RT 28 RT 28 Vegetation and Wildlife: An Invaluable Resource for the Catskills Rt. 28: Gateway or Barrier for Wildlife? CORRIDOR CORRIDOR STUDY STUDY

Matrix forest blocks Forest Types of the Route 28 Corridor Rare and Endangered Species of the Central Catskills “represent landscapes identified as having the size and condition to maintain functional forest systems over the Creek crossings long term, including the ability to recover from natural and act as corridors for wildlife movement across The lands surrounding the Route 28 corridor are human caused disturbances”(Zimmerman et al., 1) home to a number of species of plants and animals (or rather under) Route 28 and other roads in that are classified as rare or endangered in New York the area. Parcels of land between these cross Pine Hill Andes State. Much of this habitat is currently on private land. ings and the existing public lands are integral Catskill Escarpment Bear Pen Vly in facilitating wildlife movement. Margaretville Fleischmanns It is important to remember that even rare species can play an Arkville Fleischmanns important role in the local ecosystem A healthy forest is one of the Margaretville Shandaken Catskills’ most valuable assets, both in terms of environmental quality Shandaken West Kill Wilderness PinePine Hill Hill and as a powerful draw for new residents and tourists alike. Arkville Phoenicia Sugarloaf ton pac Pe Big Indian Phoenicia Big Indian Indian Beaverkill Mount Tremper Panther Mountain Phoenicia See handout for West Hurley Ashokan species names BoicevilleBoicevilleAshokan West Hurley and habitat Mt. Tremper Shokan information Shokan ir rvo se Re Every road cutting through a landscape changes that ecosystem in some way. In the case A sh of a large, heavily traveled road, that change can be huge. Route 28 cuts right through oka n Images courtesy of the center of the main group of Catskill matrix forest blocks, creating a significant hin- New York Natural drance to the movement of wildlife between the large sections of intact Forest Preserve Land Other 012340.5 Heritage Program NYC DEP Lands Miles F www.acris.nynhp.org forest. This impacts the genetic health of native populations and also increases the threat posed by invasive species. Northern hardwood forest Pine-hemlock-hardwood forest Trails 0369121.5 Miles Pine-Oak forest Spruce-fir-hardwood forest Rt28 The nature of development along the Route 28 corridor has the potential to Approximate locations of rare plant and animal species Public Lands dramatically impact the ecological functioning of the matrix forest blocks Phoenicia Wetlands First growth areas (never cut) F (as identified by the NY Natural Heritage Program) (Forest Preserve or NYC DEC) adjacent to it, and thus the ecology of the entire Catskill region.

A variety of worlds The Invasive Species Threat

to explore Invasive species are plant or animal species Margaretville Fleischmanns that are not native to a particular area and if Land history plays a major role in given the opportunity will outcompete native shaping vegetation patterns in the Phoenicia species. This can cause serious harm to the central Catskills. functionality of the ecosystem. While most of the region was The Emerald Ash Borer and Asian Long- logged at some point in the past, many horned Beetle, seen at right, have not yet been of the steeper slopes contain first found in the Catskills but pose a serious threat. growth forest which has never been The Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, however, is al- cut. These “old growth” areas allow the Shokan ready present, and has the potential to do what visitor to experience a unique the logging and tanning bark industries never ecosystem and provide a glimpse into a did---wipe every last hemlock from the Catskill the past of the Northeast. mountainsides. Previously burned areas and those Shade tolerant plant species such as which were once used as pasture Norway Maple and Japanese Barberry, which display their own unique vegetation have long been used as ornamentals in towns, patterns, offering a fascinating contrast First growth forest Rt28_Clip1 0369121.5 Miles also pose a threat to the native forests of for the Catskills hiker. Current or former pasture Trails Catskill Park. From top: Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Long- Burn areas F horned Beetle and Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Pine Hill (images courtesy of wikipedia.com) Big Indian Mt. Tremper

Catskills Route 28 Corridor Study LSA 470-670, Spring 2009 Catskills Route 28 Corridor Study LSA 470-670, Spring 2009 Andes, Margaretville, Middletown, Fleischmanns, Shandaken, Olive, Hurley Sean Creighton, Michael DiCarlo and Laura Roberts Andes, Margaretville, Middletown, Fleischmanns, Shandaken, Olive, Hurley Sean Creighton, Michael DiCarlo and Laura Roberts

28 RT History and Culture CORRIDOR STUDY

Displaced Towns Quotes from T. Morris Longstreths 1919 novel “The Catskills” Big Indian “We chose Big Injin-named for a strapping redskin who got into trouble be- cause he would murder people. The name, of course, has been banalized into Big Indian,..We shall continue to Germanize our imaginations until they starve to death,” This map of Olive Olive from the mid nine- (www.dcnyhistory.com) Map showing the original and current sites “Half way up Big Injin is the little town of Oliverea, which the natives pro- teenth century, nounce to rhyme with sea, and I don’t see why they shouldn’t. It boasts an en- before the town of towns within the reservoir. (www.dcnyhistory.com) 1869 Beers Atlas gaging little schoolhouse, very white, with a yard, then already very green..” was relocated for the reservoir, may Phoenicia provide ideas for a new town center. “If the Mountain House is the eye of the Catskills, the Overlook the brow, Wind- ham the lungs, and Slide Mountain the heart, then Phoenicia is the nerve center. It lies at the cross-roads of Nature, and as snug in its valleys as a moth in a muff. For merchantry it should be a strategic place to live. Every motorist who comes up the Esopus Valley from Kingston, or down the Esopus from the west, every traveler whose traffic delights the eye or dusts the nose of sellers of wares, mist bisect Phoenicia.” (www.catskillarchive.com) Remnants of the original towns can still be seen during droughts. “...a walking trip in the Catskills becomes a heart-warming affair. Your realize the Indian era with its sudden forays from the forest; the era of the first straggling hunters. Then you find coming in quicker succession the tanners, the lumbermen, the brave home- (www.historicmapsrestored.com) steaders, who people the ravines and lift the paintless and perishing backwoods settle- ments from the plane of romance to that of business.”

1869 Beers Atlas (www.dcnyhistory.com) “Eventually the Catskills will be an immense pleasure park, as much of the Adirondack forest is now, set aside for the health, wealth, and happiness of the entire East.”

(www.catskillarchive.com) Shavertowns River Street is now under the The Hardenburgh Ashokan Reservoir but its character can still be Description derived from James Sullivan, History of the State of New York, Patent was the seen through old post cards. vol 2, 1927 focus of the Andes Hurley was granted by patent October 19, 1708. It has given territory to help form New Paltz Rent War where common citizens

in 1809, Esopus in 1819, Olive in 1823, Rosendale in 1844 and Woodstock in 1853. It is mod- (www.dcnyhistory.com) erately hilly, with extensive fertile flats along the Esopus Creek. The citizens of Hurley first were forced to pay asked for an extension of land to guarantee a supply of pasture land and forests, but the ex- rent to wealthy tended negotiations led to the granting of the notorious Hardenbergh Patent to Jacobis European land- Hardenbergh and six others. Later, Robert Livingston purchased almost half of the Harden- owners. bergh patent from its original owners.

(www.catskillarchive.com) The site of Bishop Falls now lies 1/4 1869 Beers Atlas (www.dcnyhistory.com) mile from the main Ashokan Dam under 180 feet of water at the deepest part of the reservoir. What Does This Information Mean?

From a planning stand point, this information is useful to see how each of these towns developed before the construction of Route 28. It’s also useful to draw comparisons between the development pat- terns of today and see how Route 28 changed the way these towns grew. Fleischmanns is a prime example of how a town can lose alot of economic income by being bypassed by a main road. Old Route 28 used to pass directly through the town, allowing any passers-by the chance to stop and buy something. Today visitors may or may not notice the town of Fleischmann’s on their way by. (www.catskillarchive.com)

This is the last known picture of Bishop These 1829 maps of Delaware and Ulster counties show the original townships This 1912 Sanborn map shows Fleischmanns town center and original properties. Falls, taken the day before the valley and land plots. (www.historicmapsrestored.com) (www.dcnyhistory.org) began to be flooded.

Catskills Route 28 Corridor Study LSA 470-670, Spring 2009 Andes, Margaretville, Middletown, Fleischmanns, Shandaken, Olive, West Hurley Chris McGee, Nic Bozzo, Tim Mayhew 28 RT 28 RT Water-Based Recreation Water-Based Recreation CORRIDOR CORRIDOR STUDY STUDY

Natural Features: State Land & Forest Preserve: Common Fish: The Central Catskills contain well over ten thousand miles of streams, ponds, and According to the DEC, fish are stocked yearly in the various Catskill waters. This is done in Arkville Public Fishing Rights: Big Indian Public Fishing Rights: lakes. The surrounding landscape with its moutains, valleys, and vegetation create the Wilderness Area oder to boost recreational fishing opportunities, as well as to regenerate certain native perfect environment for the outdoor adventurer. Years ago Native Americans and set- Wild Forest species to various waters. tlers used the waters as a means of transportation, resulting in the present day roads Intensive Use Area which often parellel streams and allow for easy access. Park Boundary Line Perch - Prefers shallow, weedy waters Water Bodies Seasonal Opportunities: Bullhead - Found in warmwater ponds and slow streams

Tubing Crappie - Prefers clear, quiet water with vegetation Fly Fishing Fly Fishing Boating Fly Fishing Boating Boating Walleye - Prefers deeper waters

Pike - Prefers cooler, weedy waters Andes Batavia Kill Ice Fishing Pickerel - Found in cool lakes Map showing location of Fleischmanns Winter Spring Summer Fall Popular Rt.28 Arkville public lands in the Central Phoenicia Public Fishing Rights: Bass - Found in most NYS waters Catskills. Fishing Locations: Fly Fishing: Map showing various fishing lo- Margarettville Pine Hill BelleayreBelleayelleayy Day *Image taken from the Catskill Center for Conservation & Development * Esopus Cree American Fly Fishing was born on the branches of the Neversink River in the Catskills Trout - NY State’s official fish! Found throughout the state cations throughout the towns & Belleayreelleayre UseUsse AreArea k hamlets on the Route 28 corridor. Skiki Center Cente and still remains a popular destination for anglers. The Catskill Fly Fishing Museum Dry Brook Shandakennda showcases angling material for those with a passion for the sport. Reservoir Public Fishing Rights: Pumpkinseed - Most abundant fish in NY. Prefers shallow waters Beaverekill Creek and Wil- Pepacton Big Indian Much of the property in the Catskills is privately owned. If an area is not zoned for public lowemoc Creek, to the south west Phoeniciac fishing , the landowners consent is needed. Over the years the Department of Conserva- Ice Fishing: of the Route 28 Corridor are also tion has worked with private land owners tocreate Public Fishing Rights to allow access Ice fishing can be enjoyed on majority of lakes and ponds, however is prohibited in higly popular areas for fishing. Al- to these waters. For specific rules and regulations, information can be obtained from the Fishing Seasons: waters inhabited by trout. There are a number of safety precautions to be aware of though off the corridor, these MMt. Tremper before heading onto the ice. Department of Conservation. *www.dec.ny.gov* Branch of the Delaware waters offer some of the best East CreekCree -Check to see if ice fishing is allowed in the area. Panfish Yellow Perch catches. -Make sure you have essential ice cutting tools . Regulations & Permits: Bullhead dland -Make sure to have the proper jigging rod. 1. Streams & Rivers - Permit NOT Needed Crappie *Map images produced using k k -Dress warmly. Dont forget your feet, fingers, and ears. Walleye GIS* 2. Reservoirs - Permit IS Needed ill Cree s Cree Woo BBoiceville -Test the ice: Is it the proper thickness? Permits can be obtained from a NYS DEC Office. Northern Pike Pickerel erk oir -Make sure you are aware of various fishing regulation. Beav Esopu SShokan For more information on regulations and good fishing waters, contact the DEC Re- Small Mouth Bass erv gional Fiskeries Office. Fishing License: Large Mouth Bass Required while fishing on any body of water in New York State. Trout okan Res y il ly t r Public Fishing r ch r ay ne u er ber e u J us b Ash Tubing: uary ua ar Ap M J g tob m br M em e e Au tember c Tinker Town Tube Rental on Bridge Street in Phoenicia provides tourists with the op- Jan F O Rights: Nov Dec portunity to ride down a five-mile stretch of the Esopus Creek. During the warmer Sep Smaller maps defining the spe- moc Creek Month Willome k months, water is released upstream in order to add turbidity to the water. cific fishing rights and access throughout the towns & hamlets. Cree

Boating & Launching: *Maps images from the NYS DEC Fish Species Present ndout Within Wild Forest areas and Forest Preserve deisgnated waters are managed for Public Fishing Rights website* Creek baoting, traditionally associated with recreation, such as camping, swimming, canoe- oir Rou ll Trout Bass Panfish Bullhead Perch Sucker Alewife Pickerel Crappie Pumpkinseed Coldwater Warm Water Ice Fishing Permit Parking Campground Tubing Non-Motorized Boating eserv ing, rowing, and fishing. Echo Lake x xxxx nk R Belleayre Pine Hill Lake xx xxx ersi Wallki North-South Lake xx x x x x x x x x Nev Boiceville Public Fishing Rights: Signage: Esopus Creek x xxx Beaver Kill x xxx Catskill Creek x xxxx Schoharie Creek x xx Pepacton Reservoir xx x x x x x x x x reek Neversink Reservoir ndout C x xxxx Rou Ashokan Reservoir x xxxx Woodland Valley Stream xx xx East Branch of the Delaware x x East Kill River x xxxx West Kill River x

Catskills Route 28 Corridor Study LSA 470-670, Spring 2008 Catskills Route 28 Corridor Study LSA 470-670, Spring 2008 Andes, Margaretville, Middletown, Fleischmanns, Shandaken, Olive, Hurley Amber Schladebeck, Katy Johnson, Jordan Kelley Andes, Margaretville, Middletown, Fleischmanns, Shandaken, Olive, Hurley Amber Schladebeck, Katy Johnson, Jordan Kelley