The Times Union reports that New York has acquired 1,300 acres of forest and grassland in the Taconic Mountains to preserve open space. The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced that the land in the Rensselaer County town of Berlin will connect the Taconic Ridge and Berlin State Forests. “DEC and our partners are continuing to collaborate with stakeholders to permanently protect the Taconic Ridge and the valuable ecological and recreational opportunities it provides,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “This newest 1,300 acres will help connect and enhance DEC’s existing state forest network and builds upon our ongoing progress in conserving this Capital Region natural treasure.” The purchase for $890,000 through the state’s Environmental Protection Fund will link together more than 12,000 acres of state forests. The land includes a tributary of the Little Hoosic River, a wild trout stream, and 80 acres of critical grassland habitat. Read more about this story in the Times Union.