It is important to remember however that the MOA is a contract, not a blueprint. None of us know how to do this. Like in any experiment, we’re learning as we go. And, like in any experiment, we should begin with what we know. We are sure about two things. First, forests are affective water filters. The more forested land, the cleaner the water. Second, people living in the Catskills need to earn a living wage. How to have both in the future is our challenge, our experiment.

Although this challenge can be thought of as an experiment, it is not science. There is no predetermined methodology, no protocol or roadmap. Likewise, there will be no single solution, no silver bullet. In fact, there are likely many potential solutions. Whatever the solutions are, they should be achieved through compromise and consensus- but this is easier said than done.

If the MOA is not a blueprint, does one exist? The answer is- not really. The closest thing to a blueprint that we have to work with is a guiding document that was commissioned by the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) soon after the CWC was formed. The consulting firm Hamilton, Rabinovitz and Alschuler was commissioned to produce a document (referred to as the HR&A study) that would provide a set of recommendations to attain a sustainable economy for the region, one that balanced resource protection with economic growth. The results of the study are worth noting.

The HR&A study states that the preservation of scenic beauty and water quality, as well as the historic character of our hamlets and villages, are the most critical elements of the economic future of the Catskills. It emphasized that the region’s hamlets and villages are among its most important assets, and that new economic activity within these centers should make use of existing infrastructure to minimize the amount of new land needed to accommodate development. Focusing new economic activity there will also serve to reinforce the sense of place and community, so highly valued by local citizens. It also strongly recommended that the preservation of Route 28 as a scenic gateway to the region should be a top priority. The study further points out that the development of tourism should recognize a shift away from single destination, high employee to guest ratio resorts, to a combination of short stay niche destinations and second homes. Therefore, large scale industry and mega-resorts which do not support hamlet life and which can have adverse primary or secondary impacts on scenic resources, water quality, and the Route 28 corridor are not consistent with the long term economic needs of the region.

Of course this study does not provide all the answers and neither is it a roadmap. However, it clearly states that development should be focused in our hamlets and villages and that protecting the scenic character of the region is critical to maintaining the economic foundation of the region.

The Catskill Center strongly supports these same principles. We believe that although this region faces many challenges, they are small compared to the opportunities that exist. We will continue to push forward the ideas articulated so well in the HR&A study, and we will continue to provide the leadership necessary to attain them. Thank you for your support.

Tom Alworth
Executive Director