"Eating local food, supporting local land trusts,
pushing local governments to assist farms and invest
in open space will be critical if we are to avoid
the type of destructive sprawl that has overwhelmed
parts of our state… We need to protect and preserve
open space here in the Hudson Valley -- it's absolutely,
critically important to our future." -- U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey

Dear Scenic Hudson Member,

Recently you received our fall appeal -- either in the mail or online. If you've already sent in your gift of support, then please disregard this message and accept our sincere thanks. If you haven't donated yet, I'm asking you to consider doing so right now. And save a stamp by donating online today.

If we needed proof about the urgency of our campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most, we now have it. Even the current market hasn't slowed the scourge of sprawling development gobbling up the valley's great open spaces. We have an unprecedented opportunity to protect these irreplaceable landscapes for every Hudson Valley resident and visitor -- both now and for all future generations while we work to balance development in our village and city centers. Protected lands offer so many benefits: they improve our air and water, provide fresh local produce, preserve wildlife and hold the promise of prosperity for our downtowns. And let's not forget how parks and inspiring views boost our physical and emotional health.

This summer, we made great strides in our campaign, protecting more than 550 acres of wetlands, scenic trails, iconic vistas and working farms. But we must ramp up our efforts if we are to halt this epidemic of sprawling development that continues to destroy the valley's great open spaces. Every acre of these landscapes we lose impacts the water we drink, the air we breathe, the food we serve our families and one of the world's most diverse wildlife habitats.

We Need Your Help -- Now More Than Ever

On the state level, we've seen a commitment to provide some funding for farmland protection, but unfortunately the federal commitment to open space conservation and farmland protection has dramatically diminished during the last seven and a half years.

Scenic Hudson is determined to ensure that future generations will enjoy the same clean, healthy, economically vibrant Hudson Valley we all love to visit or call home. But we need your help to get the job done. I know many people have suffered economic loses, but this may be our last chance to preserve the region's beauty and magic now and for future generations. Please show your support right now.

Sincerely,

Ned Sullivan
President
Scenic Hudson

P.S. Looking for a more environmentally friendly way to give that's easier on your wallet? Our monthly giving program is a wonderful way to make a monthly gift and provide the reliable support that is so vital to Saving the Land That Matters Most in the Hudson Valley.