She made the announcement Saturday morning during the dedication of a 1,000 square foot screened in wooden building that will be used as a trailside classroom at the site. Plans also call for an overlook with a clear view of Butterfield Lake from the edge of a cliff on the property.
"This trail will ensure that everyone can enjoy the preserve from young parents with babies in strollers to grandparents and our disabled veterans with mobility issues," Assemblywoman Russell said.
"The Indian River watershed is a vital part of the region's economy. The conservancy's work will enable the community to better access our spectacular scenery as well as ensure environmental concerns are addressed for the long-term health of the watershed," she added.
The Indian River Lakes Conservancy is currently working on developing the property that was donated to the organization a year ago. The conservancy received a state grant last year through the North Country Regional Economic Development for the construction of an eight-tenths of a mile handicap accessible trail.
Elliot (Sandy) Hillback, co-founder and president of the Indian River Lakes Conservancy, said the funding secured by Assemblywoman Russell will allow the trail to be expanded by another approximately half mile.
Mr. Hillback said the trail will now reach a grove of seven old oak trees on the northern edge of the property. He suggested extending the trail will create a wooded all access trail that is unique in the North Country, and a picnic area will be placed near the trees.
"Assemblywoman Russell and the New York State Conservation Partnership Program have really helped us grow over the past few years. This money from Assemblywoman Russell is valuable and comes at the right point in time," Mr. Hillback said.
He said the additional funds will have both fiscal and environmental benefits. Mr. Hillback said working on the trail in phases would have required moving heavy pieces of equipment on existing trail, likely damaging that portion of the trail and generating additional expenses for repairs.
Mr. Hillback said the new trail will be fully complaint with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and he is optimistic the work will be completed during next year's construction season.
"The trail will have gentle slopes and rock dust as a base. It will be accessible for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers," he noted.
The Indian River Lakes Conservancy was formed in 1998. Henry Carse, a pioneering environmentalist and civic leader, inspired the creation of Indian River Lakes Conservancy with his gift of the 26-acre Osprey Point Marsh on Butterfield Lake. In 2003, his second gift of more than 800 acres between Butterfield and Grass Lakes became the Grand Lake Reserve.
Now the conservancy owns and protects 2,277 acres of land, with six miles of well used trails, primarily in the towns of Alexandria and Theresa in Jefferson County.
The conservancy also recently received a donation of a 354-acre parcel in Natural Bridge, near the source of the Indian River. He said plans call for the establishment of walking and cross country ski trails on the property as well as an overlook near a beaver pond.
The conservancy is also involved in a water project focused on improving the water quality in the Indian River and the 18 lakes in the Indian River watershed. The group also hosts public events and educational programs.
"The Indian River watershed is a vital part of the region's economy. The conservancy's work will enable the community to better access our spectacular scenery as well as ensure environmental concerns are addressed for the long-term health of the watershed," she added.
The Indian River Lakes Conservancy is currently working on developing the property that was donated to the organization a year ago. The conservancy received a state grant last year through the North Country Regional Economic Development for the construction of an eight-tenths of a mile handicap accessible trail.
Elliot (Sandy) Hillback, co-founder and president of the Indian River Lakes Conservancy, said the funding secured by Assemblywoman Russell will allow the trail to be expanded by another approximately half mile.
Mr. Hillback said the trail will now reach a grove of seven old oak trees on the northern edge of the property. He suggested extending the trail will create a wooded all access trail that is unique in the North Country, and a picnic area will be placed near the trees.
"Assemblywoman Russell and the New York State Conservation Partnership Program have really helped us grow over the past few years. This money from Assemblywoman Russell is valuable and comes at the right point in time," Mr. Hillback said.
He said the additional funds will have both fiscal and environmental benefits. Mr. Hillback said working on the trail in phases would have required moving heavy pieces of equipment on existing trail, likely damaging that portion of the trail and generating additional expenses for repairs.
Mr. Hillback said the new trail will be fully complaint with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and he is optimistic the work will be completed during next year's construction season.
"The trail will have gentle slopes and rock dust as a base. It will be accessible for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers," he noted.
The Indian River Lakes Conservancy was formed in 1998. Henry Carse, a pioneering environmentalist and civic leader, inspired the creation of Indian River Lakes Conservancy with his gift of the 26-acre Osprey Point Marsh on Butterfield Lake. In 2003, his second gift of more than 800 acres between Butterfield and Grass Lakes became the Grand Lake Reserve.
Now the conservancy owns and protects 2,277 acres of land, with six miles of well used trails, primarily in the towns of Alexandria and Theresa in Jefferson County.
The conservancy also recently received a donation of a 354-acre parcel in Natural Bridge, near the source of the Indian River. He said plans call for the establishment of walking and cross country ski trails on the property as well as an overlook near a beaver pond.
The conservancy is also involved in a water project focused on improving the water quality in the Indian River and the 18 lakes in the Indian River watershed. The group also hosts public events and educational programs.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP:
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell joined members of the Indian River Lakes Conservancy at the dedication of the trailside classroom at the Redwood Hills Preserve. The board recognized Dick Edgar and Ron Tibbles, who built the trailside classroom, donating all labor costs. Board members include President Elliot Hillback, Vice President Mark Scarlett, Treasurer Ed Robertson, Secretary Denise Robertson, Matthew Carney, Gerald Cole, Jan Douglass, Richard Edgar, Rich LeClerc Tamala Lueck, Jim Ninos and director emeritus Shirley Carpenter.
BOTTOM:
Indian River Lakes Conservancy staff member April Fredericks, coordinator of public programs and administration, joins members of the board of directors at the dedication of a trailside classroom.
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell has secured funding that will allow the Indian River Lakes Conservancy to expand a planned all access trail at Redwood Hill.
