Catskill Heritage Alliance

Video of the Belleayre Snowball demonstration...

600 people boo the developer at a public hearing...

Closed talks shut out public from Belleayre plan in Catskills
First published in the Albany Times Sunday, July 22, 2007
Curiously, after eight years of controversy and very public discussion, it
seems there's no news these days about Dean Gitter's proposed $400 million
development in the Catskills.
But no news about Gitterland, located on either side of the state-owned
Belleayre Ski Resort, is not necessarily good news.
There is stuff happening. It's just that negotiations among Gitter's
people, state and New York City interests, and a coterie of environmental
watchdogs have gone behind closed doors.
the past several months there's been a self-imposed gag order on these
talks until something is resolved. The buzz down in the Catskills, though,
is that they're close.
It's more than a little disconcerting that closed-door meetings are
required to do what is ultimately the people's business. Progress may well
happen, but at what price? The fear is that we may not know until it's too
late.
Gitter, you'll recall, has been trying since 1999 to develop a mega-resort
on either side of Belleayre, but ran into a wall of environmental
opposition from the beginning. Now it does seem something Gitter-like will
be going up on that mountain after all.
Until an announcement is made, however, what form it might take in terms of
footprint and scope remains pure though enticing speculation.
What's moved things along, we're told, is that Governor Spitzer wants it to
happen, and he brings the treasury of the kingdom to help out. My friends
down at the Phoenicia Times near Belleayre are saying the main deal maker
is a proposed "extreme makeover" of the state-owned Belleayre Ski Resort.
The number being bandied about is $47 million in state money. Of course,
with the gag order in place, there is no confirmation. All of this remains
juicy scuttlebutt.
Negotiating stakeholders do include a proven skeptical consortium of
environmental interests who have been generally opposed to much of the
project, especially its gigantic scale and the impact it would have on the
quality of life and the quality of water in the region, as well as on the
New York City water supply.
Directly beneath the east side of the proposed development in Shandaken is
the Esopus Creek, which empties into the New York City watershed's Ashokan
Reservoir. A short distance away is the edge of the rugged forever wild
Catskill Park.
The biggest issue environmental opponents have with Gitter's massive
proposal is the plan to build on the east side of Belleayre. They want
nothing there at all. In fact, they'd like to see Gitter's holdings on the
east side turned into forever wild forest preserve.
That would conform to what we can call the "Hinchey Rule." Last summer,
after Gitter proposed reducing the size of the original plan to satisfy
critics, Congressman Maurice Hinchey countered with the written view there
should be no development on the east side at all because it is simply too
environmentally sensitive.
Gitter rejected that notion, stating he needed the east side otherwise the
development did not make economic sense.
But that was then. The state's proposal to create a dazzling ski center at
Belleayre brings all new possibilities to the table. Supposedly, the ski
center would feature a lodge at the base of the 2,500-foot mountain,
instead of half-way up, as it is now. That would facilitate longer and
better trails, and make a perfect fit for Gitter's golf courses and spas,
conference centers and multiple types of housing and hotels as a
year-around destination resort.
The Catskill Mountain House of the 21st century.
While these negotiations continue, the clock has been stopped on a hearing
before a Department of Environmental Conservation administrative law judge
to adjudicate a number of issues identified by opponents of the private
development. Once that clock is restarted -- heralding a breakdown in
closed-door negotiations -- a legal resolution that may or may not result
in permits to build could take years of expensive litigation.
So there's plenty of motivation to break the logjam now. Environmental
lawyer Marc Gerstman is upbeat, but would only say "We're still talking,
after all these months, we're still talking." Dean Gitter's lawyer Dan
Ruzow added that he hasn't been so optimistic in years.
Ah, but there are two new flies in the soup. Once neighboring Greene County
got wind of the rumors about Belleayre in Ulster County, inter-county
friction quickly developed. Greene County is home to two private ski
resorts, Hunter Mountain and Ski Windham. The howls are loud and long that
what the state supposedly proposes with Belleayre creates unfair
competition. They may have a point, we'll see.
So, whatever comes out of these closed-door negotiations is by no means the
end of it, only the beginning of the next set of headaches for the state.
LeBrun can be reached at 454-5453 or by e-mail at flebrun@timesunion.com.

An item from the most recent Ulster County IDA meeting (July 2007)
The tax issue at Emerson is part of the public record of the IDA. Taxes
are currently in arrears and our attorney is sending a letter - taxes plus
penalties will be due or the PILOT will be suspended. A representative of
the company seemed to be aware of the issue and was working to resolve the
situation. Should the matter remain unresolved by next month's meeting,
official action may be taken if it appears they are not acting in good
faith. Failure to pay required taxes is a serious matter."

The Environmental Expo at the Community Center in Woodstock was a lot of fun and very informative. We got lots of new people to sign up for our mailings, some new members and sold a few T-shirts, too!

Catskill Heritage Alliance Members Pitch In To Help Clean Up The Pepacton And Ashokan Reservoirs & Other Catskill Waterways.

SEE OTHER EVENTS

State Senate OKs Spitzer’s Pick For Environmental Chief

By Brendan Scott 3/21/2007 Albany
Overcoming opposition by a cadre of upstate senators, Assemblyman Alexander “Pete” Grannis received the state Senate’s blessing today to lead the Department of Environmental Conservation.
The Manhattan Democrat has encountered more resistance from the Republican-controlled Senate than any of Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s other cabinet picks. The opposition was stoked by sporting organizations and gun groups who argued that Grannis, 65, would work to limit hunting and trapping privileges.
But he overcame that opposition by repeatedly assuring lawmakers that he did not oppose such outdoor activities and that he would let law and science, not ideology, guide his decisions.
He won confirmation today in the Senate by a 32-18 vote. Local Sens. John Bonacic, R-Mount Hope; Bill Larkin, R-Cornwall-on-Hudson; and Tom Morahan all voted in support of Grannis’ nomination.
The soon-to-be former 16-term Assemblyman will lead an agency that has responsibility for all of manner of environmental issues from wildlife management to pollution. The DEC has 3,600-employees and a annual budget of $3.7 billion.
Grannis will be paid $136,000 a year to serve as its commissioner.

Contact:
Jo-Anne Rowley 845 688-2038

FINAL WATERWAY CLEANUP SET, VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
INCLUDE PEPACTON IN SUBJECT LINE AND CLICK HERE
Pepacton Reservoir Clean-up To Be Held Saturday August 26
Shandaken, NY, 2006—Volunteers are needed for the final shoreline clean-up of the summer, which will take place Saturday, August 26 at the Pepacton Reservoir from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The announcement was made by the Catskill Heritage Alliance, official sponsor of the cleanups since taking over the function from the Catskill Watershed Corporation a year ago.
“Everyone is qualified to do this, and all are welcome,” says Jo-Anne Rowley, who is coordinating the effort in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Protection. “All you need are a pair of gloves and a sense of humor—and don’t forget sunscreen.” Volunteers under the age of 16 are particularly welcome but must bring either a parent/guardian or a signed permit. (For more information on permits contact Rowley at 845 688-2038.)
“The cleanup is a great way to have fun, do a good thing, and be with neighbors. And this year, it’s a particularly good way to start the day, then move on to the Margaretville Street Fair and Shandaken Eagle Day,” Rowley adds.

Volunteers should gather at 8:45 a.m. at the kiosk and parking area on the east side of the Shavertown Bridge where Route 30 meets the Reservoir Road. (At the intersection of Routes 30 and 28 a mile west of Margaretville, turn south on Route 30; the bridge is about 10 miles down). Tee-shirts will be available for volunteers, and as an added bonus, all volunteers will receive a DEP permit entitling them to access watershed lands for a year.
The Catskill Heritage Alliance is a 501(c)3 grassroots organization dedicated to preserving the harmony between the villages of the central Catskills and the surrounding wilderness through community revitalization and open space conservation. More information on the clean-ups and CHA can be found at the website, www.catskillheritage.org .

Shandaken Eagle Day August 26, 9AM. March in the highly publicized parade in Phoenicia. We are float #45, the "Forever Wildflowers". Artistic flower hats will be provided. Wear your CHA Tshirt, or get one when we meet on foot in front of the library at 9. Carpool and park at Phoenicia school.

To participate: INCLUDE "EAGLE" IN SUBJECT LINE AND CLICK HERE

or call Dave - 845 688 2977

CHA has applied to have an information table in the Margaretville Street Fair on August 26 starting at 10 AM. Here is what it could look like if we decide to do it.

All we need is a few good people to volunteer to meet and greet the good people of Margaretville. INCLUDE "M'VILLE" IN SUBJECT LINE AND CLICK HERE

Fall Music & Family Fun Festival II

It was a huge success - here are a few pix of the day

Fun Fest Fotos by Tequila Minsky

Photos by John Carney

2007 prizewinning "Our Catskill Heritage" essays from schoolkids in our area:

Michelle Wojciechowski - Roxbury School

Many folks see the country side as a lush land of trees and a small town get-away from
the bustling city lifestyle, but under the blankets of lush green trees mirrors the hard lives of
many struggling denizens striving to get by with a small dollar. Inside the picture perfect oil
painted barn lives a city business of itself with a slightly different kind of business man which for
a portion of my life I have observed; the farmer, working hours in the fields tending to his
livestock and crops just to pay the bills, never forgetting his family and friends with his deep
heart roots longer than the Catskill oaks themselves.

I was thirteen when I was handed an opportunity greater than any, an opportunity that taught me
many virtues of life including patience, friendship, responsibility, machinery and the value of a
dollar. I arrived on the farm in the warm summer months where my brother also held a job. I
admired the hard work of the intricate machinery and the way the other workers helped each
other out as family. I watched the ways the milking machines worked to the advantage of the
fanner, the way the green and yellow of the tractor glowed proud as gold as it swept through the
golden hay like a horse with its master. Of most I enjoyed the companionship of the cows
themselves and the small beagle that also had its place. My favorite time of the year was when I
went up the mountain on the small tractor to cheek the spring, it was like you were rising above
the troubles looking out on the world. I could see the old grain mill, the train as it strolled by
slowly on the tracks and the tourists as they give you a friendly wave. Summer also brought hard
work which I learned was a large part of the farm life. Haying started at seven in the morning and ended at three then milking chores until five. We would drive through town on me tractor up the hill and we would gather on the large hay load for a lunch break as we watched the sun on the hills and talked aimlessly about nothing.

Summer came and went faster than the waters of the rivers, soon leaves began to fall and paint
the colors of orange red and yellow over the green canvas. Hay season Was done, calves began to birth and new life came with the death of the summer sun. The farm had a cold chill that set with the cast of the barns shadow, you could watch from the barns peak as the neighboring farmers came to help out their fellow farmer. It was that day that I took down the hand painted "sweet corn" sign that stood before the small farm stand before the barns drive as the locals drove by with a friendly wave During the time of winter, life slowed down and the people of the town went into hibernation but not the farm work. I still milked in the winter months and enjoyed it very much as I continuedlearning and prospering. Before I knew it, winter was gone and spring came just as fast.

On December 7th 2006, the Bouton farm sold out, an era lost. That rainy day was a sad day for
everyone that came to see the. For four years at that job I learned more than what I could have
ever learned at any other job; first to be patient because things in life will go wrong like things on the farm did, to love and to be able to love all even if they may be hard to work with,
responsibility to show up for work that must be done, the value of a dollar because if you work
hard enough, money is a gift. I also learned girls are just as capable as men but out of everything the one thing I have learned is that the mountains are filled with people who hold a heart bigger than their body who are always willing to give people a chance and their time to teach. My boss had owned a farm for 52 years and had given me a privilege of four years on it and even though his death in January 2007 hurt the hearts of many, we all remember how he touched us as well.

*****

Philip Rezac Jr. - Andes School

The One
I speak for all those who choose not to
I am the voice of reason and compassion
I am the mountain, (he water, and the bear
I am kind.
You are the voice of despair
Your words and thoughts are the cause
You are the machine that decimates all of me
You are unforgiving.
Together, we are influence.
We builct incredible hopes and imaginations
We show them a side that they've never seen
W& are cruel in our most basic sense
We are balance,
Together, we are the one.

*****

Melinda White - Margaretville Central School

Our Catskill Heritage

The Catskill Mountains surround one of the most beautiful places in New York
As a child, I grew up in Sullivan County, in an area that was still vaguely considered part
of the Catskills region but had none of the grandeur of blue misted mountains and deep
valleys. Upon moving to the Margaretville area several years ago, I was instantly struck
by the beauty of the landscapes that provided a backdrop for the town. I feel that,
because I have not always grown up around such natural wonders, I am better positioned
to fully notice and appreciate our majestic surroundings.

Many teenagers and even adults who have lived here for their entire lives never
really take the time to appreciate the Catskills. A large portion of students have never
even hiked one of the mountains, despite their proximity over an entire life-span. An
important part of recognizing our Catskill Heritage is to explore what Mother Nature has
spread out for us by climbing up Giant Ledge and spending half an hour gazing at the
picturesaue views, or trying to identify the numerous bird species that flit around your
head.

To me, a 'Catskill Heritage' implies that we are all entitled to share the Catskills,
yet we bear some responsibility for it as well. The massive amount of public lands,
hiking trails, fishing and hunting opportunities, and charming wilderness in general is a
gift from Nature to everyone. Although we may begrudge the seasonal tourists who
arrive to take advantage of our surroundings, they too are entitled to enjoy the natural wonders of the Catskills. These mountains are part of our heritage; at birth, we were
brought into an area with boundless outdoor activities and beautiful sights awaiting us.
However, we must be sure to take care of the Catskill as well, or we will have no
natural scenery to make up our heritage. This message is especially relevant for residents
as Earth Day approaches. Perhaps we could all use some reminding that if we don't take
care of our environment around us, it will disappear. We as a people need to keep an eye
on developments, energy sources, pollution, and littering in the area. Just as the Catskills
are part of a common heritage, so too are they a commonresponsibility.

I consider myself privileged to have spent a few years of my life in the Catskill
Mountain area. The immense scope of recreational activities and elegant beauty that
permeates every aspect of life in Margaretville has led to many irreplaceable memories. I
will always have a fond spot in my heart for the Catsldlls, and in future years I hope to
return and be reminded of this incredible landscape that is a part of our common heritage.

*****

Claire Branman - Onteora School

I Am A Mountaineer Dead Deer

I'm in my room
Sitting on my bed
Thinking
Thinking
Thinking
And then I get up
And walk out my front door
Stick my headphones into my ears
And listen to the music
As I walk up my road
And swerve up the nearby hill
My speed picks up as I near
A miniature waterfall
I look down at the gushing water and sigh
Then I march onwards and upwards
A half hour passes by
And I veer around a comer where a friend of mine used to live
And I think maybe I should stop here
But instead I say to myself
Wait until this song ends
So I keep walking
And already I'm partway down a steep incline
So I instead when the song ends I keep walking
Then I reach a tree stump I've driven by thousands of times
And I decide why not keep going till I reach the end of the road
Then I stop thinking
And I just walk
I sing to the music
I breathe in the spring air
I look at the gravel and the grass at the side of road
I pass the hunters club
And I think about shaking my fist
But instead I just hope that the deer stay far away
And remain at the DEP station where no hunters can shoot to kill
Still onward I walk
Until finally I realize it's been two hours
And if I don't turn around I'll never make it home before dark
So sweaty and tired I spin to face the other way
And trek home
With my thoughts less clustered
And my body ready for sleep

Thanks to all the participating students and teachers

Prizewinning "Our Catskill Heritage" Essays from 2006

Margaretville HS
Eun Lee
March 30, 2006
"Mv Catskill Heritage"
The worn-in trails rest solitary in the rolling hills of Catskill
I sit, gazing at the rough yet poised nature of my surrounding.
The infinite closed clusters of trees stand tall and strong,
having endured many years of trials and life.
I pray to have the same luck as they did in standing tall and strong
against the challenges I will face in years to come.
The silence is broken by the blowing breeze and the twittering birds
soaring through the unguarded sky.
Blazing reds streak through the open air as the sun slowly sets down.
The sight is a wonder to behold just like my home in the Catskill.
My background, my life, my memories, stays here in the heart of Catskill.
My life was intertwined with nature though I did not care to notice.
But as I grow older and wiser, I realize that nature is precious.
Harmony is necessary for balance in life.
Fulfill humankind's destiny by uniting man and nature.
I am seventeen going on eighteen.
A new path lies in front of me, a new branch of my journey waiting to be embarked upon.
I started my journey in a worn path in the Catskill.
I find a fresh path, rugged and arduous.
That's the path I choose.
I look back at the trip I made, the path I took.
Regrets, happiness, sadness, everything was all for the better.
I look forward now, the new path waiting for footsteps to tread upon.
I step forward, fresh mud lie, slick with wetness.
I slide, I hold onto a branch. It holds me up.
Catskill is there to support me.
That’s all I need to know.

Roxbury Central School
Kelli Huggins
Roxbury Central School
My Catskill Heritage
Whenever anyone asks me where Roxbury is, my usual response is to say, "Drive to the middle-of-nowhere and take a left". Then after a few laughs, I actually describe the area in more exact terms. Despite my poor attempts at humor, I truly have a deep respect and appreciation for the Catskills.
I have lived in the Catskills for my entire life. Growing up in a rural area has definitely shaped my perspectives and molded me into the person that I am today. One of the most rewarding aspects of life in the Catskills is the kinship that is fostered in small communities. I have always appreciated being able to walk down the street and see people that I know and can talk to. It is very comforting to know that there are always people in the community that are genuinely concerned with your well-being and happiness. Living in a small town is like having your own personal support group, therapist, and second family all rolled into one convenient package.
Living in a town nestled in the midst of the Catskill Mountains has also given me a great appreciation for the beauty of nature. Spring in the Catskills is characterized by flowers and plants emerging from their dormant winter hibernation. The summer brings about warm days full of long hours of sunlight. In autumn, the majestic maple trees become chameleons as their leaves change from green to gold and red. Winter generally means that the land becomes blanketed by beautiful snowfalls. No matter the season, the splendor of nature is always evident in the Catskills.
The Catskills have even influenced my career aspirations. Throughout my schooling, I have repeatedly heard the stories of John Burroughs, Jay Gould, Zadock Pratt, and the many other historical figures that have come from this area. I was captivated by these figures and their contributions to the country. It always inspired me to know that they lived in the same little community as I and that they were able to achieve so many wonderful accomplishments. Unfortunately, the vast history that this region has to offer often goes unnoticed and is underappreciated. I find it upsetting to discover that some people have never heard the great life stories of our local heroes. This has inspired me to major in History at college. I hope to eventually be able to educate others about the rich heritage of the Catskills.
My Catskill heritage has profoundly affected every aspect of my life. I believe that opportunities that are provided and the overwhelming beauty of the area make the Catskills one of the best places in the world to grow up. In that case, the next time someone asks me about my hometown I will say, "The middle-of-nowhere is somewhere after all.

AP Language Seminar Paper 16
Rosie Winn 2/23/06
"My Catskill Heritage"
Old Hurley, New York. The second capital of New York State. Well, unofficially the
second capital of New York State. It was technically the capital for a few weeks, at least, when
the first capital, Kingston, was burned down during the War of 1812, an event that is
enthusiastically reenacted every summer, sometime after the Fourth of July fireworks and before
the traveling carnival comes to town. See that stone house over there? No, that stone house,
right there. George Washington slept there. Probably. Maybe. It doesn't matter that if George
Washington were to have slept in all the places people claim he did, there would have been no
time left for him to win the Revolutionary War. Our Washington House must be authentic.
Old Hurley, New York. Soar to it at eighty miles an hour through the sweet corn fields,
straight down Route 209, but remember to slow down for the state trooper barracks. Take a left
at the sign that says "Welcome to Old Hurley, Founded 1661", and drive onto Hurley's Main
Street. Another day, you'll go straight over the bridge over the Esopus Creek and see the small
people fishing below before reentering the ever-present com fields, or you'll take a left onto Old
Route 209 and pass the Country Store, where you can buy model airplanes and candy, art supplies
and hunting gear, and the Hurley Mountain Inn, deer heads tacked to the wall and men in the bar
even at noon. That's for a different day.
Today, turn right and drive past the Stewart's gas station, where in the summer you can
bike to for ice cream cones. Pass the Old Dutch Church with their preschool for all the kids in
Hurley and basement where Girl Scout meetings are held. See the old stone houses (dating back
to 1680!) on both sides of the road. Watch the library with its friendly librarian and dusty stacks
of books recede into the distance. There goes the Key Bank, the historical society, the cemetery
where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. When you were little, you might have thought the
town held everything necessary for life and happiness.
Turn right once again and continue to Myer Elementary School. The basketball courts
today are deserted; the jungle gyms are empty. Soon there will be new kids crowding the halls
and the classrooms; playing kickball in the gym; chasing each other at recess. They'll attend school "dances" in the cafeteria (4th and 5th graders only) and think long division is incredibly hard. They'll grow up here, in this seemingly idealized world, until divorce and loss and separation touch their lives.
Travel down to the dead end of the road. Leave the car and cut through someone's
backyard to Orchard Street. Walk past the houses of the neighbors, the Tschinkels' and the
Scotts', old Mr. and Mrs. Millers' and Jean's. They're all gone now- moved away or died.
Notice the white farmhouse right before the road loops back onto itself. In the side yard, a little
girl plays. Maybe she's climbing the willow tree in the backyard, where she'll remain perched
for hours reading a book. Or she's involved in an intense game of Manhunt through the woods.
It could be she's riding her bike up one hill, down another all along the street. Perhaps she's
"camping out" in the backyard, keeping the tent pitched for weeks with her best friends.
It's only a matter of time before the girl leaves Hurley. The library will lose its intrigue,
walking down Main Street for an adventure will become common and boring, she'll discover that this is a "just another middle-of-nowhere" town, filled with self admiration of its own perceived
importance. But for now, the girl will stand in awe of the second state capital status and the legend of the
night George Washington stopped here.

Andes
Josh Weaver
My Catskill Heritage
06/22/06
I used to think that my Catskill Heritage was unimportant. I thought my boring loser
laden town was the armpit of the earth. When I look back on my attitude and outlook on life in
the Catskills I can think of nothing but negativity. What I did not realize about my Catskill
Heritage, however, is that I am truly the loser. If there is one thing I have learned about growing
up in a small town it is that any given area you grow up in can be either a negative experience or
a positive one. I have found that life actually is what you make it, as my mother would say.
This area has given me a better perspective of life. I no longer look at my hometown as
"the armpit of the earth", in fact; I've come to appreciate the lack of activity. As a kid city life
seems to be most appealing, but when you look at the whole scheme of things this place is like
heaven on earth. Those very same city dwellers put their fortunes into weekend homes in the
Catskills. Some city folk retire to the Catskills to escape the over-populated and polluted city.
To quote my mother once more; "the grass isn't always greener on the other side." I
guess you do not truly appreciate the simplicity, yet, utter genius, of that idea until you grow up
and see the world around you. My opinion on the Catskills to this day is that I have learned and
grown from this place and its people. Sure, my life is dull at times, I'm an hour from the nearest
mall, and I do not live next to a Starbucks, but it is that same lack of convenience that has made me
resourceful. In summation, The Catskills have given me character. The Catskills have made me
appreciate that which I have taken for granted since birth. If I were given the chance to start a new life in the
location of my choice I would most definitely choose to live here all over again.