In our final project closing of 2023, on December 22nd accepted the donation of seventy-one acres on the eastern slopes of Temple Mountain. The forested property is located just off Route 101, and directly abuts Temple Mountain State Reservation. After the closing, landowner Barry West said “it is really gratifying to see this land go into permanent conservation for wildlife and so future generations can enjoy it the way my partner Julie and I have.” PLC will name the property the West Highlands Preserve.
While the land itself was donated to PLC, we set a goal to raise $30,000 to cover transaction expenses and long-term stewardship. After the Temple Conservation Commission committed $15,000 to the effort, PLC put out a call to area residents to help raise the balance. As we approached our December 1st fundraising deadline, local trails group Friends of the Wapack helped us get across the finish line by alerting their members. In the end, sixty-five individuals and families contributed to the campaign, and we made our goal on time and in full. To all of you who contributed, thank you!
