FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release of Greater Catskill Region Comprehensive Recreation Plan Marks Completion of Catskill Master Plan and Stewardship Planning Project

November 10, 2020 -- ARKVILLE, NY: The Catskill Watershed Corporation recently announced the release of the much-anticipated Greater Catskill Region Comprehensive Recreation Plan. A result of the Catskill Center’s advocacy efforts leading the Catskill Park Coalition, the plan offers a strategic vision with actionable steps to increase public recreational access in the Catskill Park. The planning team included the Catskill Center, Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Senator James L. Seward and Senator George A. Amedore, Jr., were instrumental in obtaining the funding for the plan in the 2015-2016 New York State Budget, which included $500,000 directed towards the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation under the Aid to Localities budget for Catskill Master Plan Stewardship and Planning. The NYSDEC, NYCDEP, CWC and the Catskill Center assisted in the implementation of the funding, including the identification and management of projects. The CWC was tasked with the administration of all funding as well as all reporting obligations.

“The Catskill Center is thrilled to have the Greater Catskill Region Comprehensive Recreation Plan complete,” said Jeff Senterman, the Executive Director of the Catskill Center. “This plan provides all involved with a broad view of recreational resources and opportunities both in the Catskill Park and the NYC watershed area. The plan will help agencies, organizations, and communities work together in the future towards enhanced recreational opportunities, better user management, a more welcoming and inclusive region, and improved coordination amongst all parties. We look forward to seeing even more improvements to the natural resources, infrastructure, and management of the Catskill Park and surrounding watershed lands thanks to the Greater Catskill Region Comprehensive Recreation Plan.”

Since Aid to Localities funds were made available, they have been used for the creation of the Recreation Plan, as well as for additional planning and construction projects. Planning work also included a contract with Tahawus Trails LLC to provide a preliminary design for a mountain bike trail system on recently acquired state land in the Shandaken Wild Forest. This plan has subsequently been incorporated into the Shandaken Wild Forest Unit Management Plan and is awaiting construction.

Several much-needed trailhead parking areas were built to help with increasing use and road congestion. In Ulster County, funding was used to purchase materials for DEC to construct a parking lot for the Mead’s Meadow - Overlook Mountain trailhead and for kiosk and trail construction. Additionally, materials were purchased for DEC to construct parking lots at the Kanape Brook Trailhead, the Shandaken Wild Forest Sawmill Access, the Red Hill Fire Tower trailhead and Vernooy Kill trailheads.

The Willow trailhead parking lot and kiosk were built on DEP land to access DEC hiking trails. This project was contracted to Delaware Bulldozing Corporation. The Sundown Wild Forest Upper Cherrytown Road parking lot was constructed by Rock Mountain Farms. In Greene County, the Elm Ridge parking lot expansion, kiosk and trail were constructed by Lefever Excavating Inc. These projects resulted in an additional 142 parking spaces at these locations.

Additionally, funds were used to complete the Catskill Park Wayfinding Signage project, which provides informational signage along roadways to direct visitors and residents to the many recreational assets that can be found in the Catskill region.

“It has been exciting to see the advocacy of the Catskill Park Coalition turn into funding and that funding then turn into concrete results for a better Catskill Park,” said Senterman. “We are very grateful for the hard work and support from Senator James L. Seward and Senator George A. Amedore, Jr. to secure these monies for the Catskill Park. We look forward to continuing to work with members of the NYS Legislature and Governor’s Office to build on the success of this funding with continued infrastructure improvements and the implementation of items presented in the planning studies.

Copies of the Greater Catskill Region Comprehensive Recreation Plan can be found for review at regional libraries and by visiting www.cwconline.org/catskill-recreation-plan to download a copy.

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