Catskill Strategic Planning Advisory Group submits final Catskill Park sustainable recreation plan

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The Catskill Strategic Planning Advisory Group's final report on promoting sustainable recreation in the Catskill Forest calls for balancing increased recreational use of the park with protecting its natural and historic resources while making the park 'welcoming, accessible and including.' The report highlights proposed actions the DEC and its state and local partners could take pending available funding and ongoing partnership. Key recommendations in the report included operating The Catskill Park with a 'whole park management' strategy versus the many jurisdictions that exist now. In addition, it recommended that the state partner with other stakeholders to work together to promote the park while educating visitors about reducing their impact. It also called on state officials and other stakeholders to seek to maximize economic opportunities for those who live within its boundaries.