EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DALE HUGHES TO STEP DOWN
After 13 years of service to the Woodstock Land Conservancy, Dale Hughes has announced he is stepping down as Executive Director at the end of the year to pursue other opportunities. "Dale's long tenure has been a great gift of service to the Conservancy, to the Town of Woodstock, and to all those who enjoy the fruits of his labor," said Michael DeWan, President of the Board of Directors. "For many years he has been the voice and face of our organization. For example, Dale has been single-minded in his commitment to saving Overlook. From the beginning he was instrumental in connecting this 'little land trust that could' to our eventual partners in preservation, the Open Space Institute and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. When we launched this campaign in December 2003, Dale led the charge to permanently protect the last remaining vacant land on the uppermost heights of our beloved icon.
"We salute him and are tremendously grateful for his many contributions. Thanks to his work, most of which went unnoticed by the public - whether crafting conservation easements, negotiating with landowners, fundraising, representing the Conservancy at the State and national level - the Conservancy is in a very strong position to move forward. He leaves a rich legacy of accomplishment, and we look forward to choosing as his successor someone who will lead us with vision, energy and enthusiasm."
“Working to protect the beautiful natural surroundings in the Town of Woodstock has been one of the most fulfilling roles I have played in my life,” said Dale. “It has been a pleasure serving with the many directors of the Land Conservancy over the years, and I believe that the results of our efforts will be enjoyed by generations of Woodstockers far into the future. With the ongoing success of the Overlook campaign, I feel that by working together with our supporters and our partners, we have truly accomplished something remarkable.”
The Woodstock Land Conservancy, founded in 1988, is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and protecting those lands most cherished by the people of Woodstock and surrounding areas. Starting with the very first conservation easement, granted by the much-loved and recently departed Aileen Cramer, the Conservancy has protected over 850 acres in the Town of Woodstock, and into the Towns of Hurley and Saugerties as well. The Board of Directors, made up of volunteer members of the community, will begin its search immediately for a new Executive Director. For more information contact Vice President David Marell at dmarell@hvc.rr.com. To learn more about the land trust, go to http://www.woodstocklandconservancy.org.