DEC Catskills Outdoor Recreation Bulletin - February 2019

This is a monthly newsletter providing information about a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities in the Catskills, including events, trail updates and advisories. Enjoy!

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 Catskills Backcountry Information for more detailed information on access, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and conditions for those planning to recreate in the Catskills. Check snow amounts and mountain weather conditions before heading out this weekend.

This bulletin provides only 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. Watch this video about winter hiking safety tips.

Do you want to share your Catskill mountain story?

We want to hear from you! Submit your Catskill winter photos for a chance to be featured in our Catskill Bulletin! Submissions should can be sent to stephanie.mossey@dec.ny.gov

Catskill Interpretive Center

Visit The Catskill Interpretive Center on State Route 28 in the Town of Shandaken, Ulster County. This Catskill Mountain visitors center is 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 information, 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! Visitors and residents alike will find new ways to connect with the nature, history and culture that makes this region so unique.

Events:

Discovery Walk at the CIC: Birding & Identification

Join us for the first in a new series of winter Discovery Walks - all about birding! We’ll practice birding basics, use binoculars to get the best views, and keep a record of sighted bird species on our property. We'll introduce visitors to identification with field guides, as well as utilize eBird and iNaturalist.

If you have your own set of binoculars, please bring them, otherwise we’ll have a small number of pairs to share. Since we’ll be outside for about an hour depending on weather conditions, don’t forget extra layers, hat, gloves, and scarf!

Sunday, February 3, 2019
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 
Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center
5096 State Route 28
Mount Tremper, NY 12457
(map)

Catskill Mountain Kids: Winter Travel and Adaptation

Catskill Mountain Kids is a year-round weekly daytime program series that celebrates the nature, history and culture of the Catskills. Each session will include some focused learning time, hands-on activities, and outdoor exploration. The program is geared for ages 4-7 but all are welcome. Please dress for the weather/being outside and the possibility of getting messy.

Thursday, February 7, 2019
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center
5096 New York Route 28
Mount Tremper, NY, 12457
(map)

Highlighted Hike - Giant Ledge

1.6 miles, 3.2 miles round trip, elevation gain: 1,100 feet

The shortest and easiest route up Giant Ledge is from the Oliverea Road North (Giant Ledge Trailhead) Parking Area. Begin by crossing the road and following the yellow marked Phoenicia East Branch Trail east .75 miles until its juncture with the blue marked Giant Ledge-Panther Trail. Turn left, heading north .85 miles to the summit and excellent views to both the east and west.

General Conditions/Notices

• Road Conditions and Closures: Check before you travel at NY511
• Winter Weather: Snow, ice and below freezing temperatures
• Bring appropriate gear  to stay warm and dry. With frosts overnight there will also be ice, so it’s a good idea to keep microspikes or crampons in your pack.
• Snow is deeper in the higher elevations and on mountain peaks
• The National Weather Service provides maps depicting current snow depths and forecasts.
• Water Sources: Plan to pack water with you as normal reliable water sources shown on trail maps may be iced over.
• Snowmobile Trails: Many designated snowmobile trails are open and have been groomed, but conditions are poor.
• Check with local snowmobile clubs to determine status and condition of trails.
• New York State Snowmobile Association Interactive Trail Map
• Safety: DEC and OPRHP remind snowmobilers to ride responsibly while enjoying the state's abundant snowmobiling opportunities.
• Watch for skiers and snowshoers using snowmobile trails - slow down to safely pass.

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:

• Breaking trail: Breaking trail exhausts more energy so plan extra time for your trip. Know your route well as trail signs and junctions may be difficult to find under snow cover. Bring a map with you. Gaiters can protect your lower legs from the wet, cold elements of deep snow.
• Wear snowshoes or skis for use in deep snow to reduce injuries and ease travel. They prevent “post-holing”—leaving deep footprints in the snow – which makes trails more difficult and hazardous for others to use.
• Know your route well as trail signs and junctions may be difficult to find under snow cover. Bring a map with you.
• Frigid temperatures: To layer properly for these conditions; start off with enough layers that you still feel cool while standing. Be sure to have a non-cotton base layer to help wick moisture as you start to sweat. This can help keep you dry and keep your temperature better regulated. You will warm up once you start moving. Add and remove layers to keep yourself dry and your body temperature consistent so that you are not shivering or overheating. Wear a winter hat and gloves to keep heat in. Pack a wind resistant jacket and full-face mask for open ledges and summits to prevent frostbite. Pack extra wool socks to keep your feet dry and warm.
• 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 bottle 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.
• Pack appropriate gear for winter hiking.

Dispose of Waste Properly:

Snow does not contribute to the decomposition of human waste. If the snow is too deep to dig a cat hole, prepare to carry out your waste using a wag bag. A couple options include, biffy bags, and the rest stop II.

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 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 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 snow. Parking is limited due to snow conditions.
• 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 Clove Road is closed through April 15^th
• The following roads are seasonal and are not maintained during winter months.
  • 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 will only get icier as the winter progresses. Hikers should use caution on icy stone staircases and other rock surfaces. Avoid hiking near cliff edges.