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|  Watershed Recreation
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 Although the majority of land in the watershed is privately owned by local residents, New York City is also a watershed landowner with responsibilities for managing nearly 34,000 acres of reservoirs and approximately 150,000 acres of water supply lands. Although DEP’s primary management goal is watershed protection, a significant portion of City-owned lands is open to the public for a variety of recreational uses and other opportunities. |
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Attention Hunters and Hikers Portions of the following areas will be temporarily closed to public access as necessary for completion of forest management projects. The remaining lands outside the project areas within these recreational units will be open to hunting and hiking with a DEP Access Permit and the applicable New York State Sporting License.
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New Shotgun Restrictions Attention Hunters: Effective immediately, Louden Point and Big Peninsula Recreation Units located in Westchester County at the Kensico Reservoir will no longer be open for Hunting with shotgun. These areas are now Archery hunting only.  Learn more |
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Recreation Rules & Access Permits DEP allows for enhanced recreational uses of City-owned water supply lands in accordance with specific Recreational Rules and Regulations. DEP issues a comprehensive Access Permit that allows for hiking and fishing on certain designated lands in the watershed. Learn more |
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Hiking DEP does not construct or maintain hiking trails on City-owned watershed lands, but hiking (including cross country skiing and snowshoeing) is allowed on many City-owned properties that are marked and designated for these purposes. Learn more |
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Hunting & Trapping DEP allows both big and small game hunting as well as trapping on designated City-owned water supply lands as permitted by and in accordance with New York State regulations. Learn more |
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Fishing Fishing is allowed on City-owned reservoirs, lakes and streams as designated by specific DEP signs and according to all applicable New York State regulations. Most City-owned reservoirs offer excellent fishing opportunities for both warm-water species such as bass and cold-water species such as trout. Learn more |
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Boating Boating for the purposes of fishing is allowed on New York City reservoirs to registered individuals having the appropriate DEP Access Permit and Boat Tag. Beginning on Friday, May 25th 2012 recreational boats including, kayaks, canoes, rowboats, sculls or sail boats will be allowed on Cannonsville, Neversink, Pepacton and Schoharie Reservoirs. You do not have to be actively fishing to participate in this program. The goal of the program is to expand regional recreational opportunities for watershed residents and visitors and promote environmentally sound economic development. Learn more |
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Agriculture & Forestry DEP allows agricultural uses of City-owned watershed lands when these uses are compatible with water quality protection. DEP also promotes long-term management of City-owned watershed forests through regular forest improvement and restoration projects. Learn more |
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Land Use Permits DEP issues Land Use Permits to applicants who request the temporary use of City-owned water supply lands for specific proposed activities such as the maintenance of utility lines or special projects such as recreational trails or ball fields. DEP also allows certain uses of City-owned land for short-term, low impact activities such as fund-raising events or scientific studies. Learn more |
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