Stream Based Recreation and Tourism Recommendations in the Action Plan (link)
Historically, the Catskills have been a draw for the wide range of recreational activities they provide. Hiking, camping, fishing and family vacations at the former great resorts have all drawn people from the surrounding metropolitan areas. Tourism has changed since the hay days of the grand resorts in the Catskills, and there is hope in the new emphasis on “eco-tourism.” Some of the findings and concerns raised in the Stream Management Plans included:
- 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.
- Turbid water sometimes discharged from the Shandaken Tunnel impacts aesthetics and recreational use of the stream.
- Flows from normal operation of the Shandaken Tunnel sustain the tubing industry, while the kayaking and canoeing community require recreational releases as allowed in Part 670.
- Large Wood y Debris and unnatural debris like appliances and metal provide habitat for trout and other biota but may present a navigation al hazard to recreational boaters and tubers.
- Stream projects have the potential to imp act user- opportunities for angling and water-based recreation.
- Esopus Creek access, information, and services (or lack thereof) could be enhanced.