Conservation Wins!

Conservation Wins!

We would be remiss if we didn't acknowledge the conservation wins that took place tin 2025 and celebrate these achievement because: 1- it's awesome to see what has been accomplished and 2- it reminds us that there is more work to be done.

Let's cheer for public land as 2025 gave way to several areas across Catskill Park being secured for recreational purposes. From the Open Space Institute (OSI) purchasing the Kerrilands property in the Upper Willowemoc to remain undeveloped and open to their combined efforts with NYDEC to add 900 plus acres adjacent to Sundown Wild Fores (the largest such land addition in years) that will safeguard water quality and boosting recreation access for many in the area. Further North, our Friends at the Catskill Center acquired the last undeveloped parcel at the head of Platte Cove, adding 3.6 acres to the 208-acre Platte Clove Preserve. These win secures this nature area stays protected for all to enjoy and recreate responsibly.

Let's give a big Huzzah to the dam removal and restoration on Mongaup Creek which opens up 15 miles of water for wild fish. These stream improvements will provide a protected place for our native fish. This was a combined effort of NYDEC along with local groups: Trout Unlimited, Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Friends of the Upper Delaware.

Lastly, let's hear it for the 1000 plus concerned citizens that spoke out and wrote letters and emails to the Town of Thompson in regards to the proposed warehouse on Heiden road adjacent to the Neversink river. Your call to action raised significant concern for the municipalities that we are watching out for our rivers. While the town continues to do work on an environmental review, we must remain in the loop and on top of developments as they seem to be sprouting up quickly and quietly without much notice. It's a sad reality, but one we must be alert to.

Networking with Catskill Mountainkeeper, Backcountry Hunter and Anglers, Friends of the Upper Delaware River, Theodore Gordon FlyFishers, Trout Unlimited and other local groups in the Catskill area, we leverage our passion with likeminded folks to support the areas we love and cherish.

Now, here's your call to action to stay involved and vested- we need you! The waters need you! We love our home waters and consider stewardship an active part of all we do and appreciate all your support and assistance. We are happy to see the next generation of river stewards rising up, sharing the love of the natural resources and not only a voice, but a hand in action to practice responsible recreation. All of us have the shared responsibility to be the voice of the waters and collectively, we can take a stand. Have a win to share or a concern- email kelly@detteflies.com to talk.