Bedford Hills, NY—Westchester Land Trust (WLT), a nationally accredited land conservation nonprofit headquartered in Bedford Hills, NY was awarded a $1.35 million grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to permanently protect two parcels totaling 13.4 acres in Katonah adjacent to a 770-acre drinking water reservoir in the Town of Bedford.

The Town of Bedford, a New York State Silver Status Climate Smart Community, widely recognized as a climate action and sustainability municipal leader for its proactive and strategic land conservation and protection initiatives will provide the matching funds for the purchase.

WLT’s land protection staff worked to secure the grant, which is supported by match funding from the Town of Bedford Open Spaces and Areas, Park and Water Protection Debt Reserve Fund (Open Space Fund). WLT received the grant, pending final contract with the state, as part of the DEC’s Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program, which provides important support to communities to protect and restore water resources, including land acquisition. WQIP is a competitive, statewide grant program open to local governments and not-for-profit organizations.

Located on Reyburn Road in Katonah, the properties are adjacent to the NYC DEP’s Muscoot Reservoir, a drinking water reservoir that’s part of the 12-reservoir Croton System. It provides drinking water to more than nine million people, including multiple municipalities in Westchester County and 10-30% of the water supply for New York City. If left unprotected, the properties could be developed which would have resulted in significant clearcutting and impervious surfaces, resulting in increased stormwater runoff and decreased water quality.

“We are thrilled to be leveraging this highly competitive grant to protect more forest habitat and drinking water for so many New Yorkers,” said Janelle Robbins, vice president of conservation at Westchester Land Trust. “These parcels are among the highest priority for water quality protection and will remain forever undeveloped. We’re grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Commissioner Basil Seggos for investing in local conservation efforts that improve public health for millions of New Yorkers.”

“This land was identified by Westchester Land Trust and the Town of Bedford as a perfect candidate for New York State’s water quality grant program,” said Kara Hartigan Whelan, president of Westchester Land Trust. “We are committed to protecting clean, safe drinking water and we are delighted to be working in partnership with the Town of Bedford on this important acquisition.”

WLT will purchase the two parcels from the current landowner, with the WQIP funding covering 75% of the cost and the remaining 25% (estimated at $340,000) provided by the Town of Bedford, using its Open Space Fund. The fund is a reserve that accumulates through the Bedford Open Space Fund 2% tax levy.  The parcels were identified as a top conservation priority by the Bedford Open Space Acquisition Committee.  Once purchased, WLT will transfer ownership of the land to the Town of Bedford for future management.

“Aligning with our ongoing commitment to protecting Open Space in the Town of Bedford, we are pleased to protect this land that buffers our drinking water supplies,” said Supervisor Ellen Calves. “This acquisition exemplifies the power of establishing partnerships with subject matter experts, especially the WLT and the volunteers on our Open Space Acquisition Committee, with the ability to leverage multiple funding sources, the Bedford Open Space Fund and the WQIP, to make strategic purchases when opportunities arise,” added Calves.

“In nature we find solace, inspiration, and the profound reminder of our interconnectedness with the world around us,” said Usha and Pratap Chordia, who currently own the land. “On countless walks through this land, we have experienced a sense of peace that can only be found in nature. We’re filled with a deep sense of gratitude knowing it will be protected for eternity for all to enjoy.”

Westchester Land Trust and the Town of Bedford have partnered on land conservation projects for more than 30 years and will continue working collaboratively to protect open space throughout the community.