Tom Sampson of the Service's Northeast Region Realty Office recently spearheaded the effort to acquire the 85-acre Egan tract, located along the Walkill National Wildlife Refuge's southeast edge. The property includes valuable upland habitat that border the Wallkill Valley and connect the refuge's upland and valley properties. In addition, the land offers fabulous views of the Wallkill Valley.

Refuge Mananger Edward Henry coordinated the effort and worked with the landowner to deal with a series of last-minute issues. The Egan family has a 6-acre life use reservation on the tract. The Service worked in partnership with the Trust for Public Land to receive this tract. When it is posted and a safety zone established, the tract will be open to hunting.