Did you know parts of Riverdale, Fieldston and Spuyten Duyvil are designated as a SPECIAL NATURAL AREA DISTRICT (SNAD)?

This designation was made in 1975 through the New York City Zoning Resolution.  It is an important part of protecting natural areas, guiding development to safeguard mature trees and plantings, steep slopes, and rock outcrops. 

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At present there are four SNADs in NYC, including the one in our neighborhood.

This spring, the Preservancy will launch its  S pecial Natural Area District (SNAD) Awareness Campaign to highlight this ecologically protected area that ensures preservation of green spaces for all.

How can you participate in our SNAD Awareness Campaign!

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Special Natural Area District Information:

SNAD Protects Natural Features

• trees 6" caliper or greater,

• topographic elements: steep slopes (incline of 25% or greater), existing natural topography (0 % to < 25 % slope), and topsoil,

• rock outcrops and erratic boulders,

• wetlands and surface water features, and

• botanic environments.

Why does NYC create
Special Natural Areas?

SNADs are mapped "only in areas where outstanding natural features or areas of natural beauty are to be protected. The preservation of such areas is important because they contain areas of special ecological significance, interesting geological formulations and rock outcrops, unique aquatic features such as tidal wetlands, unique topographic features such as palisades, valleys and hills, important plant life such as glaciated oak-chestnut forests or because they serve as habitats for native flora and fauna." (Section 7412-10 of the zoning text)

The NYC Planning Commission adopted Special Natural Area District (SNAD) zoning regulations in 1974. The Commission updated and strengthened the regulations in 2005

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Where is Riverdale's SNAD?

The SNAD in Riverdale covers much of Fieldston and Riverdale west of the highway.

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For more detailed information on SNAD and responsible stewardship, click here.

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