An environmental group in the Hudson Valley has protected a wildlife habitat in Columbia County.
Scenic Hudson has protected 22 ecologically important acres adjoining Clermont State Historic Site. The estate of Erno Szemes donated a conservation easement on the property—which contains woods, wetlands and 1,600 feet of shoreline along the Clay Kill—ensuring its permanent protection. Prior to his death, Szemes had indicated his commitment to conserving the land. The estate’s executor says Szemes lived off this land for more than 50 years in a small structure without electricity or running water and considered himself to be as close to nature as possible. The property is contiguous with nearly 1,100 acres of previously protected land.
