Environmental Events and News for Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester Counties

Recreational Information

• Camping season is upon us! It's easy to reserve your perfect campsite now by phone or New York's online camping reservation system!
• June 2019 Catskill Outdoor Recreation Bulletin is available. If you want to receive future editions, subscribe now!
• Outdoors Day: Come celebrate National Get Outdoors Day at free DEC events around the state. Try a new activity or introduce your family to old favorites like hiking, archery, paddling, and fishing! Bring the whole family and spend the day having an outdoor adventure! Check out the calendar for Lower Hudson Valley, Region 3 events happening near you!
• Free Sport Fishing Events are fishing programs where participants can fish for free; no freshwater fishing license or enrollment in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry is required. In addition to fishing, participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics and aquatic ecology. Check DEC's website for details on upcoming dates in June for Region 3 free fishing events! 

Highlighted Hike

The Overlook Mountain Fire Tower trailhead is accessible by car from Interstate I-87 (NYS Thruway) Exit 19 in Kingston (Route 28). Take Route 28 west approximately 6 miles to a right on Rt. 375, then left on Rte 212 to the Woodstock Village Green. At the Village Green, in the center of town, make a right on Rock City Road, continuing past the four-corner intersection to Meads Mountain Road. The parking lot is on your right about 2 miles up Meads Mountain Road. Or, you can take Exit 20 (Saugerties), Rte 212 west, to the Woodstock Village Green, and then follow the above directions. (42.071094°N, -74.122661°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).

The Meads Meadow Trailhead is accessible by car from Interstate I-87 (NYS Thruway) Exit 19 in Kingston (Route 28). Take Route 28 west approximately 6 miles to a right on Rt. 375, then left on Rte 212 to the Woodstock Village Green. At the Village Green, in the center of town, make a right on Rock City Road, continuing past the four corner-intersection to Meads Mountain Road. Take Meads Mountain Road for 2 miles and pass the Overlook Mountain Trailhead parking area, then continue 0.5 miles on Macdaniel Road to the new Meads Meadow Trailhead parking area. Or you can take Exit 20 (Saugerties), Rte 212 west, to the Woodstock Village Green, and then follow the above directions. (42.076422,-74.129087) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).
 

Events, Meetings & Public Comment Periods

Hudson River Estuary Management Advisory Committee

Wednesday June 5, 2019 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Norrie Point Environmental Center, 256 Norrie Point Way, Staatsburg, NY 12580 - Map

The Hudson River Estuary Management Advisory Committee (HREMAC) was established in 1987 under Section 11-0306 of the Environmental Conservation Law, known as the Hudson River Estuary Management Act. The committee's volunteer members are appointed by the DEC Commissioner and represent a variety of interests including commercial fishing, recreational uses, research, education, conservation, local government, marine trades and industry. The committee meets three times per year and provides a forum where the views and opinions of committee members can be shared with state resource managers. Contact hrep@dec.ny.gov for a meeting agenda one week prior to the meeting.

Proposed Cleanup - Glenwood Cleaners Site (City of Yonkers) - Comment Period Ends
Friday June 14, 2019

Contact
DEC, Division of Environmental Remediation
derweb@dec.ny.gov

DEC invites the public to comment on a proposed remedy to address contamination related to the Glenwood Container Site #C360154 (Yonkers, Westchester County) within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. NYSDEC is accepting public comments about the proposal through June 14, 2019. Additional Information  

Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Visitor Center

Discovery Walks: Spring Birding
Saturday, June 8, 2019 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. at the Catskills Visitor Center 

This week our topic is birding for beginners as we explore the Visitor Center’s nature trails finding resident and migrating species.

Catskill Mountain Story Festival

Saturday, June 15, 2019 10 a.m.  – 4 p.m.   
Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center

Join us at the Catskills Visitor Center for the Catskill Mountain Story Festival, a celebration of the past, present and future of writing and storytelling in the Catskills. Enjoy performances and panels, meet acclaimed authors, see what's new from local small presses, engage with local libraries and nonprofits, and share your own stories of the Catskills. There will be performers and activities for all ages, so bring the whole family and spend the day! Stay tuned for more details as the date gets closer.