New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Joins Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers to Host Special Events
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 08/09/2017 03:09 PM EDTDEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Joins Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers to Host Special Events |
Events Scheduled August 14 to 21 Help Citizens Learn to Preserve and Protect Treasured Areas for Generations to ComeLeave No Trace Selected Peekamoose Blue Hole as 'Hot Spot' in the Nation to Help Restore the Area and Raise Awareness about Outdoor Recreation EthicsThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and its Traveling Trainer team today announced a joint effort in partnership with the town of Denning, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and regional conservation organizations, including the Adirondack Mountain Club, to conduct a "Hot Spot Program" by hosting community events and educational activities from August 14 to 21 to protect Peekamoose Blue Hole, a popular Catskills swimming hole. In recent years, Peekamoose Blue Hole has experienced an increase in trash, damage to vegetation and trees, and trail erosion. The Hot Spot Program, a key component of the Leave No Trace In Every Park initiative, raises community awareness and brings solutions and preventative measures to popular natural areas around the country facing heavy recreational use and consequently, the misuse of trails, parks, and open space areas. The Traveling Trainers travel throughout the country providing public education about how to reduce impacts in the outdoors and improve the trail user experience. Simple Leave No Trace tips visitors of Peekamoose Blue Hole can use to protect the area include:
"We are thrilled to work with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to help educate our community and raise awareness for the future enjoyment and preservation of our beautiful landscape," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "Protecting the Peakamoose Blue Hole and other similar recreational places is critical to ensuring that all New Yorkers have the opportunity to experience protected forest preserve lands." DEC has implemented special regulations for the Blue Hole and Peekamoose Valley in the town of Denning, Ulster County. The regulations increase public safety and reduce impacts to the environmental resources of this popular swimming area on Rondout Creek in the Sundown Wild Forest. The area is also in the New York City drinking water watershed. "The cumulative impact of so many people enjoying a scenic and remote forest stream such as the Peekamoose Blue Hole can have a negative effect," according to Andy Mossey, Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer. "In most cases, the land impact isn't due to a malicious intent to harm nature and wildlife. Instead, the need to teach Leave No Trace practices." "The wild and unspoiled character of the swimming hole known as the Peekamoose Blue Hole is in jeopardy because of overuse and misuse by visitors to the area. Leave No Trace education will help address both issues," said Neil Woodworth, Executive Director of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK). Visit DEC's Peekamoose Blue Hole web page and ADK's Leave No Trace Hot Spot Week: Peekamoose Blue Hole web page to learn more about the upcoming events planned with DEC and the Traveling Trainers. About Leave No TraceThe Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics in a national nonprofit organization that protects the outdoors by teaching people how to enjoy it responsibly. Their Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers are mobile teams of educators that visit 48 states every year delivering Leave No Trace programs such as Hot Spots to over 15 million people. For more information, visit the Leave No Trace website. DEC Regulations:
Due to the popularity of the Blue Hole and limited parking, DEC recommends users consider alternatives including Belleayre Beach in Pine Hill, Mongaup Pond in Livingston Manor, Lake Superior in Bethel and Minniwaska State Park in Kerhonkson. About ADKADK (Adirondack Mountain Club) is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and advocating for New York State's wild lands and waters while also teaching people how to enjoy natural places responsibly. Since 1922, the organization has offered people opportunities to stay and play in as well as protect, discover, and explore the outdoors. For more information on membership or making a difference, head to the ADK website or follow ADK on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Media Contact:
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