OVID, NY (607NewsNow) — Land in Seneca County is now under state control. 

Gov. Kathy Hochul says 284 acres at the former Babcock-Hovey Scout Camp in Ovid has been bought by the New York State Dept. of Conservation through the NYS Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act for nearly $6 million to protect from future development.

“Babcock-Hovey is a gem along Seneca Lake, and this conservation achievement is a prime example of how the historic Bond Act is helping expand public access and protect drinking water in the Finger Lakes,” Hochul said. “By protecting this waterfront from development and connecting it to existing public lands, New York State will continue the camp’s legacy of affordable outdoor recreation for generations to come.” 

The site was previously owned by the Boy Scouts. DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton says the former camp “protects habitat and drinking water.”  

“The protection of Babcock-Hovey protects the lake from nutrient and sediment inputs related to potentially detrimental land use practices,” officials said.