Public feedback on the two reports regarding Visitor Use Management (VUM) for the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness and Kaaterskill Clove region of the Catskill Park is being accepted until June 1, 2026 by either email or mail.
Over the last decade, visitation to public lands across the country, including New York’s Forest Preserve, has been on an upward trend. The Adirondack High Peaks and the Catskill Park’s Kaaterskill Clove are among the most highly visited regions in the State.
Each location is experiencing the compounding effects of:
traffic and parking congestion;
potentially unsafe conditions along busy state highways;
crowded trails, summits and other points of interest; and
physical degradation of trails and other facilities.
DEC held separate virtual public meetings for the High Peaks Wilderness and Kaaterskill Clove VUM Recommendations Reports in April 2026. To view the public meeting recordings, Recommendation Reports, and additional background information about Visitor Use Management on the Forest Preserve, visit DEC’s website.
Development of the VUM reports was recommended by two Advisory Groups convened to provide DEC with recreation recommendations for the High Peaks and Catskills.
The reports, prepared by planning firms DJ&A and Otak, focus on strategies to address impacts from increasing visitation and public safety impacts.
The consultants’ reports highlight findings related to visitor use patterns, behaviors, and preferences while recreating within each area, and provide recommendations on adaptive management strategies that support a safe and high-quality visitor experience.
“The release of the reports does not signify DEC adoption of the recommendations,” a DEC press release said. “The reports represent one set of tools and recommendations that DEC will utilize in future land management decision making. These independent consultant products will be evaluated alongside ecological assessments, trail and other recreational facility assessments, community input, statutory and regulatory requirements, and other land management principals and partnership opportunities.”
Management actions specific to the High Peaks Wilderness and Kaaterskill Clove will be developed and implemented based on the feedback provided and in consultation with local partners.
Submit your comments by email to forestpreserve@dec.ny.gov or mail comments to Josh Clague, NYS DEC, 625 Broadway, 5th Floor, Albany, NY 12233-4254.
Learn more about Visitor Use Management VUM for the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness and Kaaterskill Clove region of the Catskill Park at DEC’s website.
Read more about the Adirondacks and the Catskills.
Photo: A group of people waiting for their turn to look over a viewing platform at Kaaterskill Clove in the Catskills (courtesy DEC).
Source link
