Senate Resolution No. 4125

BY: Senator LARKIN

COMMEMORATING the 25th Anniversary of the Orange
County Land Trust

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the
continuing welfare of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly
enriched and reliably served by the purposeful endeavors of
organizations and individuals who are committed to the preservation of
our natural environment and the enhancement of the appreciation of the
distinctive features of our surroundings, and to the economic well-being
of the areas in which they exist; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Orange County Land Trust, to be
celebrated with a Benefit Reception and Auction on Friday, June 8, 2018,
at Cedar Lakes Estate, Port Jervis, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Orange County Land Trust was formed in 1993, by a group
of conservation-minded visionaries led by Louis Van Orden Mills, in an
effort to protect and preserve scenic and environmentally sensitive
areas of the county for future generations before they were lost to
anticipated growth and development; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, the Orange County Land Trust
preserves water resources, critical habitat, rural and urban farmland,
scenic viewsheds and ecosystems in and around Orange County for the
benefit of all who depend on them; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Orange County Land Trust has
helped protect nearly 6,000 acres of land through the negotiation of
conservation agreements with private land owners, property donations,
and the acquisition of private property; and

WHEREAS, This acreage is comprised of unique meadows, fertile
farmlands, stream corridors, wetlands, forests and recreational acres;
and

WHEREAS, Of the properties and preserves open to the public, the
Orange County Land Trust organizes frequent hiking and birding
activities, and has partnered with children and youth organizations to
provide educational, conservation-based nature programs; and

WHEREAS, Today, as more people recognize the value in preserving
open space, the Orange County Land Trust has become the voice of, and a
catalyst for, voluntary conservation of land in the county; and

WHEREAS, The Land Trust strives to protect the natural and
agricultural heritage of Orange County, working with farmers and other
landowners who wish to keep their land untouched by future development;
and

WHEREAS, In addition, this vital organization identifies critical
areas in need of protection and partners with individuals,

organizations, businesses and government agencies to protect these
areas; and

WHEREAS, The Orange County Land Trust continues to work diligently
to ensure the County remains a region of varied and beautiful
landscapes, enhancing the quality of life for all residents; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 25-year history, the Orange County
Land Trust has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and
communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Orange County Land Trust is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its staff and volunteers, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the
community it serves; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Orange County Land
Trust; and

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon all citizens to recognize and applaud
the efforts of organizations such as the Orange County Land Trust which
work tirelessly on behalf of protecting our natural surroundings for the
benefit of present and future generations of New Yorkers; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Orange County Land Trust; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Orange County Land Trust, Mountainville, New York.