Governor Cuomo Announces Approval of Conservation Plan for William H. Pouch Scout Camp

Vote by Greater New York Council of the Boy Scouts of America Enables State-Negotiated Conservation Plan to Protect Natural Environment on Staten Island
Albany, New York - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the approval of a conservation plan for the William H. Pouch Scout Camp on Staten Island. New York State is providing $6 million through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) for phases 2 and 3 of the conservation plan. These phases were approved this week by the Board of Directors of the Greater New York Councils (GNYC) of the Boy Scouts of America, which owns the property.

“Staten Island’s Pouch Camp has given generations of Boy Scouts access to the great outdoors, and we must do everything we can to keep this iconic Camp going,” Governor Cuomo said. “This week’s vote was another key step in that direction, allowing us to conserve the Camp as open space, ensuring that Boy Scouts and the public will be able to use it for years to come. I commend the Greater New York Councils for signing onto this collaborative effort to safeguard Staten Island’s natural environment for all.”

GNYC President Alair Townsend said, “I am extremely proud of the volunteers and staff who have worked so hard for all these years to make this day a reality. This agreement represents a great future for Staten Island and all of NYC Scouting and Exploring.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joseph Martens said, “This project is another example of Governor Cuomo's commitment to preserving green space and promoting outdoor recreation, and with the support of groups like the Trust for Public Land and our state and local partners, we will also be preserving a valuable recreational camp that has been enjoyed by thousands of children. I am pleased that the property will continue to provide urban youth and other visitors with an outstanding outdoor experience for years to come.”

In July 2011, an agreement was announced between the Trust for Public Land and the GNYC of the Boy