Threats to the Environment

The 7-and-a-half-mile stretch of riverbank on which the Fjord Trail would be built is as important—and sensitive—from environmental and ecological perspectives as it is from a cultural perspective. As proposed, the project’s construction and long-term use would disrupt a vibrant ecosystem that has only just reestablished itself following decades of neglect and industrial abuse.

There are a number of species of animals that exist in and around the Breakneck Connector portion of the proposed Fjord Trail that are listed by two different governmental bodies—federal and New York State—as either Endangered, Threatened, or of Special Concern. These animals obviously travel, and most could expect to be found throughout the river and mountain area from Cold Spring to Beacon. They are:

  • Bald Eagle – NYS Threatened

  • Golden Eagle – NYS Endangered

  • Peregrine Falcon – NYS Endangered

  • Timber Rattlesnake – NYS Threatened

  • Eastern Wormsnake – NYS Special Concern

  • Fence Lizard – NYS Threatened

  • Indiana Bat – Federally Endangered

  • Northern short-eared Bat – Federally Endangered

  • Atlantic Sturgeon – Federally Endangered

  • Short-nosed Sturgeon – NYS Endangered

Additionally, Putnam Highlands Audubon Society and numerous citizen bird recorders add the Cerulean Warbler to this geographic area during nesting season (May – August). The state considers it a Species of Special Concern. The New England Cottontail Rabbit is known to live in parts of Hudson Highlands and Fahnestock State Parks, and only occurs in 15% of its entire historic range: it is listed in New York State as Special Concern. On top of that, all birds except alien species such as the English sparrow and European starling are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Each level of biological status, from Special Concern to Threatened to Endangered, confers higher levels of protection. New York State Parks has given a positive declaration to the construction of the Breakneck Connector, a project expected to take 18 months, and has considered the effects of construction on most of the species listed above, stating that they believe there will be none or little effect. However, this is only for the general 13.15 acres that the total construction site at Breakneck would entail. Any additional construction, either north or south of the Connector, is not covered by State Park’s positive declaration. Later phases would need official documentation for each listed species.