Image courtesy of Open Space Institute
Designing an 8-mile trail to experience the Hudson River and Highlands
Opened in 2018, the three-mile, multi-use River-to-Ridge Trail in New Paltz, New York, traverses 300 acres of conserved land and connects the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail with trails in the Shawangunk Mountains. AKRF led the environmental review pursuant to SEQRA on behalf of the Open Space Institute, including the preparation of an Expanded Environmental Assessment and planning graphics. We represented the Open Space Institute at Planning Board meetings to provide the critical support needed in obtaining site plan approval. AKRF performed a wetland delineation and vegetation inventory alongside the trail alignment to better understand potential wetland disturbance and permitting requirements, and we prepared the required documentation to secure a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit for the project.