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Go Watershed Recreation Access Permit System - NEW! Apply online
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Warner CreekMany New York City Water Supply reservoirs and lands are open to the public for low-impact recreational activities when compatible with Water Supply protection.

In order to responsibly provide recreation access to City property , DEP issues a comprehensive permit - the Access Permit - that allows for fishing and hiking on certain designated areas in the watershed. Access Permit holders may also obtain a DEP Hunt Tag for deer hunting and a DEP Boat Tag for keeping a rowboat at one of the reservoirs for fishing.

Entry by Permit onlyBelow is an application for an Access Permit. Please complete and mail it to: NYC DEP - Access Permits, 71 Smith Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401. Once a completed application is received and accepted by DEP, an Access Permit will be issued and mailed to the permit holder. This typically takes about two weeks, so please plan accordingly. Access Permit applications may also be submitted via the Internet for those 18 years of age and older. Approved online applicants can print their Access Permits immediately and avoid mailing delays. Click HERE to apply on line now. (link will appear in a new browser window)

If you have questions about permits or tags, please refer to Access Permit Frequently Asked Questions, or e-mail DEP - Access Permits at recreation@dep.nyc.gov or call 1-800-575-LAND (5263). Applications for use of City water supply lands are also available at watershed Town Halls, watershed tackle/sports shops, DEP Land Management Offices in the watershed, and DEP Offices in Queens and Manhattan.

Guest Passes are also available for those who would like to accompany an Access Permit holder onto Water Supply lands, but do not want to obtain their own Access Permit.  Follow the instructions on the Access Permit/Guest Pass Application to obtain a Guest Pass.

Access Permit/Guest Pass Application

accesspermit.pdf (170 KB)

Access Permit Update Form (to update your permit and contact information with DEP):
accessupdate.pdf (75 KB)

These files require the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Please report any suspicious or dangerous activity on City reservoirs or lands by calling DEP Police at 1-888-H2O-SHED (426-7433).

 

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