The Albany County Legislature adopted a local law on Monday, creating a new Nature and Historic Preserve System which will establish regulations for the use and continued sustainability of nature and historical preserves owned or managed by Albany County.

The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Legislators William Reinhardt and Jeff Perlee, replaces a 1976 law to revitalize the program for current standards and expands it to include land areas and historic sites previously not included. The new system provides for the inclusion of the Ann Lee Pond EcoRegion Preserve, the Lawson’s Lake Preserve, and additional properties intended for a variety of uses, from recreational activities to historic and nature preservation.

According to the law, “this Preserve System will also address the ever-worsening effects of climate change by providing for forested parcels to sequester carbon in the atmosphere, helping to mitigate temperature fluctuation, preventing soil erosion, ensuring appropriate water quality, as well as serving many other beneficial functions.”

“As Chair of the Conservation, Sustainability and Green Initiatives Committee of the Albany County Legislature, I am very pleased to have been a lead sponsor of this bipartisan legislation to create the Albany County Nature and Historic Preserve,” said Reinhardt. “This Preserve System is designed to grow over time, through collaboration with both private and other public landowners, to create a Preserve System to better protect, preserve, and enhance the natural and historical features of Albany County for today and future generations.”

“I’ve been pushing for this important legislation for some time.  Working closely with the Chairman of the Conservation Committee, William Reinhardt. I’m glad it’s finally been passed on a resounding, bipartisan basis,” said Perlee. “I thank my friend and Helderberg-area neighbor Bill Reinhardt for all his input, leadership and help. We learned again during COVID that our County’s unique natural assets are a draw for residents and tourists alike. This legislation will firmly establish Albany County’s leadership in the field of conservation and eco-tourism, while ensuring that what we love and value today will be preserved and enjoyed by future generations.”