Catskill Center Applauds DECs Visitor Use Plan to Protect Formerly Trailless High Peaks

ARKVILLE — The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development applauds the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for taking bold steps to protect the Catskill Park’s most fragile high peaks by releasing a draft Visitor Use Management (VUM) Plan.

The plan, which focuses on the region’s formerly trailless summits, is the first of its kind in the Catskills and reflects years of scientific data collection and thoughtful analysis. By guiding hikers along sustainable, designated routes, the DEC aims to reduce ecological damage while ensuring continued public access to some of the most spectacular areas of the Catskill Mountains.

For decades, hikers seeking both challenge and solitude have shaped a web of unmarked paths across these trailless summits. The unintended result has been disturbances to sensitive high elevation forests, fragmented wildlife habitat, and irreplaceable natural resources placed at risk. The new plan directly addresses these impacts by channeling use toward resilient, well-designed routes that protect the long-term health of the ecosystem.

“We commend the DEC for creating a plan rooted in science and stewardship,” said Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center. “This is a significant step toward balancing the love people have for the Catskills with the urgent need to protect its most sensitive natural resources.”

Key Elements the Catskill Center Supports

Science-Based Protections: Sensitive resource zones identified by the New York Natural Heritage Program will help safeguard rare plants and habitats.

Sustainable Trail Design: DEC will mark preferred routes to the peaks, followed by detailed trail sustainability analyses and design plans.

Better Communication: Partnerships with popular digital mapping platforms—and local programs like the Catskills Visitor Center and Catskill Stewards—will ensure visitors receive accurate, consistent information about safe, sustainable routes.

Recommendations to Strengthen the Plan

While strongly supportive, the Catskill Center urged DEC to strengthen the draft plan with several key actions:

Move Quickly to Protect Vulnerable Peaks: Trails to Rocky, South Doubletop, Halcott, Kaaterskill High Peak, Balsam Cap, and Friday Mountain should be marked no later than 2026.

Provide Parking and Infrastructure: New trailheads must include safe parking to reduce roadside impacts and strain on local communities.

Expand Visitor Education: Work closely with regional tourism agencies and stewardship programs to educate hikers about the new system and Leave No Trace principles.

Measure Local Impacts: Conduct an economic impact analysis to ensure local communities benefit from increased visitation while addressing added pressures on emergency services.

Emphasize Whole Park Management: Build on the recommendations of the Catskills Strategic Advisory Group to expand data collection, strengthen stewardship, and coordinate decision-making across agencies.

Protecting the Catskills for Future Generations

For more than 56 years, the Catskill Center has worked to protect the environmental, cultural, and economic well-being of the Catskills. With visitation steadily increasing, the stakes have never been higher. The Catskill Center believes that by implementing the Visitor Use Management Plan with urgency and care, the DEC can ensure that future generations will continue to experience the beauty and unique character of the Catskill High Peaks.

“The Catskills are beloved by millions, but love alone isn't enough to protect them,” said Senterman. “We need smart planning, science-based action, and strong partnerships to ensure these mountains thrive for the next hundred years.”

The draft plan is available for public comment through Monday, September 15. Comments can be submitted in writing via email to: catskillpark@dec.ny.gov or by mail to Pine Roehrs at NYSDEC, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 1256.