On the night of August 14, 2024, a fire broke out in the maintenance shop at Black Rock Forest’s old headquarters area in Cornwall, New York. The fire was discovered at approximately 8:14 PM, and emergency services responded swiftly to the scene. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the fire was contained within the shop.
While the extent of the damage from the fire is still being assessed, we remain committed to our mission of research, education, and conservation. We are grateful for the swift response from local firefighters and first responders, whose efforts prevented the fire from spreading beyond the maintenance shop. We thank the Cornwall, Cornwall-on-Hudson,Vails Gate, West Point, and New Windsor Fire Departments, the Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson Police Department, Cornwall / New Windsor Ems, Orange County Emergency Services Battalion 4 Deputy Fire Coordinator and Fire Investigation Unit, Orange County Division of Emergency Communications, and Central Hudson Gas & Electric.
“We deeply appreciate the emergency responders who were there for us last night and continue to support Black Rock Forest,” said Forest Director Matthew Brady. “Their efforts help us safeguard the environment and protect our drinking water, ensuring that the forest remains a vital resource for our community—a place for education, conservation, recreation, and connection with nature.”
Black Rock Forest, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of the natural world, manages a 3,920-acre forest and scientific field station in the Hudson Highlands, approximately 60 miles north of New York City. The maintenance shop, which supports the upkeep of the forest’s facilities, trails, and infrastructure, has been an essential part of operations. A portion of the building was damaged last year during the July storm event, but it was in the process of being repaired.
Black Rock Forest collaborates with universities, schools, scientific institutions, and cultural organizations to foster scientific inquiry and provide educational programs for students, teachers, and the public. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure the forest and its resources remain accessible for research, education, and public recreation.
To read Black Rock Forest’s full press release click here.
