ENDNOTE

The Catskills are ready for the renewal of spring. Although the past year has been a challenging time for everyone, no one could have prepared us for the way in which the pandemic urged people to reconnect with nature. In 2020

our stewards greeted more than 70,000 visitors to the Catskill Park. In a time of fear, uncertainty, and monotony, people turned to the refuge of the Catskill region.

With an increase in visitors comes an increase in the Catskill Center’s responsibility to protect our natural resources. Last year’s massive upturn in hikers only reinforced the importance of the Catskill Stewards Program for the health and safety of everyone and every acre. Therefore, this year will see the growth of the program with the employment of seven stewards, as opposed to last year’s four, stationed at the increasingly populated Peekamoose Blue Hole, Kaaterskill Falls, and Platte Clove Preserve.

In addition to these locations, one of these seven stewards will fulfill the brand-new position of Ridge Runner – a highly qualified individual who will take on the immense responsibility of stewarding popular backcountry locations throughout the Catskill Forest Preserve. The Ridge Runner will be a vital addition to the Catskill Center’s team by providing even more coverage for the Catskill Park and the opportunity to interact with thousands of hikers across the region. The Catskill Center is excited to further implement

PHOTO: HEATHER PHELPS-LIPTON

IN ADDITION TO MAINTAINING THE INTEGRITY OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES, WE ARE DEDICATED TO ENSURING THE CATSKILLS ARE WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE FOR EVERYONE.

our commitment to recreate responsibility and our Leave No Trace initiative with the growth of the Stewards Program.

We expect 2021 to see just as many visitors to the Park as last year, if not more. Although it is wonderful to welcome all visitors – new and returning, local and traveling, novice and experienced – to the region, we must be ready with a considerable increase in education and outreach. The age of COVID-19, as well as a tough budget year, has shifted the way we conduct advocacy; however, we have been able to remain in contact with Albany, educating lawmakers on the importance of the Catskill Park and greater Catskill region, and continue the important work of ensuring the Catskills are being represented.

As a founding member of the New York Outdoor Recreation Coalition, the Catskill Center is committed to upholding our values as more and more people come to the Catskills to recreate. In addition to maintaining the integrity of our natural resources, we are dedicated to treating each other with respect and kindness and ensuring the Catskills are welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

Although it is the Catskill Center’s responsibility to introduce and implement tools to protect both the Catskill region and its visitors, it is up to each and every one of us to uphold these values. Join me in our effort to further transition the Catskill region’s growth from challenge to opportunity by promoting education and outreach, encouraging inclusivity, and protecting our natural resources for generations to come.

JEFF SENTERMAN

Catskill Center Executive Director

The Catskill Center for Conservation & Development

PO Box 504 43355 State Highway 28 Arkville, NY 12406

A periodical celebrating New York State’s glorious Catskills, Catskills magazine is delivered directly to Catskill Center members.