May 27, 2010

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Farrell Sklerov / Michael Saucier (718) 595-6600

DEP Kicks Off Boating Season at Cannonsville Reservoir

1,473 Additional Acres Open This Year for Recreation

Environmental Protection Commissioner Cas Holloway today announced the kick-off of the 2010 boating season on the Cannonsville Reservoir. An additional 1,473 acres between Cannonsville Bridge and the Cannonsville Dam were added for recreational boating this season, a 33 percent increase in available boating area since last year. A total area of 4,646 acres is now available for recreational boating, and DEP has constructed a new launch site at Roods Creek to provide greater access to the reservoir. The new area expands recreational opportunities into a much larger portion of the Town of Deposit, and makes the reservoir more accessible for visitors coming from the Binghamton area and points west. DEP's Deputy Commissioner for Water Supply Paul Rush was joined by local elected officials at a ceremony to kick off the summer 2010 boating season.

"Cannonsville Reservoir is an idyllic spot for boating and canoeing, and we welcome local residents and visitors to set sail," said Commissioner Holloway. "The Town of Deposit and all of Delaware County are important partners in the New York City watershed, and we are excited to work with them to encourage tourism that will benefit the local economy and recreation throughout the summer."

"The Cannonsville Partnership with DEP has been very successful and I hope this second season will bring even more people out to enjoy the expanded area for sail boating," said James Eisel, Chairman of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors. "It is low cost recreation in one of the most beautiful sites in the Catskills."

DEP is in the second year of a pilot program to expand recreational boating opportunities at Cannonsville Reservoir. The reservoir is open from sunrise to sunset from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. To obtain a recreational boat tag, a boat owner will need a DEP access permit, available for free online. Owners will also need their boat steam-cleaned by a DEP certified vendor. Seasonal boat tags are also available by appointment with the DEP Downsville Region Office at (607) 363-7009.  Details of the recreational boating program, including the online DEP access permit, a downloadable DEP boat tag application form, and a list of DEP certified vendors can be found at Cannonsville Recreational Boating Pilot Program.  Last year, 407 tags were issued for kayaks, canoes, rowboats and small sailboats. Previously, only fishing boats with proper permits were allowed on the reservoir.

Opening additional recreational areas in Cannonsville Reservoir is the latest example of DEP's efforts to expand opportunities for families and visitors to enjoy themselves on watershed lands. In April, Commissioner Holloway announced that DEP plans to open 12,000 more acres for recreation throughout the rest of the year on a rolling basis. The planned expansion will bring the total number of acres of New York City-owned water supply land open for recreation to 71,000, more than double the amount available in 2003. The 71,000 acres includes approximately 30,000 acres of property designated Public Access Areas which were opened in the last three years, where public hiking, fishing, hunting and trapping is allowed without DEP permits. The remaining acres require a DEP permit for access.

The City's water supply provides some of the best fishing in the country, with dozens of streams, 19 reservoirs and two controlled lakes open for fishing. Recently, DEP opened 12.5 acres, including 440 feet of river frontage, on the Beaverkill River, a famous trout fishing destination. The site provides public access to the Beaverkill and is adjacent to an existing parking area for easy access.

Placed into service in 1964, Cannonsville Reservoir is located at the western edge of Delaware County, southwest of the Village of Walton. The 16-mile-long reservoir holds 95.7 billion gallons at full capacity, has an average depth of 61 feet, and a surface area of 4,703 acres. Cannonsville is one of four reservoirs in the City's Delaware system and the newest in New York City's water supply. The Cannonsville watershed's drainage basin is 455 square miles, the largest basin in the City's system.

DEP manages the City's water supply, providing more than 1 billion gallons of water each day to more than 9 million residents, including 8 million in New York City, and residents of Ulster, Orange, Putnam and Westchester counties. Approximately 1,000 DEP employees live and work in the watershed communities as scientists, engineers, surveyors, and administrative professionals, and perform other critical responsibilities. New York City's water is delivered from the Catskill, Delaware, and Croton watersheds that extend more than 125 miles from the City, and are comprised of 19 reservoirs, and three controlled lakes.

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Related Links

• Cannonsville Recreational Boating Pilot Program