Future Public Access Conservation Site
Courtesy of byways.org, commons.wikimedia.org
Cherry Valley Creek/Susquehanna Confluence
Located just outside the Village of Milford in the Towns of Milford and Middlefield, this 66-acre property features important habitats, significant stream frontage, scenic vistas, and wonderful potential for education and recreation.
Recognizing the extreme importance of this property for its ecological and water quality conservation values, Otsego Land Trust secured its permanent protection in 2018 with funding from The Nature Conservancy.
At the confluence of Cherry Valley Creek and the Susquehanna River, this property has an amazing 1.4 miles of stream frontage. This means that 1.4 miles of streambank and FEMA floodplain will be forever protected, reducing sedimentation and erosion from large storm events, and providing habitat for countless species. The property also contains Federally Designated Wetlands.
“OLT is excited to make this amazing parcel a community conservation area for fishing, hiking, kayaking, birding and snowshoeing. It is particularly relevant given that the pandemic has amplified demand for accessible outdoor places for public recreation and enjoyment.”
– Patricia Szarpa, Executive Director
Rich in Life and Diversity
SUNY Oneonta botany professors identified over 191 plant species on the property, which included a cluster of butternut trees along Cherry Valley Creek. “Butternuts are considered “at risk” by most ecologists,” added Marcie Foster, Stewardship Director, “since the majority of these trees are susceptible to butternut canker disease.
A two-day bird survey identified 55 bird species including barred owls, American woodcock, 3 types of vireos, cedar waxwings, American kestrels and bald eagles.
An aquatic survey found at least 42 genera of aquatic insects, with the most diversity of species at one location along Cherry Valley Creek. Of particular interest was the presence of a macromiidae dragonfly. It is the first time the SUNY Oneonta Biology Dept. has collected this family of dragonflies in our region.
In addition to the above, a pearly mussel inventory and an invertebrate survey are currently being completed.
So What Happens Next?
In recognition of this property’s strategic importance as a community asset for both the promotion of outdoor recreation and habitat protection, Otsego Land Trust is seeking funding to help open this property for public access in the next 2-3 years.
Funding will support public access infrastructure including parking area, trails, information kiosk, signage and canoe & kayak access.
You Can Help Make this Happen
Donations to OLT’s Blueway Land Management Fund will help to make this future public access conservation area a reality! You can use the envelope in this newsletter to make your donation today!
Interested in Volunteering Your Time and Talents? Contact marcie@otsegolandtrust.org