Rockland hails $2.74 million open space acquisition in Sloatsburg

Rockland County and the Open Space Institute recently announced the Open Space Acquisition Program purchase of 236 acres known as the Eagle Valley Assemblage in the Village of Sloatsburg for $2.74 million.

The Eagle Valley Assemblage comprises three properties: two properties protected by OSI in 2024 and transferred to Rockland County in 2025, and a third parcel acquired by Rockland County with OSI’s support. The county is exploring opportunities to enhance public access to the properties, including the creation of new and expanded trail connections. The project is Rockland County’s largest Open Space Acquisition Program purchase to date.

 Located within the Nakoma Brook drainage basin, the assemblage protects critical water resources in the Ramapo Valley Aquifer. This aquifer is a primary source of drinking water for Rockland County, supplying clean water to more than one-third of the area’s residents and businesses. 

By keeping the properties undeveloped, they will retain their natural ability to filter water and bolster a “green corridor” of protected land essential for the movement of wildlife. Thanks to the close proximity of the properties and other protected lands to the Sloatsburg train station, visitors from New York City and elsewhere will be able to hop off the train and directly into nature for mountain biking, hiking and more.

The Eagle Valley Assemblage properties were identified as priority acquisitions in the Rockland County Comprehensive Plan, the Sloatsburg Comprehensive Plan, and the New York State Open Space Plan.

“This is a historic win for Rockland County,” said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. “The Eagle Valley property is a rare, undeveloped parcel of this size and will protect water resources, preserve wildlife habitats, and provide new opportunities for recreation.”

A press conference announcing the purchase was held at the Valley Rock Inn, a restaurant and event venue near the Eagle Valley Assemblage. With this acquisition the county hopes to establish a connection and corridor of the undeveloped land between Sterling Forest and Harriman State Parks while also safeguarding critical water resources.

“This isn’t just about protecting land — it’s about safeguarding the integrity of local water sources and creating connections that provide lasting benefits for people and wildlife,” said Erik Kulleseid, OSI's president and CEO. “OSI is thrilled to lend our land conservation expertise towards a project that will enable visitors to effortlessly explore the natural beauty of the area while preserving the clean water for generations to come.”

The acquisition was made possible with the support of a $2.74 million Highlands Conservation Act grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The grant, secured with assistance from New York State Parks, will be returned to the county’s Open Space Acquisition Fund.

Rockland’s Open Space Acquisition Program was launched in 1999 by then-County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef to preserve scenic landscapes, environmentally sensitive lands, farms, and Hudson River waterfront areas. The program was suspended in 2010 during the national recession but was revived with the help of the Rockland County Legislature in 2019 under Day’s administration. Since its revival, the program has preserved over 320 acres, which includes 87 acres saved previously outside of Eagle Valley.

Robert Brum is a freelance journalist who writes about the Hudson Valley. Contact him and read his work at robertbrum.com.