Honor Land Trust Anniversary

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.