Saratoga PLAN to discuss next steps for Snake Hill

STILLWATER, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Snake Hill, a 30-acre forested dome off of Saratoga Lake in Stillwater, was bought by Saratoga Preserving Land and Nature (PLAN) at the beginning of 2024 for $1 million. The non-profit community-based conservation organization is now preparing to tell the public about its next steps for the land.

Saratoga PLAN will have an informational Zoom meeting on February 26 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to discuss Snake Hill's ecological value and its future. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required on the Saratoga PLAN website.

Snake Hill is currently closed to the public. Over the summer, Saratoga PLAN revealed the three options they had for Snake Hill: resource protection with no public access, education and resource protection with limited public access (the organization's preferred option), or passive recreation.

The public was able to share their thoughts on what should happen with the land in August and September. According to Saratoga PLAN, many shared they wanted to learn more about the property and preserve it or wanted access to enjoy Snake Hill, while some wanted limited or no public access.

Saratoga PLAN bought Snake Hill from Stewart’s Shops. Stewart’s had originally planned to build four homes on the land but abandoned the plan due to some town regulations and construction costs caused by Snake Hill’s shape and steep sides.

Saratoga Plan also launched the "Protect Snake Hill Forever" campaign to address some stewardship and ecological concerns. Over $233,000 was raised.

"We are deeply grateful to the community members who shared their feedback and contributed to the success of the 'Protecting Snake Hill Forever' campaign," said Robert Davies, Executive Director of Saratoga PLAN.