Sterling Forest State Park expansion celebrated today

Monroe — The addition of 462 new acres of state park land along the Appalachian Trail in Sterling Forest State Park was dedicated in Monroe this morning with guided hikes, live music, Native American drumming and boat rides. This strategic preservation enhances the Appalachian Trail corridor and view shed by creating a protected land buffer along the northern edge of Sterling Forest. It also expands outdoor recreational opportunities for residents of the New York metropolitan area, especially those living in Orange, Rockland, Bergen and Passaic counties. The land comprises two parcels: a portion of Arrow Park, a private non-commercial retreat since 1948 that has been used extensively by families of the New York Fire Department since 9/11; and 61 adjacent acres known as the Shirazi property, which features a 1,000-foot high ridge line, extensive wetlands, a stream that feeds Arrow Lake, woods and rock outcrops. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference contributed to the protection of both parcels, taking the lead on protecting the Shirazi parcel.