CATSKILLS magazine - Late Summer 2022

RARE BLOOMS AQUATIC INVASIVES SCENES FROM THE OUTDOOR EXPO

CATSKILLS QUILTS

LATE SUMMER

2022

4

WHAT’S NEW AT THE CATSKILL CENTER

5

VIEW FROM THE TRAIL

6

FEATURED ARTIST: MAEVE MCCOOL

9

QUILTING IN THE CATSKILLS

12

A 267-YEAR-OLD FARM REBLOOMS

16

BLAZING A NEW KIND OF TRAIL

21

CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY

25

PHOTOS FROM THE OUTDOOR EXPO

29

ENDNOTE

COVER: THE BONFIRE BY MAEVE MCCOOL, DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION, 2022. INSIDE COVER: MY FATHER’S TOOL BOX BY MAEVE MCCOOL, DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION.

CONTENTS

STAFF CONTRIBUTORS SUMMER 2022

JEFF SENTERMAN Jeff grew up spending weekends in the mountains, and when he’s not steering the ship that is the Catskill Center, can often be found atop a local peak. His column, Endnote, appears in each issue. Jeff is the Executive Director of the Catskill Center.

ALLISON DUNNE After a career in journalism, Allison joined the Catskill Center to tell stories in a different realm as the Communications Manager. She contributed multiple pieces to this issue and is one of the magazine’s editors.

SARAH MCGINNIS For this issue, Sarah handled the layout and graphic design work. Sarah is the Exhibit, Outreach and Marketing Coordinator for the Catskills Visitor Center.

SARAH CONEY Sarah is the CRISP Aquatic Invasive Species Manager and new to the Catskill Center team. She wrote about aquatic invasives for this issue.

ABOUT US: Since 1969, the Catskill Center has protected and fostered the environmental, cultural, and economic well-being of the Catskill region.

Our mission is to ensure a bright future for the Catskills by preserving our environment, expanding our economy, and celebrating our culture.

Become a member at: catskillcenter.org/membership

43355 Route 28, Arkville, NY 12406 | cccd@catskillcenter.org | 845.586.2611

CATSKILL CENTER

3

WHAT’S NEW AT THE CATSKILL CENTER WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF MEMBER: SARAH CONEY, AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGER, CRISP Sarah joined the Catskill Center staff in 2022 but has been working in the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) since 2017.

Shortly before graduating from SUNY Oneonta in 2017, she began working with the CRISP Watershed Steward Program and has helped to oversee and grow the program.

Sarah is passionate about aquatic ecosystems, helping to preserve them, and spends much of her summers above and below our NY waters. She has participated in several studies involving aquatic invasive species (AIS) and has done a lot of work with native pearly mussels. Her master’s thesis focused on the reintroduction of the American Eel and its effects on native pearly mussel populations.

Sarah is currently working to expand our knowledge of AIS in the Catskills Region. In 2020, Sarah was the first to find Quagga mussels in Otsego Lake, and she will be mapping their current spread in the Catskills over the next few seasons.

(Read Sarah’s article about her work with aquatic invasives later in this issue.)

4

SUMMER 2022

VIEW FROM THE TRAIL Olivia Bernard, Visitor Experience Coordinator at the Catskills Visitor Center, co-led a hike with Girl Gotta Hike’s Melissa Goodwin.

These photos (thanks, Olivia!) depict the hike to the Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower on one of these super hot and humid days in August. Interested in participating in one of our guided hikes?

Check out our upcoming events at catskillsvisitorcenter.org.

CATSKILL CENTER

5

THE MEADOW BY MAEVE MCCOOL, DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION, 2022

FEATURED ARTIST: MAEVE MCCOOL

Maeve McCool is a visual artist based in Catskill, NY who creates intricate works celebrating the natural world around us, as well as critiquing and documenting abandoned structures left behind from decades of capitalism.

McCool observes scenes in her everyday life that are often overlooked, but are integral to the cultural history of a place — like the decaying and forgotten hotels scattered throughout the Catskills, abandoned businesses, and crumbling farm houses. Despite the ebb and flow of the man-made world, one thing

is constant — in the end, the forces of nature will always take back what we have built, something that has always fascinated McCool.

McCool grew up in Wilmington, DE, and studied Fine Art and Art History at the Corcoran College of Art in Washington, DC, before moving to Catskill in 2018 as a Research Fellow at the Thomas Cole major series "Course of Empire", which studies how human greed and production affect the environment, driven by his overwhelming love of the nature that surrounded him in the Catskill Mountains.

McCool had a solo exhibition showcasing her drawings and paintings at Jeff Tufano Gallery in Cobleskill, NY and built a shelter/fort installation made from found trash in the group exhibition an/aesthetics: Rosekill in Rosendale, NY, which is currently on display. For more information about upcoming exhibitions, workshops, commissions or available prints, visit maevemccool.com.

Look for more of Maeve’s beautiful work throughout this issue.

8

SUMMER 2022

SUN-BLEACHED TARP BY MAEVE MCCOOL, INK ON PAPER, 22X30 IN,2022. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BETH SCHNECK PHOTOGRAPHY.

National Historic Site. McCool was influenced by Thomas Cole’s

QUILTING IN THE CATSKILLS THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN QUILTERS HALL OF FAME (CMQHOF) HAS RECOGNIZED LOCAL ARTISTS FOR 40 YEARS

BY PATRICIA CLARK, CMQHOF PRESIDENT During the 1970s, in various areas across the five counties of the Catskill Mountains (Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, Schoharie, and Ulster), quilters were gathered around quilting frames. Surrounded by what felt like an extended family sharing joys and sorrows, encouragement, enrichment, strength, and mutual respect, many friendships blossomed. Although the quilters were from diverse backgrounds, the Catskill Mountains (home of over 700,000 acres of the Catskill Park and Catskill Forest Preserve) provided an underlying influence along cultural, economic, and environmental lines. Plus, community outreach was a consistent focus of the groups.

CATSKILL CENTER

9

Their first quilt show was held in 1980 at the Erpf Catskill Cultural Center in Arkville, NY. Two years later, the Catskill Mountain Quilters Hall of Fame (CMQHOF) was founded. The goal was to recognize some of the women for contributing to and keeping alive the art of quilting, as well as preserving the spirit of caring and sharing. In fact, candidates had to demonstrate their dedication to the art of quilt making, skill in design techniques, quality control, and workmanship, along with how they share their art and care for others. In October of 1982 at the Erpf Catskill Cultural Center, six quilt makers were the first inductees into the CMQHOF. Nominees are restricted to those residing in the five-county area at the time of induction. Quilt guilds across the counties may have Guild Membership in the CMQHOF, enabling all their guild members to participate in meetings and the biennial quilt show, and to nominate inductees. Part of each guild’s activities include charity projects that help meet their county’s needs.

After 1998, the annual induction ceremonies became biennial and now occur in odd years. To date, there have been 94 inductees. Inductee plaques including a portrait photo, brief bio, and small quilt sample, and are on display in the Community Room of the Catskill Center in Arkville (the Erpf Center). A member guild, Catskill Mountain Quilters, still meets at the Catskill Center – they continue the practice of having a quilt in a frame that lowers from the ceiling for hand quilting bees. The Erpf gallery has hosted several one-woman quilt shows to honor inductees. The CMQHOF holds spring and fall meetings at the Catskill Center, with its annual Summer Picnic at CD Lane Park, Maplecrest. We are very thankful for the support of the Catskill Center.

Forty years after the formation of the CMQHOF, the world of quilting has changed significantly. With new tools to help speed up the process and improve accuracy, additional skill sets have been introduced, resulting in a variety of non-traditional pieces. With online tutorials, worldwide virtual quilt groups, national and international shows, etc., one can teach, learn, and become part of many communities. Virtual platforms like Zoom ™ have kept some member guilds going during the pandemic. Now that in-person meetings have restarted, the most meaningful and heartwarming comments that have

been heard indicate that everyone has missed the in-person camaraderie, where sharing and caring is best communicated. This brings us full circle to our founding members and a strong circle of friends.

The quilt shown throughout this article is Cottage Garden by Judy Craddock. It is an original design, and the techniques used were needleturn applique, trapunto, ribbon embroidery, embroidery embellishments, Broderie Perse, and also Inktense pencils. The entire 48”-square design was hand quilted, and was accepted into AQS Paducah (2022) and AQS Grand Rapids (2022).

CATSKILL CENTER

11

A 267-YEAR-OLD FARM

There has been a rebirth of a 1755 farm. Ten years ago, Kiley Thompson bought the run-down farm, now called Lazy Day Farm, and began the long road to fulfill his dream of owning a working farm as well as fulfilling a promise.

The buildings were so dilapidated that his realtor did not even want to show him the property. He insisted and it was love at first sight. Today, there is a nursery full of rare and exotic blooms and vegetables. The flower nursery features hanging baskets, containers, and a "Bloom Boutique Bar," where one may gather a bouquet from freshly cut flowers.

The farm is known for its colorful Americana eggs and especially guinea hen eggs. The little white garage has been transformed into a farm store

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAZY DAY FARM AND ANNE MACPHERSON

offering unusual vegetables, syrup, jams, jellies, BBQ sauce and Dilly Beans.

12

SUMMER 2022

Thompson loves to tell the story of the farm. "In the 1700s, the Reed Farm was very remote. Mohawk were everywhere. The Catskill Creek provided limited transportation to the Hudson River. Winters were harsh and carving out a living almost impossible," says Thompson. He says that before the Revolutionary War, most of the Northern Catskills were part of Albany County. The territory where the farm was started was a district called Coxsackie, a Dutch translation of Algonquin meaning, ‘Land of Owls.’

In 1790, the land was relieved from the town of Coxsackie to form the town of Durham, established in 1802. As local lore goes, the original founders of the town settled on Meeting House Hill (across from the farm) at a high elevation to see marauding Mohawks before they could attack. However, the wind and the cold were so brutal that half the settlers died and the remaining either returned to Boston or stayed on to form the town of Durham.

One of the families that stayed was the Hull family. Around 1802, a member of the Hull family married a daughter of the Reed family. The farm became known as the Reed-Hull Farm. It eventually became the Hull Farm. An extension was built in 1820 and a massive new barn was built for the increasing dairy herd. The farm eventually became known as "Pa John’s" and became an anchor for the growing community.

One of John Hull’s 14 children was Ralph Hull, who along with his family sold the farm to Thompson (only the second owner) in 2011 under the promise that Thompson would bring the farm back to its glory. Hull died a few years later, but Thompson kept his promise.

Lazy Day Farm was incorporated as a business in 2021. The 1755 farm may be one of the oldest farms in Greene County.

Part of the glory of Lazy Day Farm are Anne Macpherson’s rare blooms.

CATSKILL CENTER

13

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANNE MACPHERSON

RARE FLOWERS AND ME

by Anne Macpherson I have been gardening since I was five years old. I am also an artist. I love flowers, especially if they are unusual. When Kiley Thompson and I decided we would open a rare floral nursery, my first thought was to raise only those blooms that could not be found anywhere in Greene County and possibly beyond. In the late fall of 2021, I began my search for flowers that would not only be beautiful and unique, but also grow in our climate.

I pored through seed catalogs and searched Etsy for plants that would delight the senses. By the time January rolled around, seeds had been ordered and the grow room was glowing with light. I carefully placed tiny seeds of what I hoped would be my dream garden and prayed.

The plants grew, at least most of them, through the cold months of winter while I impatiently awaited the warm days of spring. As each seedling grew, I could imagine what it would look like when it was in full bloom. Not only did I want a magic garden of brilliant colors, I came up with the idea of a Bloom Bar Boutique where customers could put their own bouquets together, stem by stem. I referred to the color wheel to plant complementary blossoms and opposites. I used my artistic eye as my guide. Some of my favorite flowers either featured spectacular combinations of flowers or unique shapes. I loved the lacy look of Queen Anne’s Lace and found several in wonderful colors — red, mahogany, green and black. Wow! One of my passions is sunflowers. Not any old yellow sunflower but ones with multicolor petals or rich brilliant color that was out of the norm. One of those sunflowers has a deep blue center with eight different colored petals.

Another was white with a black center. My favorite of all the sunflowers however is Autumn Glory, with the glowing colors of the fall, from burgundy to deep red and orange.

As the garden comes into bloom, I see my dream is becoming a reality.

CATSKILL CENTER

15

BLAZING A NEW KIND OF TRAIL

WALKWAY AT CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER HONORS LOCAL INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES, AND ORGANIZATIONS The staff of the Congressmen Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center has begun lining the front walkway with bricks sponsored by local donors, businesses, and organizations, engraved with customized messages that honor the people, traditions, and rich history of the Catskills. A limited number of 4x8” and 8x8” bricks are still available - see details on the following page. Brick sponsorships are greatly appreciated to help support the Catskill Center in maintaining and operating the Catskills Visitor Center.

16

SUMMER 2022

CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER BRICK WALKWAY I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE A 4X8 BRICK FOR $250 I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE AN 8X8 BRICK FOR $500 NAME: PHONE: EMAIL: PLEASE ENGRAVE MY BRICK AS FOLLOWS: 4X8 BRICK - 3 LINES WITH MAXIMUM 18 CHARACTERS PER LINE

8X8 BRICK - 6 LINES WITH MAXIMUM 18 CHARACTERS PER LINE

ANY SYMBOL IS CONSIDERED ONE SPACE. ALL TEXT WILL BE CENTERED. TEXT IS SUBJECT TO STAFF REVIEW AND APPROVAL.

ORDER BY MAIL: MAIL IN THIS FORM WITH YOUR CHECK, PAYABLE TO CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER, PO BOX 231, MOUNT TREMPER, NY 12457.

ORDER ONLINE:

CATSKILLSVISITORCENTER.ORG/DONATE FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE CVC AT 845-688-3369

SAVE THE DATE! 53 YEARS OF CATSKILL CENTER - THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES! JOIN US FOR AN AUTUMNAL EVENING OF CATSKILL REVELRY

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 | 5:30PM - 8:30PM CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER 5096 NY-28, MOUNT TREMPER BENEFIT PROCEEDS PROVIDE CRITICAL FUNDS TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE OUR CATSKILLS, FROM VALLEY TO SUMMIT. THANK YOU!

TICKETS & INFO: CATSKILLCENTER.ORG/FALLBENEFIT 18

SUMMER 2022

THANK YOU BUSINESS MEMBERS! We would like to recognize these businesses for their generosity. When you do business with them, you support the Catskill Center and the entire region.

BUSINESS LEADERS ($5,000+) GDSNY BUSINESS PARTNERS ($1,000+) RXR SPORTS PARKS PROJECT BUSINESS FRIENDS ($500+) THE EMERSON RESORT AND SPA HUNTER FOUNDATION INC. THE ROXBURY KVISTAD FOUNDATION/WOODSTOCK CHIMES FUND BOVINA CENTER MONTESSORI SCHOOL LAMONT ENGINEERS, PC OTTO & FRIENDS BUSINESS STEWARDS ($250+) EASTERN MOUNTAIN SPORTS SLUITER AGENCY, INC. LVDV OPERATIONS, INC.

THE NEVERSINK ASSOCIATION SAFECO ALARM SYSTEMS, INC. FAIR STREET REFORMED CHURCH

BUSINESS MEMBERS ($100+) PHOENICIA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION RAIL EXPLORERS PHOENICIA THE OLANA PARTNERSHIP SILVER HOLLOW AUDIO CAMP CATSKILL RED SQUARE DESIGN KAATERSKILL MARKET EMPIRE STATE TRAIL RENTALS TROUT UNLIMITED ASOKAN-PEPACTON WATERSHED CHAPTER SHAWANGUNK VALLEY CONSERVANCY

ERICKSON’S AUTOMOTIVE, INC. PEEKAMOOSE RESTAURANT PINE HILL TRAILWAYS TENDER LAND HOME VLY MOUNTAIN SPRING WATER, INC. PHOENICIA LODGE STORY FARMS LLC STEWARD SAND AND GRAVEL HARMONY HILL LODGING & RETREAT CENTER COLDWELL BANKER TIMBERLAND PROPERTIES MORGAN OUTDOORS

For more information visit catskillcenter. org/businessmembership CATSKILL CENTER

19

Your tax-deductible donation supports healthy ecosystems and vibrant communities throughout the Catskill region.

Catskillcenter.org/membership Or complete this form and mail to:

Become a Member Individual ($35) Dual / Family ($50) Senior/Student ($25) BENEFITS INCLUDE: SUBSCRIPTION to the Catskill Center’s quarterly Catskills magazine with news from the Catskill Center and across the Catskill Region.

10% DISCOUNT on purchases at the Catskills Visitor Center, all Catskill Center facilities, and Campmor in Paramus, NJ with presentation of member card.

CATSKILL CENTER P.O. BOX 504 ARKVILLE, NY 12406 NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE PHONE EMAIL

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL $35 ­— Individual $50 ­— Dual / Family $25 ­— Senior/Student $100 ­— Partnering member $250 ­— Benefactor $500 ­— Leadership Circle $1,000 ­— President’s Circle

MEMBER-ONLY INVITATIONS to the Annual Gathering, lectures, and special events.

MEMBER PROGRAM SERIES ACCESS TO THE CATSKILL CENTER ARCHIVES at the Erpf Center in Arkville. Please contact the Catskill Center to schedule an appointment.

AMOUNT

MEMBER PACKAGE Members receive a membership package in the mail, including a member card and a Catskill Center cling sticker.

20

SUMMER 2022

ZIP

CARD # EXPIRATION CVC

CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY:

HELPFUL TIPS FROM THE CATSKILL CENTER’S FIRST

AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGER New this year, the Catskill Center has employed staff dedicated solely to Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Sarah Coney is CRISP Aquatic Invasive Species Manager and writes about why it’s important to prevent AIS from invading Catskills (really, any) waters.

The Catskills are home to many natural wonders, from the scenic views of Giant’s Ledge to the cascading force of Kaaterskill Falls. A variety of natural resources can be found in the Catskills and among the most precious are our waters. The Catskills have sparkling lakes (including many of New

CATSKILL CENTER

21

York City’s reservoirs), stunning

and have few to no controlling

waterfalls, and miles of rivers

herbivores or predators in

and streams comprising parts of

the native ecosystem. These

the Delaware, Susquehanna, and

introduced species will then

Hudson watersheds. Many of us

compete with native species for

have a favorite lake, river, or pond

resources, often outcompeting

where we spend the summer

the native species. Invasive

boating, fishing, or swimming.

species lead to declines in

Many of these waterways we

biodiversity, alter habitats,

simply appreciate for their

and can even eradicate native

aesthetics, adding picturesque

populations in areas where they

beauty to our daily lives. While

are introduced.

many people appreciate and recreate in the mountains and

Not only do they have profound

forests of the Catskills, our water

effects on the ecosystem, but

bodies are second to none and

they can take a toll on our wallets.

deserve just as much admiration

Invasive species cost North

and protection.

America an estimated $26 billion per year since 2010 (Crystal-

Like many places in the world,

Ornela, R. et al. 2021). While there

our waterways face the ever-

are no studies highlighting the

encroaching threat of Aquatic

cost of invasive species in the

Invasive Species (AIS). AIS are

Catskills specifically, anyone

non-native plants and animals

who has ever had to deal with

that cause environmental or

zebra mussels (Dreissena

economic damage or are harmful

polymorpha) clogging their

to human health. AIS have been

water intakes or Eurasian

introduced both accidentally and

watermilfoil (Myriophyllum

purposefully to North America

spicatum) tangling their boat

through a multitude of ways:

props can attest to how costly

ballast water, horticulture, as

these invaders can be. Invasive

a food resource, to name a few.

plants and animal species can

Many aquatic invasive species

negatively impact populations of

tend to reproduce quickly and

game fish or degrade the habitat

establish populations rapidly

of waterfowl, impacting fishing

22

SUMMER 2022

and hunting opportunities in the

important to be thorough and

Catskills as well.

make sure to check every nook and cranny where debris might

Despite the prevalence of AIS in

be lodged.

the Catskills and surrounding areas, there are still many

DRAIN any standing water in the

uninvaded waterbodies, such

hull, the motor, or anywhere else

as Mongaup Pond in Livingston

water accumulates. Many new

Manor, Sullivan County, or the

wake boats have internal bags

NYC reservoirs that we need to

that take in water and are great

protect. There are also many

ways for AIS to move around

species of AIS not found in the

undetected.

Catskills that if introduced could do irreparable damage to our

DRY your watercraft or

waterbodies. It’s up to those who

equipment completely before

use and appreciate our Catskill

moving to a new waterbody. Five

water resources to help protect

full days of sun (no rain!) are best

them not only for ourselves but

or at least two weeks out of the

for future generations as well.

water. Many species of invasive invertebrates can persist in damp

The more people are aware of

habitats for much longer than we

AIS like Northern snakehead

think, so a good drying is vital.

(Channa argus), Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), spiny waterflea

When visiting multiple

(Bythotrephes longimanus), and

waterbodies, it’s important to

other AIS, the better prepared we

realize that motorboats, canoes,

are to stop their spread. The best

kayaks, paddle boards, and

thing a boater, angler, or general

any equipment in the water are

recreationist in the Catskills can

capable of transporting AIS.

do is CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY!

From the distinctly spined water chestnuts (Trapa natans) that

CLEAN off all visible debris such

tend to get caught up between

as aquatic plants, mud, sticks,

boat and trailer to microscopic

etc. from watercraft or equipment

quagga mussel (Dreissena

when leaving a launch. It’s

rostriformis bugensis) larvae CATSKILL CENTER

23

persisting in a bit of water in a kayak’s hull to tiny, transparent fishhook waterflea (Cercopagis pengoi) caught up in an angler’s reel, we move AIS around in a multitude of ways without even being aware. It’s up to us to take every reasonable precaution when leaving or entering a waterbody to stop the spread of AIS. Luckily, NYS boaters have help in the form of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s boat stewards stationed at launches around the state to help boaters and recreationists Clean, Drain, and Dry their boats and equipment prior to entering or leaving the launch. However, our friendly neighborhood stewards can’t be at every launch in the state 24/7 and it’s up to boaters and other recreationists to take responsibility to help prevent the spread of AIS in the Catskills.

Help us keep the Catskills beautiful by being aware of AIS in the region and doing what you can do to stop them. For more information, visit catskillinvasives.com and remember to always CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY! Citation: Crystal-Ornelas R., E.J. Hudgins, R.N. Cuthbert, et al. 2021. Economic costs of biological invasions within North America. NeoBiota 67:485-510

24

SUMMER 2022

THANKS TO ALL OUR SPONSORS, VENDORS, AND VISITORS FOR A FUN-FILLED WEEKEND AT THE SUMMER GATHERING & CATSKILLS GREAT OUTDOOR EXPO!

CATSKILL CENTER

25

26

SUMMER 2022

CATSKILL CENTER

27

NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER!

THE CATSKILLS - A Folding Pocket Guide ARE THERE REALLY CATS IN THE CATSKILLS? WHERE CAN I FIND VIEWS WITHOUT A HIKE? WHO LEFT THESE TRACKS OUTSIDE MY TENT?!

You’ll find answers to all these questions and more in this compact guide. Created to meet a need identified by the staff and volunteers at the Catskills Visitor Center, this one-of-a-kind guide is waterproof, lightweight, and an excellent resource for both visitors and residents. Easily tucks in a jacket or backpack pocket, tackle box, or glove compartment, and makes a great gift. Explorers of all ages and experience levels will appreciate the outdoor recreation tips, regional information, and full-color illustrations for identifying local plants and wildlife. Retails for $7.95. To order, visit catskillsvisitorcenter.org.

28

SUMMER 2022

ENDNOTE - ON COLLABORATION

There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes at the Catskill Center, especially the collaborative approaches and advocacy that we work on across the Catskills. That work has picked up steam in the last several months as we have been involved in many opportunities to help shape the future of the Catskill Park, the Catskill watershed, and our State. It’s often quietly intensive, technical, yet important work, and it is key to why the Catskill Center succeeds in our efforts to protect and foster the environmental, economic, and cultural well-being of the Catskills.

For the Catskill Park, I have been serving on the Catskill Strategic Planning Advisory Group (CAG) for over two years and, in that time, we have been studying why the Catskill Park has become a more popular destination, the positive and negative impacts of increasing use, and how it can be managed into the future to protect our critical natural resources, provide recreational opportunities for the public, and benefit our local communities.

That’s a mighty tall order, and it is why the group, appointed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Commissioner on behalf of the Governor, has been working for so long on the creation of a final report. That final report will be released shortly, and it will contain a number of important recommendations that will help New York State recognize the Catskill Park as a park that should be managed and resourced in a comprehensive way, akin to a state- or federally-managed park. The appointment last year of a Catskill Park Coordinator was one of the first recommendations of the CAG in its Interim Report, and that Coordinator, who CATSKILL CENTER

29

has been serving in this capacity this year, will be key to the implementation and success of the CAG’s Final Report. The Catskill Center and I have invested a considerable amount of time into this effort and we’re proud of the collaborative approach the entire CAG took to understanding the challenges, examining opportunities, learning from other areas, and finally putting together a series of recommendations that will help the Catskill Park thrive in the future.

In the 2,000 square mile New York City West-of-Hudson watershed, which provides clean drinking water for millions of New Yorkers, our efforts span decades. The Catskill Center is one of the signatories to the 1997 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which has guided the protection of the watershed and its communities, and created a framework for the stakeholders and signatories to work together to ensure clean water and community vitality.

That’s a constantly evolving effort and the Catskill Center has been working diligently on it for all those years. Most recently, we provided feedback to the NYS Department of Health on its draft requirements for protecting water quality in the Catskills (the Filtration Avoidance Determination or FAD). In that letter we call for the immediate expansion of our Streamside Acquisition Program (SAP) that protects riparian buffers in the watershed, affords more flexibility for local communities, and relies upon science-driven decision-making to ensure that water quality protection measures succeed without unduly impairing local communities. In addition to comment letters, the work involves negotiations, collaborations, advocacy, and more.

Over the years, the Catskill Center has worked diligently to represent both environmental and community concerns, and bring a balanced approach to our work with all stakeholders in the watershed.

In addition, we just finished our review of the Climate Action Council’s robust plan to implement New York State’s 2019 Climate Act. The Climate Act calls for ambitious reductions in climate-changing emissions, and the draft "scoping plan" provides a framework for how the state can actually reach those ambitious targets. In our comment letter, we applaud the Council for proposing strong action to combat climate change, and provide some practical recommendations aimed at increasing the plan’s likelihood of 30

SUMMER 2022

success. The Catskills’ abundant forests are crucial for sequestering carbon.

Smart planning that ensures both healthy forests and healthy communities has been a longstanding goal of the Catskill Center, and our comment letter reinforces that core principle.

This quiet, strategic work of collaboration and advocacy, at the community level, the state level, and beyond to national and international levels is vital to the long-term protection of what we value most in the Catskills. As recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions make clear, we must build up from the grassroots, from each place we hold dear, efforts to not only improve those places, but knit together those efforts to create a groundswell of support to force policymakers and legislators to do what is necessary to protect the Catskills, protect New York, protect our nation, and protect this world.

JEFF SENTERMAN Catskill Center Executive Director

Secure the health of the Catskills for generations.

YOUR LEGACY THE FUTURE OF THE CATSKILLS catskillcenter.org/plannedgiving 31

SPRING 2022

CATSKILL CENTER

31

LATE SUMMER 2022

delivered directly to Catskill Center members.

A periodical celebrating New York State’s glorious Catskills,

PO Box 504 43355 State Highway 28 Arkville, NY 12406

The Catskill Center for Conservation & Development