The following recommendations are a compilation and adaption of recommendations from the three existing SMPs in the Ashokan watershed, recent stream assessments, and input from the Recreation and Tourism working group. Last Updated 5-09
Recommendation 34: Support the use of newly developed models to optimize operation of the Shandaken Tunnel to meet the flow requirements in Part 670, including recreational releases when requested, in balance
Action Item 34.1 Improve the timing and reliability of requested recreational releases, particularly in July and August as they are critical to the economic viability and sustainability of the whitewater boating economy
- a. Lead Agency: CCE
- b. Other Partners: DEP, DEC, KCCNY
- c. Existing Activities:
- i. KCCNY coordinates requested releases for whitewater boating community to DEC.
- d. Possible Activities to Implement the Action Items:
- i. Research reliability of release dates related to requests
- ii. Improve communication between DEC and whitewater clubs and businesses that are dependent on knowing dates of releases.
- iii. Make the notification process earlier, if possible. May is too late to plan events and past the date many people plan for vacations.
- iv. Do not cancel the summer releases unless there is a significant environmental impact that would outweigh the economic benefit of the planned releases or the loss from cancelled events.
- e. Planned Activities for 2009-2011 Ashokan Plan
- i. Investigate actual release dates related to requested dates.
Recommendation 35: Support continued exploration of stakeholder liability issues for large woody debris (LWD), as well as jurisdictional responsibility for removal of LWD.
Action Item 35.1 Research policy/regulations around liability for large woody debris
- a. Lead Agency: CCE
- b. Other Partners: DEC
- c. Existing Activities: none
- d. Possible Activities to Implement the Action Items:
- i. Coordinate with Ecosystem Working Group Members also interested in LWD
- ii. Initial literature review on large woody debris management and policy
- iii. Look into possibility of designating the Upper Esopus below the Portal as a High Intensive Use Area, to allow DEC to provide assistance with LWD removal, without setting a precedent that they will do this for all streams.
- e. Planned Activities for 2009-2011 Ashokan Plan
- i. Literature/Policy review on LWD with best practices from other states
- ii. Meeting with stakeholders to review the document and to make local recommendations for policy change where needed.
Recommendation 36: Public access to the streams should be enhanced in the watershed.
Action Item 36.1 Identify potential stream access sites in the watershed.
- a. Lead Agency: CCE
- b. Other Partners: DEP, DEC, Trout Unlimited, KCCNY, DOT
- c. Existing Activities: none
- d. Possible Activities to Implement the Action Items:
- i. Develop criteria for additional access sites
- ii. Identify potential access sites that meet criteria
- iii. Solicit feedback from user communities as to which sites would be the highest priority for development
- iv. Coordinate with UC SWCD Stream Projects to include or consider public access, where feasible
- e. Planned Activities for 2009-2011 Ashokan Plan
- i. Include a representative from whitewater boating community as a stakeholder for the review panel for Stream Management Projects
Action Item 36.2 Make improvements to existing stream access sites
- a. Lead Agency: CCE
- b. Other Partners: DEC, DEP
- c. Existing Activities: none
- d. Possible Activities to Implement the Action Items:
- i. Rename “Fishing Access Sites” to “Public Access Sites” to recognize that the stream has multiple users.
- ii. Develop assessment tool for reviewing condition and use of existing access sites
- iii. Assess existing sites
- iv. Rank needed improvements
- v. Identify possible funding sources to make improvements
- vi. Recruit volunteers to assist with repairs/enhancements/maintenance
- e. Planned Activities for 2009-2011 Ashokan Plan
Recommendation 37: Investigate opportunities to develop multi-use, low impact trail systems along the stream corridor. Trails for hiking, biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing can provide multiple benefits, including drawing visitors to local resorts and increasing user awareness of stream management issues.
Action Item 37.1 Develop access trails to rivers and connect trails to existing trail networks as feasible
- a. Lead Agency: CCE
- b. Other Partners: Ulster County Planning
- c. Existing Activities: none
- d. Possible Activities to Implement the Action Items:
- i. Work with Ulster County trails and open space committees to assess feasible locations for trails.
- ii. Seek funding for trails
- e. Planned Activities for 2009-2011 Ashokan Plan
Action Item 37.2Trails should be integrated with interpretive signage.
- a. Lead Agency: CCE
- b. Other Partners:
- c. Existing Activities: none
- d. Possible Activities to Implement the Action Items:
- i. Mini grants to develop interpretive signage
- e. Planned Activities for 2009-2011 Ashokan Plan
Action Item 37.3 Develop better maps of trail networks, parking, and river access locations to encourage and enhance the recreational experience that visitors and locals have.
- a. Lead Agency: CCE
- b. Other Partners: DEP, DEC
- c. Existing Activities: none
- d. Possible Activities to Implement the Action Items:
- i. Mini grants to assist with map development
- e. Planned Activities for 2009-2011 Ashokan Plan
Recommendation 38: Study the economic impacts of stream-based recreation and tourism related activities on the local economy.
Action Item 38.1 Economic impact assessment of fishing based tourism, including an economic analysis and review of resource limitations/needs. A study should address stream conditions, resource limitations and the status of support industries such as tackle shops.
- a. Lead Agency: CCE
- b. Other Partners: UC Department of Economic Development, UC Tourism, Trout Unlimited
- c. Existing Activities: none
- d. Possible Activities to Address Action Item:
- i. Lit review on economic impact of fishing based tourism
- ii. Estimates of multiplier effect of fishing-based businesses on local economy
- iii. Estimate current impact and feasibility of expansion. Work with UC Tourism and UC Economic Development
- iv. Disseminate information to stakeholders
- e. Planned Activities for 2009-2011 Ashokan Plan
Action Item 38.2 Conduct an economic impact analysis of whitewater boating on the Esopus to the region, including an economic analysis and review of resource limitations/needs. The study should address stream conditions, resource limitations and the status of support businesses such as campgrounds.
- a. Lead Agency: CCE
- b. Other Partners: UC Department of Economic Development, UC Tourism
- c. Existing Activities: none
- d. Planned Activities:
- i. Lit review on economic impact of whitewater boating in region
- ii. Estimates of multiplier effect of whitewater-based businesses on local economy
- iii. Estimate current impact and feasibility of expansion. Work with UC Tourism and Economic Development
- iv. Disseminate information to stakeholders, including to managers of Shandaken Tunnel releases.
- e. Planned Activities for 2009-2011 Ashokan Plan
Recommendation 39: Provide a community education campaign for recreational safety on the Esopus Creek.
Action Item 39.1 Support the placement of information kiosks at common put-in and take-out locations as a means to share pertinent information about the location of in stream hazards, invasive species, safety tips and other key information.
- a. Lead Agency: CCE
- b. Other Partners: TU, KCCNY, Stream Stewards, Youth Stewards
- c. Existing Activities:
- i. Kiosk at Esopus Creek at Woodland Valley Demonstration Site
- d. Possible Activities to Implement the Action Items:
- i. Finish existing Woodland Valley Kiosk
- ii. Develop/identify informational materials
- iii. Four additional kiosks were recommended
- iv. Offer minigrants to develop kiosks
- v. Update information/maintain kiosks
- e. Planned Activities for 2009-2011 Ashokan Plan
- i. Finish and enhance Woodland Valley kiosk with additional informational materials (Summer 2009)
- ii. Offer mini-grants to develop or enhance kiosks along the streams in the watershed.