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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE00-21

June 12, 2000

Contact: Geoff Ryan (718/595-5371)

Department of Environmental Protection Programs Explore Watershed Streams, Forests and Wetlands

The public is invited to join natural resource managers and other local scientists and specialists for a series of education programs to be held on June 17 and 24, August 12 and September 9, according to an announcement from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The programs, which will be conducted in the field, will explore the unique flora, fauna and hydrology of Catskill streams, forests and wetlands.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the natural world of the watershed and how we interact with it,"said DEP Commissioner Miele. "We want to encourage the public to participate, not only to observe first hand the unique beauty of the watershed, but to learn about how healthy streams work and how we can help to restore streams to good health, how wetlands protect water quality, and how best management practices can be used in actively managed forests."

The schedule is as follows:

JUNE 17, 2000
RECIPE FOR A HEALTHY STREAM: KANAPE BROOK, TOWN OF OLIVE
Scenic Kanape Brook, a tributary of the Bush Kill, originates on Ashokan High Point Mountain, in West Shokan. Join members of the DEP Stream Management Program to learn about the characteristics of a stable Catskills stream. (Old sneakers are great for walking in the stream.) Bring lunch and plenty of water for an optional hike up Ashokan High Point in the afternoon.

TIME: 10am - Noon
DIRECTIONS: Meet at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Kanape Parking lot at the High Point trailhead on Peekamoose Road, (Ulster County Rte. 42).

JUNE 24, 2000
WHAT IS A WETLAND? WHY IS IT SPECIAL? TOWNS OF WOODSTOCK AND OLIVE
Visit freshwater marshes and swamps recently purchased by DEP's Land Acquisition and Stewardship Program. Take this opportunity to have your questions answered by your guide, a DEP Wetlands Specialist. Wear rubber boots if you have them, and bring your camera and binoculars. DEP will provide field guides.

TIME: 10 am - 1 pm
DIRECTIONS: Meet and car pool from the DEP Ben Nesin Lab at the Ashokan Reservoir. From Kingston, Rte. 28 West to Shokan. (Left on Reservoir Road over dividing weir, left at Stop sign, downhill, bear right to parking lot.) The first stop will be at Coldbrook and Wittenberg Road in Woodstock. The second stop will be at McMillan Road off Rte. 28A in West Shokan.

AUGUST 12, 2000
STREAM RESTORATION PROJECTS ON THE BATAVIA KILL, GREENE COUNTY
The Batavia Kill, a major tributary of the Schoharie Creek, is a demonstration watershed for natural stream channel stability restoration. Join DEP for a tour of a completed restoration project and one currently under construction. Your guides will be members of the the DEP Stream Management Program and the Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District. The day will begin with a barbeque and orientation at C.D. Lane Park.

TIME: Noon - 3:30 pm
DIRECTIONS: Meet at C.D. Lane Park, off Greene county Rte 56, Town of Windham.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2000
LENNOX MEMORIAL MODEL FOREST 4H CAMP SHANKITUNK, DELAWARE COUNTY
Accompany a member of DEP's Watershed Forestry Program into the Lennox Forest, one of four Model Forest research and demonstration sites established by the Program. Walk along a rugged 2-mile trail that highlights forest stand improvement techniques such as wildlife enhancement and crown thinning, and "best management practices" that protect water quality during timber harvesting operations.

 

TIME: 10am - Noon
DIRECTIONS: Please call (914) 340-7523 for details

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ALL PROGRAMS

Hiking boots, long pants, T-shirts and long sleeved shirts are recommended for all participants. Sun protection and insect repellant are also advised, and be sure to bring drinking water and a snack. If it rains or sprinkles we'll go; if it pours the day will be rescheduled. For more information about the June 17, 24 and August 12 hikes, please call (914) 340-7515.

 

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