CATSKILL CENTER News A PUBLICATION OF THE CATSKILL CENTER FOR CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT, INC. Volume 35 Number 2 2006. From the Executive Director:– Protected Open Space as an Economic Asset

While precious open space marketing the Catskills as a paradise and natural resources continue for outdoor activity is important for business growth, perhaps more to disappear at an alarming important and most basic for this rate across the globe, there is model to be successful is the need actually good news in the for the public to have full access to these public lands for their enjoy- Catskills. Here there are over ment. Simply put, the more “fun” 280,000 acres of constitution- people are having on these lands the ally protected Forest Preserve, more time and money they’ll spend here. 68,000 more of other state City’s Department of lands, 30,000 acres protected Environmental Protection (DEP) has by local and regional Land long been criticized (by the Catskill Center among many others) for not Trusts, and the City of New allowing sufficient access by the pub- York continues to purchase land lic to land they’ve purchased. We (now about 50,000 acres since 1997) have long argued that by their pur- to protect its watershed (and ours) chasing land and preventing devel- from environmental degradation. opment the watershed will be pro- As a result of these efforts and because many private tected but that public use is critical for the health of local landowners are also committed to protecting their lands economies. from inappropriate development, we continue to add to The DEP has recently taken important steps to amend our open space reserves in the Catskills rather than its recreational use policy (see article in this newsletter) depleting them. By continuing to protect contiguous allowing the public increased access to their properties. tracts of forest, river valleys and farms, we protect our Perhaps the most significant change is the ability now for ecological health and our cultural heritage. the public to get access permits on-line with no waiting, Taken together, this protected open space provides us simply go to the DEP website (www.ci.nyc.ny.us/dep) with an outdoor paradise that rivals most places in the and you can receive a printable permit, instantly. northeast…and only 2 hours from Manhattan, the Perhaps some time in the near future trails on state nation’s largest source of potential visitors. Furthermore, owned lands will interconnect across city lands to form a both the State and the City make payments in lieu of vast network of hiking opportunities further promoting taxes on these lands, none of which require government the Catskills as an outdoor enthusiast’s Mecca. services. This is significant and has a direct positive Until then, we should recognize that open space impact on our economy. owned by public entities, which pay taxes on those prop- Open space is arguably our greatest economic asset, erties AND allow public access for recreation is a formu- which will increase in value over time as it becomes la for economic growth and sustainable communities in scarce in most other places. Publicly owned lands are the Catskills. the economic life-blood of the Catskills, visited by out- So, thank you to New York City’s DEP for taking this door enthusiasts for an ever-expanding range of activities important step for both the conservation and develop- and all of whom spend their money here. Although ment of the region.

ON THE FRONT COVER: Ms. Staiber and Mrs. Becker's fourth grade students from Stamford Central School plant evergreen tree seedlings behind the new bus garage as part of the Green Connections Program. Jessica Olenych of the Catskill Center and Justin Perry of the NYSDEC hand out shovels to students.

Catskill Center News 2006 Around the Region– School Art Trail Interpretive Center New Exhibit Premieres at the Mountain Top Historical Society Campus By Steve Hoare, Press — blackdomepress.com

hase one of the Hudson River of History and Art and provides biog- School Art Trail is now com- raphies of the major artists and back- P pleted with the opening August ground on the Hudson River School 26 of the Mountain Top Historical art movement, while depicting histor- Society’s new Hudson River School ical paintings of nearby sites by Art Trail Interpretive Center, located Thomas Cole, Asher B. Durand, on the Society’s campus on Route Frederic Church, Jasper Cropsey, and 23A, Haines Falls (Greene County). many others, contrasted with contem- The opening of the Interpretive Center porary photographs of those same was celebrated as part of the Society’s views today. annual open house, which this year There are presently eight stops on also featured a talk on the Hudson the Hudson River School Art Trail: the River School painters by David Barnes Thomas Cole National Historic Site, of the New-York Historical Society Cedar Grove (Catskill), site of Cole’s and Cedar Grove, and the premiere of home and studio; Olana State Historic a new book, The Traveler’s Guide to Site (near Hudson), Church’s magnifi- The sites along the Art Trail are still the Hudson River Valley (Black Dome cent estate and Near Eastern-style cas- accessible to the public and remark- Asher B. Durand, Press), written by Tim Mulligan of the tle; Mount Merino (near Hudson), a ably similar to the scenes captured on Kindred Spirits, 1849. Oil on canvas. Bard Graduate Center and praised by favorite artists’ sketching site, provid- canvas in the 19th century, thanks in Courtesy of the The New York Times as “the best ing wonderful vistas of the Hudson large part to the establishment of the Walton Family guidebook to the region.” River and the ; Catskill Park and the New York State Foundation, Inc. The Hudson River School Art Trail Catskill Creek (Catskill), scene of Forest Preserve (part of a larger project was initiated by the Thomas Cole’s View on Catskill Creek; national conservation movement that Cole National Historic Site, with Kaaterskill Clove (between Palenville many historians believe owes much of Olana State Historic Site and the and Haines Falls), the favorite haunt of its impetus and origins to the works of National Parks Service. The project the painters; Kaaterskill Falls, these same Hudson River School has mapped the locations in Greene arguably the Hudson River School’s painters). and Columbia counties from which favorite subject; North–South Lake, For more information on the Hud- famous views painted by the Hudson site of Cole’s Lake with Dead Trees; son River School Art Trail Interpretive River School artists can be seen today, and Sunset Rock (also known as Center, call the Mountain Top Histor- and enables the public to find and Bear’s Den), a rocky outcropping near ical Society at 518-589-6657 or visit compare the painted and actual North–South Lake from which www.mths.org. For more information views. The sixteen-panel display at the Hudson River School artists painted on the Hudson River School Art Trail, Mountain Top Historical Society’s many views of the twin lakes, South or to order the Art Trail brochure and new Interpretive Center was created Mountain, and the famous Catskill guide, call 518-943-7465 or visit by Tom Nelson of the Albany Institute Mountain House. www.thomascole.org.

Jasper Francis Cropsey, Catskill Creek, 1850. Sanford R. Gifford, Kaaterskill Falls, 1871. Thomas Cole, The Clove, Catskills, 1827. Oil on canvas, 18-3/8 x 27-1/4 in. Oil on canvas, 14-3/4 by 12-1/4 in. Gift of Oil on canvas, 25 x 33 in. Smithsonian American Art Museum, museum purchase 1966.50 Katherine French Rockwell. Photograph © 1995. New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, CT (Note: this Cropsey painting is misnamed. The Detroit Institute of Arts 56.185 It depicts North-South Lake, not Catskill Creek.)

Catskill Center News 2006 3 At the Gallery– Handmade in the Catskills October 21—December 31, 2006 Alan Barbier • Mary Certoma • Richard Connell • John Jackson • Robin Bruck-Tanner

Pottery by Robin Bruck Tanner Folkart by Richard Connell Metal Sculpture by John Jackson

Among My Souvenirs Erpf Gallery Garden Dramatized Readings October 14, 5 pm

A journey with Barbara Apoian from London in the Blitz to Paris, New York, the French Riviera, and Roxbury. A pres- ntation of dramatized readings, recollections & anecdotes. Barbara Apoian and her husband Norman purchased an old farmhouse above Arkville in 1962 as their weekend ski home and have lived permanently in Roxbury since 1994 with winter sojourns in England and France. Barbara stud- ied creative fiction at NYU and is a dedicated member of Ken Hiratsuko, Granite, 2006 our community and life in these hills, Barbara is a former Board member of Roxbury Arts Group and is currently a workshop teacher and board member/editor of Writers in the Mountains.

4 Catskill Center News 2006 Catskill Outdoors– : An Easily Accessible Breathtaking View by Aaron Bennett, Director of Education

he NYC Department of Environmental Protection spot it’s easy to imagine workers extracting huge slabs of (DEP) has recently updated their regulations regard- stone 100 years ago, as they built the “last of the hand- T ing recreational use on their properties within the made dams”. watershed. In short, more land has been opened up for The trail then ascends and circles around to the top of more types of recreation, and the permit process has been the quarry. The forest is quite different here as blueberries, simplified. mountain laurel, and stunted pines are prominent. Two- One tangible example of this makeover is the presence thirds of a mile from the start, the trail ends atop the ledges of a new trailhead and kiosk across from the parking area above the quarry. The bottom has become a vernal pool of on what used to be Monument Road (it’s now closed) near sorts, lies some 40-50’ below. The view to the west and the intersection of State Routes 28A and Route 213 in north of the Catskills from here is magnificent. Olivebridge. looms very large directly in front, This parcel of land, about 220 acres worth is owned by and the 180-degree view continues to the north to New York City and managed by the DEP. The Acorn Hill . Only two human-made structures are Unit, as it’s called, has been open for recreation for years; visible: a barn, and the newly erected cell tower on South however, the trail is new. And, as far as I know, this is also Mountain. the only DEP-owned land in the Catskills, in which a In exploring the Acorn Hill Unit several times now, I blazed hiking trail (this one is marked with yellow paint) have observed a couple ravens and possibly their nest, and exists and is maintained by DEP. a 4’ black rat snake. The snake wasn’t too concerned with At the trailhead there is a small map showing the parcel me (and my dog), until I approached for a closer look. It of land with the trail and signage reminding you that you began “rattling” its tail in the leaves - mimicking the tactics need a DEP public access permit to enter was posted. The of a rattlesnake (rat snakes are not venomous, they are con- trail parallels Route 28A for about a quarter-mile through a strictors). forest dominated by hemlock. The trail remains pretty flat, Each time I return I seem to enjoy the place more. This and hence muddy, for this initial stretch. makes me wonder how many other “hidden” treasures Just it seems the trail is about to cross Route 28A, it joins there are on City-owned land. But if the new regulations an old quarry road and leads away from the road and the they just adopted are any indication that they continue to . This century-old road serviced one of provide and promote more access to these kinds of oppor- the many bluestone quarries that were used to build the tunities, we will all soon find out! impoundments that hold back the massive Ashokan. For more information on recreational use of NYC-owned The sound of traffic begins to fade as you gently climb lands, maps, and to obtain a use permit, visit towards this old quarry. Shortly, you approach a 10’ tall www.nyc.gov/watershed or call 1-800-575-LAND. Keep stone structure related to operation of the quarry. From this up the good work DEP.

Catskill Center News 2006 5 Down to Business– Livingston Manor: Gateway to the Great Outdoors By Helen Budrock, Assistant Director

everal Main Streets in Sullivan growing up without experiencing out- County have experienced a door play or an appreciation for the S rebirth in recent years, but none natural world, as she had in her has made such a dramatic comeback youth. Her goal was to open a shop as downtown Livingston Manor. Five that dispelled the myth that you need years ago “the Manor” was a virtual to be rich and athletic to enjoy the ghost town with a tough reputation. outdoors, by offering outdoor apparel Today, it boasts an eclectic mix of and gear that is accessible to the aver- shops and galleries, several buildings age person. To this end, she special- have been restored, and its annual izes in offering entry level apparel and the biking industry, having owned his “trout parade” is one of the most equipment, plus rentals wherever pos- first shop in Vernon, NJ. Growing up enjoyably wacky events in all of the sible. in Middletown, NY he developed a Catskills. “This area of the Catskills is known passion for cycling and was a road Livingston Manor’s web site touts mostly as a destination for hunting rider back in the 1980’s before there the community as the “gateway to the and fishing, but a lot of people don’t was even such a thing as mountain great outdoors,” and two businesses realize that there are other great biking. Although he spent some time recently opened their doors that give opportunities for outdoor recreation,” in the Catskills as a visitor, in 2003 he explains Lyons. “There are easy ways got married and moved to Livingston for families to get close to nature.” Manor full time. If Lyons sounds familiar to you, it’s In addition to being an avid cyclist, because she was the Director of the Charlie is also a railroad buff and his Catskill Fly Fishing Center in shop offers an impressive collection of Livingston Manor for several years. model railroad supplies and railroad She then left to take a position with memorabilia, especially from the old the National Parks Service providing Ontario & Western Railroad. He is on technical assistance to communities the Board of Directors of the O&W in creating greenways and trail corri- Museum in nearby Roscoe, and par- dors. When the agency downsized, it ticipates in many model railroad gave her an opportunity to pursue a shows. During the off season, he different career track. works as a part-time scenic carpenter Given her career path, it is no won- and painter for regional theatres and der that the “heart” of Morgan trade shows. Outdoors is the program room, where Charlie shares Lisa’s commitment to Lisa holds workshops, lectures and marketing the area as a destination for other events. She also has an active what he describes as “non-lethal” program of hikes and other outdoor forms of outdoor recreation. He activities, and she often collaborates describes his community as having a great deal of credence to that with fellow business-owner Charlie the best of both worlds—a “small motto—Morgan Outdoors and Cinder Sanborn. town with a big backyard.” So take Track Bicycles. Sanborn opened Cinder Track their advice, take a trip to Livingston Lisa Lyons opened Morgan Bicycles on April 2, 2005—just one Manor and go out in the backyard and Outdoors in July 2005 as a response day after a massive flood in the busi- play! to seeing her nieces and nephews ness district. He has over 20 years in www.livingstonmanor.org

6 Catskill Center News 2006 Windham’s Main Street has never looked better, and now features granite curbs, bluestone sidewalks, period street lights and land- scaping throughout the downtown.

BELOW: Windham Hardware recently received a facelift, including restoring a Vistorian cupola that was removed some- time in the sixties.

BOTTOM: Formerly a video store, the building pictured was recently reincarnated as “Bistro Brie & Bordeaux” thanks to grants that The Catskill Center helped secure for the Community of Windham Foundation. Wonderful Windham: A Model Mountain Community By Helen Budrock

onderful things have been happening in the hamlet of Windham—a dynamic community nestled along the W Batavia Kill in the northern Catskills. Bluestone sidewalks with granite curbs, period street lights, vibrant art galleries, busy restaurants and wonderful period architecture are all assets that Windham—known as “the land in the sky”—has to offer. While Windham has always been a quaint mountain community dependent largely on tourism and the draw of Ski Center, the past few years have seen some dramatic changes in the look and feel of the downtown business district. Back in 2000, on the heels of the signing of the historic Watershed Agreement, local lead- ers in Windham were faced with three massive infrastructure projects looming on the horizon: construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and the installation of new sewer lines, upgrading the commu- nity’s century-old water mains, and reconstruction of State Route 23 through the heart of Windham’s downtown business district. Demonstrating an enormous amount of forethought and planning, local officials — led by long-time Town Supervisor Pat Meehan — recognized the importance of timing all of these improvements to occur simultaneously, and using the large investment of public funds to leverage private resources for additional aesthetic enhance- ments. After all, if you are going to rip up your Main Street anyway, why not seize the opportu- nity and put it back together even better than before. Construction activity on Main Street began in 2003 and lasted for over two years. In fact, the final phases of construction are still being completed this year. The end result is a downtown business district that many communities would envy—granite curbs, bluestone side- walks with planting islands, and period street lights from one end of town to the other. Around the same time, early in 2002, a group of forward-thinking residents pooled their resources and created the Community of continued on page 13

Catskill Center News 2006 7 Guest Article– Brook Trout Study Across the East Reveals A Broad Decline By Nat Gillespie, Fisheries Scientist for Trout Unlimited

he only native trout to the Catskills region, brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) have inhabited the cool waters of New York ever since the retreat of the continental glaciers over 12,000 years ago. Arguably the most beautiful T freshwater fish, brook trout survive in only the cleanest and coldest water. Brook trout are a classic aquatic indicator species—strong wild populations demonstrate that water quality is excellent and that people living in that water- shed are protecting the land and living sustainably with their environment. Regional fisheries biologists from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation have provided technical data to scientists with the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture to map the status of wild brook trout populations in streams and lakes across the state, as well as various threats that impact brook trout. The recently published report titled, “Eastern Brook Trout: Status & Threats” (available at www.brookie.org), tells a somber story of decline across their range from Maine to Georgia to Ohio. The report identifies where wild brook trout remain strong, were they are struggling, and where they have vanished. Regional biologists listed various threats to brook trout habitat in each subwatershed. Across New York, research found only 5% of New York’s watersheds that historically contained Across New York, brook trout in streams and rivers remain intact, while in 23% of watersheds, brook trout have van- ished. Thousands of miles of small streams in New York State still contain wild brook trout, most research found only prominently in the Adirondack, Tug Hill and Catskill regions. Brook trout populations are largely iso- 5% of New York’s lated in smaller streams. Brook trout have been nearly eliminated from large river environments watersheds that because of degraded water quality and habitat and the introduction of non-native fish. The primary threats to stream populations of brook trout are poor land management practices and related issues historically contained such as high water temperatures and removal of vegetation from the riparian area. Non-native fish brook trout in species such as brown trout are also a threat, because they out-compete brook trout, especially in streams and rivers warmer, degraded streams. As is true across much of the east coast, the Catskills endured harsh land use practices in the past remain intact that removed much of the forest cover and resulted in increased erosion, increased sedimentation and warmer water temperatures. In response, brook trout retreated to small, headwater streams. To fill the void, many streams were stocked with non-native brown and rainbow trout where they now thrive in waters that have only marginally recovered from these historical changes. In the Catskill region, the Beaver Kill and Willowemoc watersheds, and sections of the East and West Branch watersheds contain reduced brook trout populations, meaning between 50% and 90% of the historical brook trout streams and rivers still contain wild brook trout. Much of the Catskills region has greatly reduced populations, where brook trout occupy less than half of historical stream miles. In the northern Catskills in the Upper West Branch Delaware and much of the drainage, brook trout are present, but there is a need for more scientific data to classify the populations. Urbanization was listed as a threat or potential threat to remaining fragmented brook trout populations in the Catskills region and across much of southeastern New York. Urbanization, which includes suburban development, often degrades water quality by increasing stormwater runoff pollution and by removing riparian vegetation, both of which lead to warmer water temperatures. Road sediment was also listed as a current threat to brook trout habitat in the Catskills region. The most widespread disturbance to New York’s lake populations is non-native fish, specifically bass and other warm- water fish such as yellow perch and golden shiners. Acid deposition has a severe but regionalized impact on lakes, eliminating or reducing aquatic life in 23 Adirondack watersheds. Acid deposition was recognized as a current impact to the Upper Neversink watershed. This analysis of the 561 watersheds across New York state was part of the first-ever rangewide effort to protect and restore the Eastern Brook Trout. In 2005, a group of public and private entities formed the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture (EBTJV) to halt the decline of brook trout and restore fishable populations. Seventeen states are currently draft- ing strategies to prioritize policy changes and on-the-ground actions to improve water quality and restore brook trout habitat and populations in their individual state using locally-driven, incentive-based, and non-regulatory programs. A copy of New York’s draft conservation strategy plan for restoring the native brook trout across the state can be found at www.easternbrooktrout.org.

8 Catskill Center News 2006 Education– Trout in the Classroom By Jessica Olenych

very fall, dozens of teachers in local waterways; for schools in NYC, Teachers or volunteers who’d like New York City and the Cat- it is a chance for students to see where to get involved should start by contact- E skills prepare for two groups of their drinking water comes from. ing Rochelle Gandour, TIC Coordinator, young to enter their classrooms. The TIC came to New York in 1997, at [email protected] or (718) 595-3503. first, of course, is their students. The when Joan Stoliar and Theodore second, for these teachers, is trout. Gordon Flyfishers brought it into four The trout tank at John Bowne High School in Queens In mid-October, teachers and edu- classrooms, both in NYC and in the cators from all over southern New city’s water supply watersheds. The York gather together to discuss the idea was to promote understanding projects they’ll do as part of Trout in and “create sensitivity at both ends of the Classroom (TIC) and receive the water tunnel.” approximately 200 trout eggs each. Since that time, the program has These eggs will be placed in special- grown to more than 130 classes, ized coldwater tanks in the TIC class- kindergarten through high school. rooms. Then students and teachers Partnership schools are located in the watch the trout hatch and take care of Catskills, Hudson Valley, NYC, and them as they grow. Long Island. The sponsoring partner- The TIC program is more than rais- ship has grown, too, and involved ing fish; participants strive to connect organizations now include Trout students to their watersheds. It takes a Unlimited, New York City Department whole classroom community to mon- of Environmental Protection, Head- itor the quality of the tank water and waters Initiative, Theodore Gordon maintain all the equipment. As the Flyfishers, and NYS DEC, among oth- year progresses, the trout become a ers. TIC complements education pro- central part of ongoing discussions gramming offered by CCCD, as well about local ecology, watershed as programs supported by Catskill health, and stream water quality. In Watershed Corporation (CWC) and the spring, classes release their trout Watershed Agricultural Council in waters approved by the New York (WAC). In fact, teachers and schools State Department of Environmental can apply to CWC for equipment Conservation (NYS DEC). For schools funding and to WAC for bus trip sup- in the Catskills, this is a chance for port for classes traveling from NYC to students to really get to know their the watersheds.

Catskill Center News 2006 9 Conservation– Important New Funding and Tax Incentives for Land Conservation By Chris Olney

everal new legislative measures have significantly increased the S State and Federal resources and tax incentives available for land pro- tection, as follows: Property tax relief will now be given to landowners who have donat- ed, or who donate in the future, qual- ified conservation easements on their property. The tax relief will amount to 25% of local, county, and school property taxes each year (capped at $5,000), and it will come in the form of a New York State income tax cred- it, and will therefore not affect the tax revenue of local municipalities. The federal government has expanded the income tax deduction allowable by landowners who donate qualified conservation easements on their property. Formerly, a tax deduc- tion for a charitable donation was lim- risk species. The State announced that The easement was unique in that it ited to 30% of a taxpayer’s adjusted it will hire 10 new biologists for this allowed public hiking in the easement gross income, and that will now be program. area (on the trail and on the summit), raised to 50% for most taxpayers, and Roundtop Mountain Protected by despite the fact that it was still private 100% for qualifying farmers. Also, the the NYSDEC and The Catskill Center property. The Sive’s sold the property number of years in which the taxpay- The story begins with a modest, but to Russell Bass in 1991, who has er could claim the deduction has important, 30 acres protected by The owned the property (subject to the been increased from 6 years to 16 Catskill Center on Roundtop easement) until this year. In the spring years. There’s never been a better time Mountain, a 3,450-ft peak along the of 2006, Mr. Bass sold the entire 337- to donate a conservation easement! ridge between Roxbury and acre property to the NYSDEC to add The NY State Environmental Prattsville, and ends with ten times to the State Forest, Protection Fund (EPF), which is used that amount recently being protected. bringing the total area of the State annually by State agencies for envi- In 1990, landowners David and Mary Forest to 2,380 acres. The entire par- ronmental remediation and land Sive donated a conservation easement cel will now be open for hunting and acquisition projects, was increased on 30 acres of their larger 337-acre hiking. On most of the property the from $150 million to $225 million. property to The Catskill Center, State can manage the forest for timber The NY State Dept. of designed to protect the summit of if they decide to, however, the con- Environmental Conservation complet- Roundtop Mountain as well as a hik- servation easement held by The ed a Comprehensive Wildlife ing trail leading to the summit from an Catskill Center will continue to ensure Conservation Strategy (The Catskill old roadway that crosses over the col that the summit of the mountain is not Center participated in the Delaware between Bearpen and Roundtop logged or used by motor vehicles. This River corridor section), and is eligible Mountains. The scenic aspect of is certainly a win-win situation for to receive millions of dollars in feder- Roundtop Mountain is especially Roundtop Mountain and the people al funds over several years to protect important because it is visible from who love to explore and view our and improve habitat for a variety of at- the Woodchuck Lodge historic site. mountaintops!

10 Catskill Center News 2006 Membership– The Catskill Center Welcomes New Members August 16, 2005 – August 22, 2006

Just Alan Joan Kutcher Ms. Cathy Penna Doris Bartlett Dan Leader Mr. Joe Perrello Mr. Alan Beebe Mary Ellen LeBien & Harry LeBien David Pillard Rick Bell & Polly Thomas Mr. David Levine & Mrs. Janet Levine Suzanne Pred Bass & Lane Bass Mr. Roger Broome Ms. Barbara Lippert Will Price & Fran Raymond Price Seena Campo Mr. Charles Lutomski Terry Pristin & Ron Silverman Ms. Patti Candelari & Mr. Jerry Mr. Thomas Marshall Mr. Jim Rodgers Huncosky Mr. Anthony Marx Mr. Steve Rosenberg & Ms. Debi Duke Ms. Mollie Cannady Ms. Elizabeth Mason Ms. Marilyn Rowley Mr. Dan Claypool Chalmers Means Monte Sachs Jill DeLisio Mr. Paul Metzger Mr. David Sampson Mr. Paul Deming Tara & Jonah Meyer Mr. & Mrs. John & Paula Lynn Desmond David Migden & Cathy Migden Schrynemakers Mr. Michael Dontzin & Ms. Janet Sarno Susan Miiller Ms. Connie Sciutto Ms. Thomas Dowd Mr. & Mrs. John Miraglia Mr. George Senft Mary Durham Mr. & Ms. Ralph Moseley Judy Sengillo Cora Anne Edwards Melissa Nathanson & Eric Freedman Marcy Shaffer Mr. Clifford Faintych Dylan Niclas Ms. Esther Shakun Ms. Gail Feinstein Mr. & Mrs. Ernst Ohnell Beth Sherr Martha Finger Mr. Ed Ostapczuk Anne Shultz Mr. Glenn Forman Anna Pardini Mr. Roy Silver Julie Fox & Steve Gates Dana Patton Richard Simms Diane Galusha Mr. Daniel Payne Leon & Ginger Smith Dr. Massy Gilak D.D.S Justine & David Smythe Carolyn Ginsberg Rae Stang Betsty Gude Ms. Alexandra Stefanich Mr. & Mrs. Donald Handal E. Sterling Mrs. John Harper Elda Stifani Mr. & Mrs. Tom Hatley Eeo Stubblefield Karen Kalstein Russ Walker & Carol Miserlian Mr. Michael Keech Mr. Thomas Walsh Mr. Walt Keller & Mrs. Brigitte Keller Arlene Waterman Kraat Jayne Kelly Mr. & Mrs. William & Diane Webb Mrs. Susan Kessler & Mr. Peter Kessler Chris Wirth Mr. William Kick Elena Zang Richard Kukle Pasternak Family Foundation Susan Kukle The Landsman Family Linda Kundell Trout Unlimited Mid-Huson Chapter

Catskill Center News 2006 11 Meet Our Staff– Ben Murdock Watershed Educator

en Murdock is a native of the After graduating high school Ben hamlet of Hartwick in Otsego attended college at SUNY Potsdam B county. He spent his youth and received a bachelors degree in traipsing around the hills overlooking philosophy. This course of study the Otego Creek valley. Ben has allowed him ample to time to sit and always had a connection to the out- read on the banks of the Racquette doors that began in his first hour river or the ledges overlooking Allen’s home when his father Robert carried falls. Upon completing his four years him over the hill that his family has of study Ben joined the Catskill worked since the late 1700’s. In his Outdoor Education Corps, an formative years Ben was often found Americorps program sponsored in swimming in the creek, mucking part by SUNY Delhi. For the past two through the swamps, or sliding down years he has volunteered as an out- the waterfalls that were near his door educator leading aquatic ecolo- home. He spent many of his child- gy and watershed education pro- hood vacations camping and canoe- grams, as well as facilitating low- ing with his family throuhout the ropes courses, running chainsaws, Catskills, Adirondacks, and state parks cutting and laying blue stone, kayak- of Maine. At an early age Ben’s father ing, skiing, and leading trail-work introduced him to fly fishing, a pas- crews throughout the western sion which has only grown through- Catskills. ward to exploring the trails and out the years. He has been fortunate Ben feels very fortunate to have streams of the central Catskills and enough to flyfish throughout the been hired as the Watershed Educator finding a cozy place on the river to North East, Montana, and even Japan. for The Catskill Center. He looks for- have a good read.

Eileen Carney Accountant

ileen Carney bio inserts here xxxx xxx xxxxx.xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xx xx xxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xx E xxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxx xxx xxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxx xxx xxxxx xx xxx xxxxx xxxxxxx xx xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xx xxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xx xxxxxx xxxx xxx xxxx xxx xxx xx xxx xxxx xxx xxxxx. xxxxx.xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xx xxxxxx xxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx xx xxxxxx xxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxx xxxxx xxx xxxxx xxxxxx xx xxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xx xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxx xx xxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxx xxx xxxxx. xxxxxx xx xxx xxxx xxx xxxxx.xxxx xxxxxx xx xxx xxxx xxx xxxxx.xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xx xxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xx xxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xx xxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xx xxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxx xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxx xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx x xx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxxxx xxxxx x xx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xx xxxx xxx xxxxx.xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxx x xxxx xxxx xxx xxxxx.xxxx xxxx x xxxx xxxx xxx xxxxx.xxxx xxx xxx xxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxx xxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xx xxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xx xxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xx xxxxxxx.xxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx xx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx xx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xx xxxxx xxxxxxxxx xx xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xx xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxx xxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxx xxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxx xx xxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xx xxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xx xxx xxxx xxx xxxxx.

12 Catskill Center News 2006 Catskill Briefs–

Catskill Center Partners More Main Street with Sullivan Renaissance Micro Grants Awarded

For the second year, The Catskill Center is proud to have The Catskill Center recently been invited to participate in the Sullivan Renaissance pro- awarded several “Main Street gram as a partner. The program, started in 1999 by the Micro Grants” to communities Gerry Foundation, provides seed grants to communities in the Catskills, thanks to fund- throughout Sullivan County interested in implementing a ing provided by Senator John J. wide variety of beautification initiatives. Participating com- Bonacic. Wurtsboro and munities work on their projects from April through July and Bethel received funding for then compete for cash prizes in different categories rang- new welcome signs, while ing from $5,000 up to $50,000 with the help of an impar- Downsville, Sidney Center tial panel of judges. and Mountaindale got grants This year, The Catskill Center was invited to work with to install flower barrels and several communities in an effort to dovetail these ongoing planters. Grand Gorge got beautification projects with long-range community plan- $5,000 for streetscape ning goals. To this end, we provided ongoing planning improvements and two buildings—one in Roxbury and the assistance to Hurleyville, Kauneonga Lake and Barryville, other in Fleischmanns—will receive facelifts. In all, over as well as conducted community workshops in Rock Hill 11 communities in three counties have received grants and Swan Lake. totaling over $34,000.

Progress Continues on Mt. Utsayantha

The observation building atop Mt. Ustayantha in Stamford has undergone a facelift recently as work continues on the mountaintop park. The Catskill Center has been working with the Village since late 2003 to revitalize the park, including re-establishing the trail system, re-opening the fire tower and restoring an old observation building that dates back to the 1920s. A dedication ceremony was held in July and a concert was held on top of the mountain in August to an impres- sive crowd.

continued from page 7 Greene County Planning Department transformed, and Brie & Bordeaux to implement their façade improve- officially opened earlier this year. Windham Foundation, a non-profit ment program. Rumor has it they continue to enjoy organization dedicated to preserving Two of the most dramatic transfor- such a brisk business that adequate the town’s historical character, mations were Windham Hardware parking has become an issue. enhancement of recreational opportu- and the creation of a new restaurant With all of its successes over the nities, and supporting the growth of —Brie & Bordeaux—out of an old past few years, Windham should be the arts. Later that year, foundation video store. When Diane and Jim viewed by other mountain communi- President Tom Poelker invited The Lawrence bought Windham Hard- ties as a model to emulate. As a plan- Catskill Center to host a series of ware from Jim’s family in 1980, they ner, what I find to be remarkable “visioning workshops” designed to knew they wanted to eventually about Windham’s success is that the bring various groups and individuals restore the beautiful old building. The community has managed to retain its together to develop a shared vision for façade program enabled them to take rural charm and aesthetic appeal the future. the building all the way back to the without relying on zoning. That’s Several project ideas were generat- way it looked in 1887 by replacing an right—surprising as it may seem, ed as a result of these workshops, and unusual Victorian cupola that had Windham is a conservative communi- sub-committees were set up to tackle been torn down in the late 1960s. ty that values property rights and has various initiatives. As a direct result of While the Lawrence’s had some thus far resisted the notion of adopting the workshops, the Windham Art historic foundation to work with, the zoning regulations. That is not to say Alliance was formed, a community building next door—an old video they have no land use controls what- bulletin board and new welcome sign store—had been seriously altered soever—they have site plan review were constructed, and the foundation over the years. The outward appear- and an architectural review board, in embarked on an ambitious Main ance of the funky building didn’t deter addition to subdivision regulations— Street façade restoration program. Claudia Degaches and her chef- but have somehow managed to keep Over the next two years, the husband Stephane from seeing the suburban sprawl at bay and preserve Community of Windham Foundation potential to fulfill a life-long dream of their architectural integrity in the would leverage nearly $100,000 in opening their own restaurant. Through absence of traditional zoning. grant funding from the Catskill a great deal of hard work and perse- Watershed Corporation and the verance, the building was amazingly Remarkable!

Catskill Center News 2006 13 William R. Ginsberg 1931-2006

illiam R. Ginsberg passed away peace- fully at his home in New York City, on W Sunday, May 14. He was 75. A member of our Board of Directors for 33 years and President for 15 of those years, Bill Ginsberg was the driving force behind the our land protection efforts. Bill joined The Catskill Center’s Board of Directors in 1973, and served as President for 15 years, from 1981 until 1996. During his tenure as President, we grew and matured substantially as an organization. He was personally committed to the realization of several substantial land conservation projects. He devoted several years of his life specifically to negotiating our largest and most important land conservation deals, including the Beaverkill Conservation Area, the Platte Clove Preserve, the Mongaup Valley Wildlife Management Area, and the Catskill Interpretive Center site. He initiated our Conservation Easement Program, and personally wrote and/or reviewed every easement document held by The Catskill Center. His input and guidance was essential to our growth and maturation as a regional land trust. Bill, a Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law at Hofstra University School of Law, began his teach- ing career there in 1974. At the time he began teaching environmental law in the early 1970’s, there were less than a dozen such courses offered at law schools in the United States. During the mid-1960’s he was involved in NYC politics, being a campaign manager for Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Robert Kennedy. He was the deputy and acting executive assistant to the NY City Counsel president from 1966 to 1967, and commissioner and first deputy administrator for New York City’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Administration from 1968 to 1970. From 1970 to 1973 he was counsel and director of research for the New York State Temporary Commission on the Powers of Local Government. He later served as administrative law judge in several important state brown-field investigations, and was several times an officer in the environmental section of the state Bar Association. On most weekends he could be found at his property on Cold Brook Road in Woodstock. He served with distinction on the board of directors of The Woodstock Guild and the Mohonk Trust. He was an enthusiastic supporter of live per- formances of classical music, a collector of antique hand tools, an advisor to Woodstock town government on environ- mental issues, and a stimulating, generous and loyal friend to many people in the region. The board and staff of The Catskill Center would like to express our sincere appreciation for Bill Ginsberg’s lifetime of commitment to making our organization what it is today, and for his essential role in making such enormous land con- servation contributions to the Catskill region. Mailbag– Dear Aaron, THE CATSKILL CENTER for Conservation & Development, Inc. Th PO Box 504, Route 28, Arkville, NY 12406 ank you for the excellent presenta- (845) 586-2611 / FAX (845) 586-3044 t E-mail: [email protected] y, Helen, ion to our Teacher Hostel group on ear Tom, Trud www.catskillcenter.org D n, Dave, the Catskill Curriculum. You o , Aaron, Eilee ffered Chris excellent ideas and Founded in 1969 as a nonprofit corporation, The a & Jess, well-developed Catskill Center for Conservation and Development Ben , Invern ed ucational plans for us to implement is an advocate for the environmental and econom- in our classroom ic health of the Catskill Mountain region of New r such an s. Enclosed is my York State. The Center uses education, advocacy, Thank you fo vely event check to purchase Module 5 on the model projects and legal action to protect the ive and lo Catskill’s natural and cultural assets. The Catskill informat Arts & Cultu ing). re section of the curricu- Center is a membership organization; individual Annual Meet ( as yours lum. Thank you again I’m sure our contributions provide a significant source of rev- izations such enue. Additional support is provided by private Organ paths will cross in the ea thriving! future. foundations and government grants. Offices are keep our ar located at The Erpf House, Arkville, and are open to the public weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Work – Julia Bliven, the the Good Keep up English Teacher, Mission Statement The Catskill Center stimulates, conducts and sup- Liverpool High School rmel ports integrated actions to protect vital ecosystems Brian & Ca and unique landscapes, to enhance economic opportunities for all the region’s residents, to pre- serve cultural and historic assets, and to further a regional vision and spirit. Board of Directors H. CLAUDE SHOSTAL, President FRANK E. SANCHIS III, Vice President DEBORAH MEYER DEWAN, Vice President Dear Chris, GEDDY SVEIKAUSKAS, Secretary HELEN K. CHASE, Treasurer Morton S. Adams, Nathaniel G. Gillespie I w ant to reiterate on paper our t Sibyl R. Golden, William T. Golden, Mary Hays, hanks for your presenta- Ettore F. Infant, R. Larence McCaffrey, Jr., tion at the CHA meeting last evening. Your talk Thomas Poelker, Barbara S. Redfield, a per provided spective most of us don’t often h Larry S. Roadman, Gale C. Steves, ave and information Sue Erpf Van de Bovenkamp, John H. Wilkinson very few of us knew. We’re gra teful to you for taking time Presidents emeriti: SHERRET S. CHASE, out of a week-en d to give us such a good show. WILLIAM R. GINSBERG, GEDDY SVEIKAUSKAS Many thanks, Catskill Center Staff Susanna TOM ALWORTH, Executive Director Margolis HELEN BUDROCK, Assistant Director Chai rman, Catskill Heritage Allianc INVERNA LOCKPEZ, Erpf Gallery Curator e CHRISTOPHER OLNEY, Director of Conservation AARON BENNETT, Director of Education DAVID TURAN, Membership & Outreach Coordinator TRUDY SHELDON, Executive Assistant EILEEN CARNEY, Accountant JESSICA OLENYCH, Watershed Forestry Educator EMMA BACHMANN, Watershed Educator Annual Membership Categories •Individual ...... $25 •Family ...... $35 •Contributor ...... $50 BUSINESS: •Member ...... $100 •Sustainer ...... $250 •Associate ...... $500 CATSKILL STEWARDS: •Steward ...... $100 •Donor ...... $250 •Benefactor ...... $500 •Patron ...... $1,000 •Guardian ...... $5,000

The Catskill Center is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization as defined by the IRS; contributions are tax deductible.

Catskill Center News is published bi-annually by The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, Inc., and is distributed free to mem- bers, selected libraries and public officials. Opinions expressed by the authors of articles in this publication do not necessarily represent the position of or policy of The Catskill Center. Contri- butions of manuscripts, letters, photographs, art or other material relating to the environment, culture or economy of the Catskill region are encouraged. Contents Copyright 2006 by The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, Inc. Publication of this newsletter is made possible in part by pub- lic funds provided by the New York State Council on the Arts. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.

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Catskill Center News 2006 15 Watershed Forestry Institute for Teachers Menla Mountain Retreat, Phoenicia, NY

THE CATSKILL CENTER for Conservation and Development Non-Profit Org. Permit No. 537 and THE ERPF GALLERY Kingston, New York Arkville, NY 12406-0504 U.S. Postage Paid