Celebrating 40 Years of Environmental Education, Cultural Programming and Sustainable Planning for the Protection of the Catskill Mountain Region

Since 1969, The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development has worked to protect the natural resources of the Catskills and promote the economy for communities throughout the Catskill Park, Catskill Mountains and the entire Catskill Region.

The Catskill Center fosters and protects the environmental, cultural and economic well being of the Catskills. Our interdisciplinary approach to protecting the ecosystems in the Catskill Mountains and creating vibrant communities in the Catskills encompasses five program areas – Regional Advocacy, Regional Planning, Invasive Species Program, Education, and Arts & Culture.

Currently in the Catskills

Important Updates on Belleayre Resort

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has opened the public review process and is now accepting comments on the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) for the modified Belleayre Resort, the draft Unit Management Plan (UMP) for Belleayre Mountain, and the resulting Cumulative Impact Analysis.

The review of these documents will be instrumental in determining the future of the Belleayre Resort. They are the result of the Agreement in Principal developed in 2007. The Catskill Center has begun to analyze these documents and will prepare comments for NYSDEC when our analysis is complete.

NYSDEC has announced a public comment period on the Belleayre Mountain projects through June 24, 2013. They’ve also announced an informational presentation on the projects proposed in the Belleayre Mountain UMP on May 22 in Highmount, as well as a public hearing in Highmount on May 29 where the public will be able to comment on the projects. 

Please click on links below for complete documents:

Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Belleayre Mountain Draft UMP   

NYSDEC Press Release

Catskill Center Scholarship Program

The Catskill Center is offering a scholarship to seniors graduating from high schools that have a portion of their district within the Catskill Park. The scholarship will be a minimum of $250 to one or more students to help offset the expenses of continuing education. The recipients for this scholarship will be chosen based on the following criteria: academic achievement, extracurricular activities, recommendations, future academic plans, and an essay on selected topics. This application deadline is Wednesday, May 15. 

Home-schooled students are encouraged to apply. For more information and application, please contact us: phone 845-586-2611, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Economic Valuation Study for Public Lands in the Central Catskills.

This study quantifies the economic value for Catskill communities generated by recreational activities in the Central Catskills. The results show that Forest Preserve, State Parks, and other public lands in the region attract over 1.7 million visitors to the Catskills who spend over $47 million. Further analysis, details and recommendations for action are all included in the report. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE REPORT

CLICK HERE FOR THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Catskill Center submits comments on New York State's Revised Regulations for High Volume Hydraulic Fracturing. 

Comments address: Risks to Human Health; Incompatibility with land uses of the Catskill Park; Open Storage Pits; Home Rule and the State's Compulsory Integration Laws.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COMMENTS 

Leadership Institute: Creating a Cohesive Identity--Lessons Learned

from "PA Wilds"

 View the video recording of this presentation held on November 14, 2012:

Tina Solak, Executive Director of Cameron County Chamber of Commerce & Artisan Center, speaks about their effort to increase nature and heritage tourism across a 12 county region of Pennsylvania.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE YOUTUBE VIDEO