Jun 18, 2024
DEC Developing Plan to Guide State’s Management of Kaaterskill Clove, Adirondack High Peaks Regions
Public Meetings on June 26 and 27 will Invite Discussion on Potential Management Strategies
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced two virtual public meetings for Visitor Use Management (VUM) projects in the Catskill and Adirondack Parks this month. The meetings are the second round of opportunities for public and stakeholder input on proposed management strategies for the High Peaks and Kaaterskill Clove project areas.
“Public participation and input is an essential part of DEC’s Visitor Use Management planning process,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said.“Feedback from those who visit the High Peaks and Kaaterskill Clove, and stakeholders most familiar with these areas will help guide DEC in our sustainable planning and management to protect these unique natural resources, while balancing the economic and public safety needs of the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve regions.”
The virtual public meeting on the Kaaterskill Clove VUM is scheduled June 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. Those interested in participating must register to attend.
The virtual public meeting on the High Peaks VUM is scheduled June 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. Those interested in participating must register to attend.
During the virtual meetings, the project team will provide an overview of the VUM projects currently underway, including their purpose, expected outcomes, and how DEC will use the outcomes. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas for potential management strategies and actions that could potentially close the gap between existing and desired conditions.
Both meetings will be facilitated by DEC’s Visitor Use Management planning contractors Otak, Inc. Otak's team will facilitate inclusive and transparent collaboration between DEC and stakeholders and to deliver data-driven insights to help inform and develop visitor capacities, adaptive visitor use management strategies, and long-term monitoring plans. The Catskill and High Peaks VUM projects are funded by the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).
For additional information, visit the Kaaterskill Clove project website or the Adirondack Parks High Peaks project, or contact Otak’s public participation team at vum-facilitators@