The Wallkill Valley Land Trust (WVLT) has announced its official acquisition of the Joppenbergh Mountain property in Rosendale from the Open Space Conservancy, Inc., the land acquisition affiliate of the Open Space Institute (OSI).  

Joppenbergh Mountain, located in the heart of the Town of Rosendale, has a rich history. Mined in the late 19th century of limestone as a part of then-booming Rosendale cement industry, it also was the site of several long-distance ski-jumping competitions in the mid-20th century. At over 500 feet, and supporting the northern end of the Rosendale Rail Trestle, it dominates the natural landscape of the Town of Rosendale. The Wallkill Valley Land Trust and Open Space Institute have partnered to extend the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, doubling its length, which includes restoring the iconic Rosendale Trestle. For more details on this project, visit the Track the Trestle website: www.TracktheTrestle.com.  

Since 1971, the majority of Joppenbergh Mountain has been uncultivated, privately owned open space, resulting in the re-growth of important habitats. A section of the base of the 118-acre parcel contains a very important parking area for the Town of Rosendale, which is currently maintained by the town. This area includes a small park that residents and visitors to the area enjoy year round. The Open Space Conservancy was able to purchase the property from the Joppenbergh Mountain Corporation in July of 2011, The Shawangunk Conservancy, a local no-for-profit organization, has stepped forward to raise the $85,000 needed to complete the OSC land transaction, while the Wallkill Valley Land Trust has agreed to owning and managing the property. This has opened up an opportunity for the land to become public space for the recreation and enjoyment of the Town’s 6,000+ residents, as well as visitors from near and far. Since Joppenbergh Mountain also serves the Town of Rosendale’s parking needs, which are vital to the sustainability of the town’s economic base, additional care must be taken to ensure its continued availability to Main Street businesses and the visitors to the town.

In early January 2012, WVLT will be initiating a formal land management planning process to determine future use of the property, and the process will include meetings with all interested parties and public hearings to ensure that all interests are represented. Any specific input can be provided in writing to Christine DeBoer, WVLT Executive Director, at P.O. Box 208, New Paltz, NY 12561.

No specific plans have been decided or approved for future property use. In the short term, WVLT continues to permit pedestrian access to and use of the property at the user’s risk. For safety reasons, we are asking that people do not use the property for the bicycling and skiing until a formal trail development and use plan is in place. Motorized vehicle use of the property is not allowed.