A Collaborative Milestone in Conservation and Community Stewardship
Photo Credits
Photo Credit: Karen Edmondson
Catskill New York — June 2025 — In an important step toward lasting environmental stewardship in the Kaaterskill Creek corridor, Greene Land Trust, in partnership with Jimmy and Micaela Bulich, is proud to announce the formalization of a voluntary land protection agreement that will safeguard the Abeel Overlook LLC property, 56 acres of ecologically significant land in in the Greene County Town of Catskill along the Kaaterskill Creek. This momentous agreement not only preserves the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region but also serves as a model for collaborative conservation initiatives in the Kaaterskill corridor.
Voluntary land protection agreements, sometimes referred to as conservation easements, are legal tools through which landowners intentionally limit certain types of development on their property to protect natural, agricultural, or cultural values for future generations. Unlike government-imposed restrictions, these agreements are entered into willingly by private landowners, often in partnership with conservation organizations, land trusts, or government entities.
In the face of escalating environmental pressures—including habitat loss, climate change, and urban expansion—such voluntary agreements have become cornerstone strategies for ensuring the long-term health of ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. The Kaaterskill Creek Corridor is home to a unique array of native species and habitats. including forests, floodplain and shoreline along the Creek. The protection of these lands is vital for wildlife, clean water, and the well-being of residents.
The newly established agreement between Greene Land Trust and Abeel Overlook LLC covers 56 acres of important habitat, guaranteeing that this treasured landscape will remain undeveloped and ecologically intact in perpetuity. Under the agreement, the landowner retains ownership and traditional uses of the land—such as sustainable agriculture, forestry, or recreation—while agreeing not to subdivide, clear, or develop the land in ways that would compromise its natural values.
“This voluntary agreement is a testament to what can be accomplished when individuals and organizations unite around a shared vision for conservation,” said Hal Brodie, Vice President of Greene Land Trust. “We are honored to collaborate with Jimmy and Micaela, owners of Abeel Overlook LLC to permanently protect this landscape for future generations. We hope that this voluntary conservation agreement will serve as a catalyst for other conservation in the Kaaterskill Creek Corridor, an area that has been recognized as a priority for conservation by Greene Land Trust”
The protected land encompasses mature forest of hemlock, white pine, oak, maple and hickory, sloping from a limestone ridge to floodplain and shoreline along Kaaterskill Creek; providing critical habitat for many bird species including scarlet tanager and rose-breasted grosbeak; and many animal species including black bear, bobcat and fisher. By maintaining natural buffers and corridors, the agreement supports biodiversity, enhances ecosystem resilience, and helps mitigate the impacts of climate change—such as increased flooding or drought. Kaaterskill Creek, flows through the property, and its protection under the agreement ensures the continued health of this watershed for downstream communities.
The success of this agreement results from months of dialogue, trust-building, and a shared commitment to environmental care. “The Bulich Family has owned and cared for thousands of acres of farms and forests in New York for over 100 years. I want to assure that this property remains in a natural state and part of a healthy ecosystem for future generations,” said Jimmy Bulich.
Voluntary land protection agreements are flexible tools tailored to the landowners’ interests and the land’s conservation needs. These agreements, also called conservation easements, are legally binding and are recorded with the property deed, ensuring that the conservation commitment endures even if the land changes hands. Landowners may benefit from federal and state tax incentives for donating conservation easements.
The agreement typically outlines:
- Permitted and restricted uses of the land
- Provisions for sustainable land management
- Monitoring and enforcement commitments by the conservation organization
With this agreement, Greene Land Trust and Abeel Overlook LLC join a growing movement of conservationists and communities recognizing the irreplaceable value of natural spaces. The effort demonstrates how voluntary, private action can complement public conservation initiatives and play a crucial role in meeting regional and national environmental goals.
“We hope this agreement inspires other landowners to consider how they, too, can make a lasting difference,” said Bob Knighton, GLT President. “Together, we can knit a tapestry of protected lands that will sustain people and wildlife for generations.”
For more information about voluntary land protection agreements, or to explore how your land might be protected, contact Greene Land Trust at info@greenelandtrust.org.
Greene Land Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to permanently protecting naturally and culturally significant lands in Greene County and helps people connect with these special places. Since 2004, Greene Land Trust has helped to protect and manage more than 1300 acres of critical habitat and community greenspace since. Learn more at www.greenelandtrust.org.
This voluntary land protection agreement stands as a beacon of hope for collaborative conservation in the Kaaterskill Creek corridor. By working together, private landowners and conservation organizations can secure the future of cherished lands and the many benefits they provide communities—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Media Contact:
Bob Knighton
President, Greene Land Trust
518-369-9080
rgknighton@cs.com
