HHLT works with municipalities and collaborates with partners across the Hudson Highlands region on issues of conservation planning and land use. 

At the local level, HHLT’s public policy manager engages with municipal officials to increase awareness about the diverse conservation planning tools that are available to them for protecting natural resources, preserving open spaces, and realizing sustainable land use goals.

Regionally, we work with partner organizations on key conservation projects. Examples include:

• Raising awareness about the recently reauthorized Highlands Conservation Act and how it can help communities in the region preserve land and increase outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Coordinating efforts to advocate for full funding of the NYS Environmental Protection Fund.
• Advocating for increased funding for our state parks as well as important legislation such as the NY Wildlife Crossing Act.

Taken together, these and other important legislative initiatives promise to provide historic levels of funding for open space conservation, protection of drinking water, and the creation of infrastructure to increase climate resiliency in the Hudson Highlands region.

HHLT also convenes and manages the New York Highlands Network, a consortium of land trusts and government agencies working collaboratively to identify high-priority conservation projects across the Highlands region and to secure funding for acquisitions. By working together, we are accelerating the pace and inclusivity of conservation in our region.

We are also developing new collaborations, such as the Hudson Valley Alliance for Housing and Conservation — a diverse network of nonprofits working together to balance the need for affordable housing with the need for undeveloped open spaces. 

For more information about our advocacy and public policy work, please contact us here.

Comments regarding the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail

Hudson Highlands Land Trust, Inc. (HHLT) was founded over thirty-five years ago to preserve the region’s natural resources and scenic beauty. Today, our mission is clearly stated: to conserve and care for the lands and waters of the Hudson Highlands so that people and nature can flourish together for generations to come. We submitted the following comments regarding the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail project as outlined in the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement released on Dec. 4, 2024. We hope that these comments will assist the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, Inc. and the lead agency, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYS OPRHP) as they refine the plans for the Project and address potential environmental impacts: click here for comments.