This land is a unique habitat for wildlife. It serves as a public hunting cooperative, a multi-recreational area for hiking, biking, horseback riding and other passive uses. Portions of the land are also farmed.  In addition the land provides a noise and safety buffer for Stewart Airport east of the open lands.  (About the lands)

SPARC is a true coalition of diverse groups. These groups individually represent sportsmen, environmentalists and concerned citizens. SPARC was the first coalition to represent these interests in a single voice.

Through the years SPARC has served as a watchdog over Stewart Airport development and has steadfastly lobbied to influence the planning process. SPARC does not oppose airport expansion and  development; it's focus is to preserve the 7,000 acres west of Drury Lane.  Unfortunately, pro-development groups want to convert large areas of this land into cargo-related facilities such as warehouses, as well as office parks.  In 1999, New York Governor Pataki, finally responding to pressure from the coalition, set aside about 5,100 acres of the buffer as 'State Forest Land'.  But at the same time, he also allowed the Empire State Development Corporation, (New York State's development arm), to offer 1,200 acres for development.

Contact Information

For more information about SPARC, including upcoming events and donations, please contact Sandra Kissam by telephone, mail, or e-mail.

Telephone

845-564-3018

FAX

845-564-3018

Postal address

P.O. Box 90, Blooming Grove, NY 10914

Electronic mail

General Information: sparc@frontiernet.net
Webmaster: bge@edgeblur.com

Contact SPARC at sparc@frontiernet.net about the organization.  Send mail to bge@edgeblur.com with questions or comments about this web site.