"Now that the sale of this property by TNC to RMK Timberland Group has been completed, action on the snowmobile trail plans can begin," said Dave Perkins, NYSSA Trails Coordinator, adding, "NYSSA is looking forward to continuing our collaboration with DEC forestry and the new land owner to ensure these important community connector trails can open soon."

TNC’s first action when purchasing the land from Finch was to reach out to parties that had a stake in the disposition of these lands.  The major group to be contacted by TNC was the various towns that had former Finch property.   TNC asked towns to provide them with some ideas of their needs that might be met by the property.  One request made frequently by towns was the need to snowmobile trails that would connect their community with others.

In June of 2007, Jim Jennings, NYSSA Executive Director, and Dave Perkins, NYSSA Trails Coordinator met with Mike Carr, TNC Executive Director and other members of the TNC staff.  The purpose of the meeting was to gather input on snowmobiling needs and to discuss potential community connector trail routes needed by the towns.

Since that time, NYSSA has continued to work with TNC, DEC foresters, and Finch Paper LLC to scout and evaluate potential snowmobile trail routes.

Press Release by The Nature Conservancy, RMK Timberland Group, ATP Timberland Invest and Finch Paper LLC;
http://finchpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/TNCForestSale.pdf