The land acquisition initiative includes the purchase of 91 acres and the transfer of 150 acres of Camp Smith, a military training facility, from the State Division of Military and Naval Affairs to the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

A portion of the Camp Smith property transfer, located along the Westchester and Putnam County border, abuts the Hudson Highlands State Park. The remaining acreage acquired will provide public access to an overlook on the Bear Mountain Bridge Road, offering a more than one-mile span of panoramic views along the Hudson River and from Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks, state officials say.

"Hudson Highlands State Park contains incredible woodlands, miles of scenic trails and unique wildlife habitats representing the best of New York's natural treasures," Governor Pataki says. "This acquisition will provide even more opportunities for families and visitors to enjoy the magnificent Hudson River and valley -- while also ensuring that this land is protected for the benefit of future generations."

The 57 acres were purchased for $402,500 through the state's Environmental Protection Fund from Peter C. Langenus and William J. Kane. The state will acquire the remaining 34 acres from the Open Space Institute under 2002 Environmental Protection Fund funding, state officials add.

The land transfer at Camp Smith will not affect training operations at the National Guard complex.

In 1998, the State Division of Military and Naval Affairs transferred 180 acres, known as "Anthony's Nose," and the historic Bear Mountain Bridge Road Toll House, to the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. A transfer of trail rights also created the "Camp Smith Trail," a three-mile long trail between the Toll House and the summit of Anthony's Nose, which features outstanding views of the Hudson Valley and Palisades. The 34-acre acquisition will allow for construction of a loop trail to access Anthony's Nose, which rises to 900 feet in elevation, from the Appalachian Trail.

Since 1995, New York State has invested more than $350 million to protect more than 325,000 acres of land as open space statewide.