For the past two years, Stop Zena Development has been fighting to conserve a 625+ acre property located in the Towns of Woodstock and Ulster in New York's Hudson Valley. This property is a green gem at the foot of the Catskills containing high quality, unbroken forest that serves as a crucial wildlife corridor connecting forests to the south and north. Over 520+ acres of this property fall within Woodstock's Zena Woods Critical Environmental Area. The CEA was created to recognize the forest's biodiversity, unique habitats, and important ecological services like flood prevention.

In 2023, out-of-town developers outbid land conservationists and purchased the 625+ acre property. Their initial proposal for an enormous golf course, helipad and luxury rental villas caused community uproar. Stop Zena Development, a coalition of the Woodstock Land Conservancy and concerned community members, organized a swift response and successfully pressured the developers to roll back the worst of their plans - for now.

Zena Development has currently proposed a 30-lot subdivision and private recreation center in the heart of the forest, directly below a sensitive wildlife sanctuary. Although they claimed for almost two years that they would address the region's housing shortage, they have since admitted that the majority of the 30+ single family homes that they plan to construct would cost at least $1 million - not the affordable and accessibly priced housing the Hudson Valley desperately needs. Most importantly, Woodstock and Ulster residents are certain that this subdivision would just be the developer's first step. The road (or roads) that would be constructed to enter this subdivision would make it easier for them to develop the rest of their 520+ acres, or to sell this land to a different developer.

The developers are working tirelessly to push their subdivision plans through, but Stop Zena Development's lawyers and community volunteers are working just as hard to stop them. That's where you come in! To celebrate the two-year anniversary of our fight, we are releasing a shirt with Stop Zena Development's first graphic. Funds from this Bonfire fundraiser will primarily cover legal fees. Funds will also help to cover the costs of our community organizing efforts, including flyer and mailer printing.

For more information, please visit: stopzenadevelopment.org

Thank you for your support!