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DEC Releases Draft Plan to Protect Fragile Catskill High Peaks Ecosystem
- Go Explore NY
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Virtual Public Meeting Scheduled for August 6; Comments Accepted Through September 15
ALBANY, NY — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a Draft Visitor Use Management Plan aimed at protecting the ecologically sensitive high-elevation peaks of the Catskill Forest Preserve. These peaks, historically managed to remain “trailless,” have faced growing environmental threats due to increased foot traffic and the creation of informal trails by visitors.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton emphasized the importance of sustainable recreation:“While the Catskills have long offered a scenic escape for hikers, the rise in unplanned trails is threatening sensitive habitats. Through proactive visitor use management, we can balance conservation goals with safe and sustainable access.”
Why This Plan Matters
The Catskill High Peaks—16 summits above 3,500 feet—have seen a surge in user-created herd paths, leading to:
Soil compaction and erosion
Damage to native vegetation and wildlife habitats
Forest fragmentation and the spread of invasive species
Disruption to the nesting success of rare ground-nesting birds
Since 2019, DEC has conducted research and collected field data to better understand the impact of public use on these remote areas. The draft plan presents findings and proposes targeted strategies to preserve the region's natural integrity while maintaining recreational access.
What's in the Plan?
The Visitor Use Management Plan (VUM Plan) aligns with recommendations from the Catskill Strategic Planning Advisory Group and adopts the federal Interagency Visitor Use Management Framework. Key goals include:
Establishing desired conditions for public use and ecological health
Managing visitor capacity to reduce pressure on fragile ecosystems
Rehabilitating and closing unnecessary informal trails
Creating marked, sustainable routes to the summits
Monitoring impacts and adjusting strategies over time
Following the plan’s adoption, DEC will install official trail markers and begin the rehabilitation of degraded areas. If further degradation continues, professionally designed trails may be built to guide hikers while protecting the surrounding landscape.
Get Involved
DEC is encouraging public participation through a virtual information meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The public can view the draft plan and submit comments online or by mail through Monday, September 15.
Submit comments by email: catskillpark@dec.ny.gov
Submit comments by mail:Pine RoehrsNYSDEC21 South Putt Corners RoadNew Paltz, NY 12561
For more information and to register for the virtual meeting, visit DEC’s website.
Left: STRAVA heat map image of Rocky Mountain, an unmarked Formerly Trailless peak. Visitor-created, informal trails significantly fragmented the landscape.
Right: STRAVA heat map image of a high use marked trail in the Slide Mountain Wilderness. The marked trail consolidates foot traffic resulting in minimal landscape fragmentation.
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