Protection chapter (pages 48–66) of the 2017 Management Plan Update.
Priority for Protection
New York State identifies the Albany Pine Bush Preserve as a priority for protection in the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan.
Growth
Over the years, many individuals, municipalities and agencies have dedicated their land for protection and management by the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission.
How can I help?
You can help us protect more land by making a donation to the Land Protection Fund or possibly by donating your own land. To inquire about donating your land, contact our executive director, Christopher Hawver (chawver@albanypinebush.org).
