Rockland County Buys Historic
236-Acre Eagle Valley Open Space
SLOATSBURG, NY—Rockland County Executive Ed Day and the Open Space Institute recently celebrated the largest Open Space Acquisition Program purchase in its history, with the acquisition of 236 acres known as the “Eagle Valley Assemblage.”
“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.”
The press conference on Sept. 25 was held at the Valley Rock Inn in Sloatsburg, NY, a wellness restaurant and event venue that neighbors 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, county officials explained.
“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, president & CEO of the Open Space Institute (OSI), which worked in partnership with Rockland County to acquired two of the Eagle Valley properties.
“OSI is thrilled to lend our land conservation expertise toward a project that will enable visitors to effortlessly explore the natural beauty of the area while preserving clean water for generations to come,” Mr. Kulleseid added.
In October 2024, the Environmental Committee approved funding and contracts totaling $3.28 million for the purchase of 132.5 acres along Eagle Valley Road from the Open Space Institute, as well as $2.2 million for the county’s separate acquisition of 103 acres along Orange Turnpike, bringing the total to nearly 236 acres. The full Legislature approved the appropriations and purchases in November 2024; grants to help fund the acquisitions were accepted earlier this year.
“With this historic acquisition in partnership with the Open Space Institute, we send a clear signal that conservation is a bipartisan priority,” said Legislature Chair Jay Hood (D-Haverstraw). “This purchase and the planned interconnection between Eagle Valley, Harriman State Park and Sterling Forest State Park, will not only preserve crucial green space and protect Rockland’s drinking water, but it will also enhance tourism in Sloatsburg and the western part of the county—which benefits us all.”
The purchase continues the legacy of Rockland’s Open Space Acquisition Program—to preserve scenic landscapes, environmentally sensitive lands, farms and Hudson River waterfront areas. The program, which was launched in 1999 by former County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef, was suspended in 2010 during the “Great Recession.” It was revived with the help of the Rockland County Legislature in 2019 under Mr. Day’s administration. Since then it has preserved a total of 323 acres of Eagle Valley, including 87 acres saved.
With the new acquisition, the county is exploring opportunities for the site, including the creation of a new county park and expanded trail connections, county officials stated.
Published: October 1, 2025.