Rensselaer Plateau Alliance works to conserve unbroken forests and other ecologically important areas in Rensselaer County. The overarching goal is to ensure that the Plateau’s clean air, fresh water, unique wildlife habitat and recreational areas continue to benefit current and future generations.
RPA works to increase awareness of the Plateau’s valuable benefits by expanding outreach and education to community members and local municipalities. Landowners will be provided with opportunities to gain knowledge of sustainable forest management practices. Educational events for children will teach them about unique and natural resources found on the Plateau. We will enhance and expand our comprehensive resources available for local municipalities.
Rensselaer Plateau Alliance has developed a Trail Vision Plan that seeks to establish the Plateau as a recreational destination with a regional trail network, connecting existing trails on the Plateau and other trails throughout Rensselaer County. Engaging the community, we will make the Plateau a more accessible resource for the public by developing new trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, hiking, bird watching, and many other family activities.
We establish community forests and preserves that will provide educational, recreational, environmental, and economic benefits to the local and greater Rensselaer Plateau community, such as: training programs for sustainable forest management, economic development opportunities through tourism & the local forest products industry, child and adult educational programs, and publicly accessible trails. These conserved lands will benefit the community by demonstrating best practices for stewardship and conservation.