Subject: Watershed Recreation News & Events From: "New York City DEP Recreation" <[email protected]> Sent: 4/26/2019 4:22:18 PM To: [email protected]; Bureau of Water Supply Natural Resources Division Above: Ulster County works to remove the old railroad trestle across the Esopus Creek that was destroyed during tropical storms Irene and Lee. The bridge, near Boiceville, will be replaced with a new structure that will be part of the Ashokan Rail Trail. Ashokan Rail Trail ­ Opening this fall Ulster County's construction crews are back at work on the Ashokan Rail Trail after a short break for winter. This year, along with work on the trail, contractors will remove the old railroad trestle over the Esopus Creek that was destroyed by tropical storms Irene and Lee (photo above). The trestle will be replaced by a bridge to carry the rail trail over the creek. The first half of the Ashokan Rail Trail, from Basin Road to the hamlet of Ashokan, is expected to open in the fall of this year. The remaining section, from Ashokan to Route 28A near Boiceville, is planned to be completed in early 2020. Trailheads will be constructed at the eastern end of the trail and at a central location near the former Ashokan Station site. A temporary parking area will be constructed near the western end of the trail. A more permanent trailhead on the western end will be constructed off Route 28 in Boiceville as part of DEP's work to replace the five­arch bridge that spans the Esopus Creek. Work on the five­arch bridge is expected to begin in 2020 and last for approximately three years. In addition to rail trail work, DEP recently completed construction of a dedicated angler parking area off its Route 28A access driveway near Boiceville. This separate parking will provide anglers with improved access to the Chimney Hole fishing area and nearby stretches of the Esopus Creek that are popular with local fishermen. Above left: Finished base course of the rail trail along Ashokan Reservoir's west basin. Above right: Finished base course of the rail trail on top of Glenford Dike along the reservoir's east basin. Turkey season opening May 1 Turkey season opens May 1. DEP has excellent recreation units for turkey hunting. This is especially true in Delaware County, which had the sixth highest harvest rate in the state last year according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Hunters can find a diverse range of habitat including open fields, meadow­young forest mix, and mature hardwoods. If you are willing to walk, large recreation units such as West Settlement (2,745 acres), Bear Spring (1,308 acres), and Bramley Mountain (1,243) can provide seclusion. Please check NYSDEC regulations here . First catch of the season DEP Photographer Kristen Rendler was at Ashokan and Schoharie Reservoirs on opening day, while Forester Tom Foulkrod and Project Manager John Staby went to Brodhead Point in Ashokan to meet up with fishermen. Had a great first trout day? Email us your photo with a caption at [email protected]. Upcoming Community Events Family Fishing Day Saturday, April 27, 2019 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lake Gleneida, Carmel, NY Experts from DEP and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will teach kids and adults how to fish. Bait and fishing poles will be provided. Bring your own if you have them. The requirement to have a NYS fishing license is waived for this event. Sign Up for Family Fishing Day Here Free Family Fun Get to know the Schoharie Watershed! For more information about Schoharie Watershed Month, or to register for events, visit www.gcswcd.com, call 518­622­3620, or e­mail [email protected]. Click here for the entire May calendar of events. The Schoharie Watershed Month events are coordinated by the Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District (GCSWCD), with funding provided by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) through the Stream Management Implementation Program (SMIP). DEP Website | Watershed Protection | Watershed Recreation | Natural Resources | Email Us For recreation questions call 1­800­575­LAND (5263) email: [email protected] RecMapper For dangerous or suspicious activity call 1­888­H2O­SHED (426­7433) STAY CONNECTED New York City Department of Environmental Protection ­ Bureau of Water Supply | 71 Smith Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with Try it free today.