From the Rockland County Legislature
Rockland County Legislators unanimously adopted a new law to allow the preservation of cultural resources held sacred by the Ramapough Lenape Nation at a place called Split Rock.
But while supportive of the conservation effort, several also spoke about the need to do even more by doing the right thing by the Ramapough and other indigenous peoples.
“I’ve been fighting for the state recognition of the Ramapough Lenape for the last 15 years,” Rockland County Legislature Chairman Alden H. Wolfe said. “This has been a struggle that sadly has resulted in inaction by the New York State Legislature. I think it’s appalling and that it’s an insult. I think that the action that we have taken is a small step in doing that which is just and right and allows us to truly see the very proud, noble people of the Ramapough Lenape Nation whom I’m very proud to call my friends.”
Wolfe is currently working on new legislation that will call on the State Legislature to formally recognize the Ramapough Lenape as a tribe.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day said he looks forward to signing the Local Law which will forever preserve the Split Rock site.
“Safeguarding this sacred ground is the right thing to do for our neighbors, the Ramapough Lenape, and for all people who want to make sure this important place is preserved now and for future generations,” Day said.
The 54.59-acre preservation site is located at the Rockland County Sewer District’s Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in Hillburn. Legislators declared it surplus so that the sewer district can sell it. The sewer district no longer has need for the property.
The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, based in Boonton, has submitted a request to purchase the property. The…
