Conservation group purchases historic 440-acre Mt. Cathalia to expand Minnewaska State Park

Open Space Institute announced the purchase of a 440-acre mountain property in Ellenville, New York, for $3.3 million. The land, formerly known as Mt. Cathalia and operated in the 1950s by Chinese-American Army veteran Joseph Tso as the nation’s only Chinese-American-owned ski resort, will be handed to the state to become part of Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Situated between the park’s North and South Gully sections, the acquisition will connect previously separated tracts near the Ellenville Ice Caves and expand the protected area to over 24,000 acres.

OSI highlighted the site’s environmental, recreational, and historic value, noting its resilient habitats and carbon-storage potential. The Tso family expressed hope that the transfer fulfills their parents’ wish to share the mountain with all visitors. While the mountain remains closed for now, plans are underway to integrate it into the park’s public trail network.