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 fragments of pine barrens to create a larger, more intact pine barrens landscape. Larger areas of protected habitat improve the chances of long-term survival for pine barren species.
Vision
As land becomes available for sale or donation or as new development projects are proposed within the study area, we use this map to guide our recommendations and actions.
Land that falls within the yellow boundary above (Albany Pine Bush Study Area) has the potential to be protected as part of the preserve. Within this study area, each parcel of land has been recommended for a level of protection.
- Dark Green areas are already protected.
- Lime Green areas we recommend for full protection because of their ability to connect fragmented parcels and to support native pine barrens species.
- Diagonal Lined areas are recommended to remain open space.
- Dotted Teal areas are recommended for partial protection.
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.
Growth
Over the years, many people, municipalities and agencies have dedicated their land for protection and management by the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission.
Protection Priority
New York State identifies the Albany Pine Bush Preserve as a priority for protection in the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan.
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).
