New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the dedication of a five-person summer trail crew for the Catskill Park to celebrate National Trails Day. This trail crew will work in DEC Regions 3 and 4 on five separate trail projects. The Catskill Park contains more than 290 miles of trails enjoyed by thousands of outdoor enthusiasts every year.

Commissioner Seggos said, “The Catskills are a beautiful, world-renowned destination easily accessible to millions of people in nearby communities, including New York City, who flock to the area for its scenic vistas, clean air, and wholesome recreational activities. This trail crew will complement our ongoing work and help complete a number of important trail projects. What a great way to celebrate National Trails Day!”

The Catskill Park is a recreational resource to New Yorkers and continues to see the number of users increase every year. Its close proximity to New York City make it one of the most popular hiking destinations in the state. Dedicating a trail crew to maintain and improve these areas will protect this spectacular natural resource, improve public safety, and enhance outdoor experiences for tens of thousands of New Yorkers to enjoy.

National Trails Day is organized by the American Hiking Society and is the only nationally coordinated event that unites muscle-powered trail activities with the goal of connecting more people to trails. 

Ramsay Adams, Executive Director of the Catskill Mountain Keeper said, “This is great news from Commissioner Seggos. This is exactly the kind of investment the Catskill Park needs. We have some of the most beautiful trails in the country right here in the Catskills Park. We look forward to working with the DEC and this crew on completing these important projects.”

“The Catskill Center truly appreciates the addition of a NYS Department of Environmental Conservation trail crew for the Catskill Park. The summer crew will provide crucial trail maintenance on some of the most popular hiking trails in the Catskills—improving the outdoor recreation experience for many thousands of visitors to the region,” said Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center.

This crew will complete the following projects in the Catskill Park:

1. Gulf of Mexico Bridge: Replace 40’ Bridge on the Neversink – Hardenberg Trail
   
   
2. Overlook Mountain Loop and Connector Trails: Construction of short easy loop trails and a connector trail leading to the Overlook Spur Trail from the new access point.
   
   
3. Winnisook/Denning Bridge: Replacement of a 20’ bridge
   
   
4. Elm Ridge Trail Connector: Make the South Connector trail from the Cranberry Bog Trail to the Middle Mountain Trail as approved in the June 2015 Elm Ridge UMP Amendment.
   
   
5. Colgate Lake Trail /Accessible Feature Rehab:

DEC is responsible for the management of more than four million acres of state land and conservation easements and numerous facilities under its jurisdiction. DEC maintains hiking trails on many areas of Forest Preserve lands in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks as well as on State Forests, Wildlife Management Areas and Unique Areas. 

Initiatives like our five-person summer trail crews provide invaluable support to our stewardship of this incredible land. DEC is currently accepting applications from individuals interested in becoming a member of a trail crew. To learn more on how you can get involved, please go to the DEC website at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/38596.html.