Black Rock Forest Flood Recovery Efforts

Black Rock Forest (www.blackrockforest.org ) is a non-profit forest and field station in the Hudson Highlands that has suffered critical infrastructure losses during the recent storm. Black Rock Forest is a regional hub for ecology/conservation research and education that also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation. I serve on the Board of Directors, conduct research at the Forest, and regularly take my Hunter College students there on field trips. For many of my students, Black Rock Forest is a place of many firsts: first exposure to a wild place, first time "hearing" silence, first time seeing stars, first time seeing ecological research experiments, etc. The facilities and accessibility of this wonderful place provide a comfortable nature entry point for students used to urban environments and our field trips are often cited as the highlight of their time at Hunter College. Black Rock Forest staff are incredible and have been giving to our community for decades. Because of devastating storm damage, they need our help. Please read their story below and support Black Rock Forest's Storm Recovery campaign if you can.

A powerful storm swept through our region, leaving behind a trail of damage. Many members of our community are now dealing with the impact of over 8 inches of rain within several hours. Black Rock Forest (BRF) sustained extensive damage to its Lumber Barn and Shop buildings (the base for forest conservation operations). Additionally, there was significant damage to the roads and trails, including many that are heavily used by the public and BRF staff, students and research scientists.

Storm-related damage includes:

We anticipate financial losses from the Shop and Lumber Barn to be greater than half a million dollars. There will be additional recovery costs.

Losses include buildings, bridges, and tools. We also lost irreplaceable scientific samples, historic artifacts from the beginning of the research forest, and milled lumber from special and historic trees in BRF.

Priority is being given to emergency repairs of critical infrastructure. Forest Manager Matt Brady and BRF staff are working to clear debris, repair roadways, and stabilize the damaged structures in the Shop area as rapidly as possible.

Many forest roads, including the main access road, have sustained considerable damage.

Trails have also been damaged. Hikers, students and researchers alike can expect to encounter fallen trees, downed tree limbs and erosion which may make trails more difficult to navigate or impassable. Trail bridges may be severely damaged or missing.

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to our community!

More information about Black Rock Forest Preserve Inc: https://www.blackrockforest.org/about-us