Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area

Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area
 
Hours:  dawn to dusk everyday
Information: call Putnam County Park Office at 845-225-3650
Location:  - lower parking lot off Haviland Hollow Road (Patterson, NY)
                  - upper parking lot off Stagecoach Road (Patterson, NY)
 
 
Directions:
-     Take Route 22 North toward Patterson
-              Pass the intersection of Route 22 and Route 164 (blinking yellow light)
To lower parking lot:
-              At next traffic light take a right onto Haviland Hollow Rd. and follow this road for about 2.5 miles
-              Entrance to the parking lot is on the left side
To upper parking lot:
-              Follow Route 22 past Haviland Hollow Road intersection
-              Turn right at the next intersection (Birch Hill Rd., Thunder Ridge Ski Area)
-              Follow Birch Hill Road to the top of the hill
-              At the intersection with Stage Coach Road turn right
-              Follow Stage Coach Road downhill for about 0.5 mi.
-              Entrance to parking lot is on the left (lower than road level)
 
 
This conservation area consists of over 800 acres and is Putnam County’s largest.  The property was once owned by Walter G. Merritt.  It was previously known as Merritt Park, and consisted of around 600 acres. 
Wildlife abounds in this conservation area.  One may see deer, turkey, bobcat, bear, along with various songbirds and small mammals. 
One of the most popular spots is the great gorge waterfall.  This is located just north of the old Merritt campsite. 
 
We are always trying to improve the trail system in this conservation area. If you have any suggestions or concerns please contact the Park office at 845-225-3650.
 
About Michael Ciaiola
 
Michael Thomas Ciaiola was well known as President of the Putnam County Land Trust and for his work
with FROGS (friends of the Great Swamp).  County executive Robert Bondi remembered Mr. Ciaiola as
part of a “dedicated group of stewards of the Earth.”  Michael and a handful of other activists drafted the most important piece of legislation ever to be passed by the Putnam Legislature. Resolution 555 of the year 1984-1985  adopted a policy for the preservation of open spaces in Putnam County.  Michael was frequently consulted to develop lake management studies, stream improvement projects and community environmental protection plans throughout the county.
Michael lost his battle with cancer on Christmas Day, 1999. 
Legislative Resolution #135 of 2002  recognized the great impact the Michael Ciaiola had on Putnam County and officially changed the name of “Walter G. Merritt Conservation Area” to the “Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area”. 
 
About George C. Cain
 
George C. Cain, a New York City firefighter who died at the World Trade Center on 9/11/01, was a resident of the Town of Patterson in Putnam County.  George and his friends would run, hike, cross-country ski and mountain bike the many beautiful trails of Putnam County.  George was always interested in improving any trail he used.  He would pick up any litter he found on his hikes and he always had an idea on how to improve the trails for better use.
Legislative Resolution 238 of 2001, proclaimed a trail loop as “The George C. Cain Memorial Trail”.  The George C. Cain trail (orange trail ) is also marked with a Maltese cross to remind users of the sacrifice that George gave to his Country.
Maltese cross from Ladder Company 7 FDNY
 
Conservation Area Rules
 
1. Please enjoy your time here.
2. Respect nature and others.
3. Please have your dog/s under control at all times.
4. NYS DEC regulations have to be followed when fishing and hunting.
5. Trapping is prohibited on all County Conservation areas.
6. No littering! Please leave only your footsteps behind.
 
                  Hunters Wear Orange - So Should You
                                 For your safety during Hunting seasons,
           Visitors on these lands Should wear orange
                                                Be Safe – Be Seen
 
Various hunting seasons in New York State run from September through March & May 1st to May 31st.
 
7. Horseback riding is permitted on trails only.
8. Mountain-biking is permitted on trails only, with the exception of the blue trail.
9. Please do not leave valuables unattended in your vehicle. If you must, please secure them in your   trunk.
10. If the log book is available please sign in and out.
Thank you for your cooperation.