DEC Catskill Outdoor Recreation Bulletin - Jan. 2019

Have a safe and enjoyable outdoor recreational experience on the lands and waters of the Catskills. Do your part to properly plan and prepare for your outdoor adventure. Minimize the impact on the mountains and forests, rivers and streams, ponds and lakes, and the wildlife of the Catskills. Together we can preserve these lands for future generations to come.

Emergency Situations: If you get lost or injured; keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service, call the DEC Forest Ranger Emergency Dispatch; (518)-408-5850.

Check the Catskill Backcountry Information for the Catskill web pages for more detailed information on access, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and conditions for those planning to recreate in the Catskills. This bulletin provides the most recent notices. More information on hiking safety and what to pack.

Weather forecasts and conditions can and do change quickly. Check the current National Weather Service Forecast, and be prepared for the forecasted conditions, or change your plans.

Do you want to share your Catskill mountain story?

We want to hear from you! Submit a short story about your Catskill winter adventure for a chance to be featured in our Catskill Bulletin! Submissions should be no more than 500 words and can be sent to stephanie.mossey@dec.ny.gov.

Catskill Interpretive Center

The Catskill Interpretive Center on State Route 28 in the Town of Shandaken, Ulster County is a visitors center operated by the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, an Arkville, NY-based nonprofit, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Whether you're just passing through or here to stay for the summer, make us your first stop when you arrive in the Catskills. Our friendly staff is here every day with all the info, maps and advice you need to plan your best Catskill adventure! From exhibits to nature trails and community events, there's something for everyone at the Catskill Interpretive Center, and visitors and residents alike will find new ways to connect with nature, history and culture that makes this region so unique.

Events:

DEC First Day Hikes, Tuesday January 1, 2019

North South Lake Campground with the Catskill 3500 Club at 10:00 a.m. Haines Falls, Greene County

RSVP to Heather Rolland haliagrace@hotmail.com

Meet at the South Lake Dam Parking Area. Hike will start at South Lake dam parking area, and take the yellow trail around the lake to Alligator and Tyrannosaurs Rocks. The hike will continue to the Catskill Mountain House site providing some dramatic views of the valley. It's a family-friendly hike that provides a lot of fun for all ages and abilities. If it is icy, please bring proper footwear and traction devices. Four miles (roundtrip).

Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower at 9:30 a.m. Margaretville, Delaware County

RSVP to Laurie Rankin 845-926-2182 or or: lauriejrankin@gmail.com.

This First Day Hike, led by Laurie Rankin, NYS Director for the Forest Fire Lookout Association, will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Dry Brook Ridge Trailhead, (the northern access point) on Millbrook Mountain Road. The 3-mile trail we will take is along the Observers jeep road and has a mix of level and steep sections. Please come prepared for winter conditions with plenty of layers, water, snacks, and appropriate footwear (to be determined the week before, could include snowshoes or microspikes). Along the way we will discuss the history of fire towers in New York State. At the summit, there is the restored fire tower and Observer's cabin. We hope to enjoy expansive views of the Catskill High Peaks and if it is clear, some peaks into NJ and Pennsylvania too. This is a family friendly hike. Children who are 6 years or older, well prepared and accompanied by a parent are welcome to attend.

Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center from 3:00 PM - 5:00 p.m Mt. Tremper, Ulster County

RSVP to Olivia Bernard at 845-688-3369 or obernard@catskillcenter.org

Join us for an evening hike to ring in the start of the New Year.

Easy 1.5 mile hike and open to all. A great opportunity to try snowshoeing for the first time or just enjoy a casual evening walk in the woods.We'll hike just as the day turns to dusk, watch the light change, and finish with a campfire! Wear layers (preferably wool or polyester) and a small backpack with a bottle of water. Bring a headlamp if you have one, otherwise we'll provide extras. Waterproof shoes or boots encouraged. If there's snow - bring your snowshoes! Or call ahead for information on renting them locally.

Kelly Hollow with the Catskill Mountain Club10:30 a.m. Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest Margaretville, Delaware County

RSVP to Wendell George by December 30 at 845-586-6273 or wendell@catskillmountainclub.org

Meet at Kelly Hollow Trail Parking Area. Easy to moderate hike in western Catskills forest to a beaver pond and lean-to. Three miles, easy to moderate hike and will last approximately 3.5 hours. Please bring water, snacks, a good lunch, good hiking shoes, a traction device like microspikes, and snowshoes if needed. Hiking poles are recommended. Well behaved dogs welcome. Bring a leash for use when needed.

Highlighted First Day Hike

Meads Meadow Trail Head from either 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. (Two Hikes) Woodstock, Ulster County

Come explore the newly established trails in the Overlook Mountain Wild Forest. This First Day Hike, led by NYS DEC Forester Ian Dunn, offers two start times and will begin at the newly established Meads Meadow Trailhead on Macdaniel Road in Woodstock, NY. Hikes will begin at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon and should take approximately two hours each. Attendees are welcome to attend one or both hikes. This easy two-mile hike will traverse the new blue marked Meads Meadow Trail, the yellow marked Overloop Trail, and the red marked Overlook Spur Trail Extension. Please come prepared for the cold, wear proper hiking boots, and bring water and snacks.

You have the option of a 9:00 a.m. start time or a 12:00 noon start time as there will be two hikes. Please indicate in your reply which hike you plan on attending.

General Conditions/Notices

• Road Conditions and Closures: Check before you travel at NY511.
• Winter Weather: Snow, ice and below freezing temperatures
  • Snow is deeper in the higher elevations and on mountain peaks
  • The National Weather Service provides maps depicting current snow depths and forecasts.
  • Ice has started to form and will continue to grow on ponds, lakes, slow moving streams and rivers.
    • No ice is safe at this time.
    • Although ice may have snow on the surface, it is not thick enough to hold the weight.
    • Ice will continue to remain unsafe until temperatures fall below freezing for a significant period.
    • Always check the thickness of ice before traveling across it.
• Water Sources: Reliable water sources shown on trail maps are flowing but icy. You should always plan to treat, filter, or boil any surface water before drinking.
• Snowmobile Trails: Many designated snowmobile trails are open but conditions are poor. Check with local snowmobile clubs to determine what trails are open and conditions on the trail.

Practice Leave No Trace

Follow proper trail etiquette to maintain minimal impact on the environment and the natural resources of the Adirondacks, as well as ensure an enjoyable outdoor experience for all visitors by following the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.

Plan Ahead and Prepare:

• Quick Tip: Below freezing temperatures can mean frozen snacks and water.
  • Prepare snack bars ahead of time by cutting them into chunks for easy consumption if frozen.
  • Pack snacks in the middle of your pack or inside your jacket, close to your body.
  • Pack Nalgene bottles in a thermal case to avoid freezing. Water in tubes of hydration bladders can freeze quickly - keep the valve tucked in to your jacket, insulate the tubing, and bring an empty water bottle as a failsafe.
• Know the area and the route you plan to take. Trails can be harder to follow a fresh snowfall.
• Prevent Hypothermia. Dress properly, stay dry, and add or remove layers to regulate your body temperature. Carry plenty of food and water. Eat, drink, and rest often. Being tired, hungry, or dehydrated makes you more susceptible to hypothermia. Traveling in snow takes more energy and more time than traveling the same trail on bare ground.
• Pack appropriate gear for winter hiking.
• Did you know that snow is a durable surface if it is six inches or deeper? Traveling on snow at this depth will help to protect sensitive underlying vegetation.
• Leave your trip plan with family or friends

Dispose of Waste Properly:

• Snow does not contribute to the decomposition of human waste. Bury your waste deep enough into the soil. If the ground is frozen, prepare to carry your waste out with you. Pack a biffy bag or thick plastic bag to carry out all waste.

Respect Wildlife:

• Winter is a vulnerable time for wildlife. It is crucial to keep a safe distance away and to respect the space of wild animals. Plan to store your food properly, and always be sure to carry out all trash and food waste, including scraps. Keep pets on leashes to avoid negative wildlife encounters.

Recent Notices

Notices below reflect recent changes in conditions and recreation infrastructure work completed by DEC and its partners. Check the Catskill Backcountry Information for the Catskills web pages for ongoing issues and more detailed information.

Bluestone Wild Forest: The gate at Onteora Lake that provides access to the lower parking area has been closed due to the road being covered by ice and snow. The upper parking area is still available for use.

Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest: The gate at Alder Lake that provides access to the upper lot has been closed due to the access road being covered by ice and snow.

Willowemoc Wild Forest and Sundown Wild Forest: Snowmobile trails in the Sundown Wild Forest and Willowemoc Wild Forest are open for use once trails are covered in ice and snow. Seasonal gates allowing access to snowmobile trails will be opened once the trails are sufficiently covered in ice and snow.

Platte Close Road is closed through April 15th.

The following roads are seasonal and are not maintained during winter months. Please be aware of snowy conditions:

• Turnwood Road-Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest (Town of Hardenburgh)
• Platte Clove Road- Indian Head Wilderness (Town of Hunter)
• Roaring Kill Road- Indian Head Wilderness (Town of Hunter)
• Russel Brook Road- Delaware Wild Forest (Town of Colchester)
• Mary Smith Road- Delaware Wild Forest (Town of Colchester)
• Ploutz Road- Dry Brook Wild Forest (Town of Middletown)

Delaware Wild Forest: Snowmobile trails in Delaware Wild Forest will be open for use once trails are covered in ice and snow.

• Seasonal gates allowing access to snowmobile trails will be opened once the trails are sufficiently covered in ice and snow.

Kaaterskill Falls: Temperatures are beginning to drop which means Kaaterskill will be very icy. Hikers should use caution on icy stone staircases and other rock surfaces.  Avoid hiking near cliff edges.

And be sure to submit your photos for a chance to be featured!