Winter 2015 Trail University Cited in New ...€¦ · We shine the light back onto some of our...
12
In 2008, the cards started falling for the Highlands Trail in the Byram area of Sussex County, NJ. There, the original HT route weaved over a ridge, through Hudson Farm property, and into the woods, all punctuat- ed by road walks on Route 605, Roseville Road, and Route 206. The first hurdle came when Hudson Farms cleared woods on a ridge, necessitat- ing a reroute that extended the already lengthy road walk along Route 605. Short- ly afterwards, we lost the trail through private lands near Lake Lackawanna. We now had a long road walk north to a long ridge walk south… to nowhere! We’d already lost the HT in two areas in New York, resulting in long road walks, and things were looking bleak for the feasi- bility of the HT remaining a continuous long-distance trail. Highlands Trail Super- visor Adam Rosenberg and I started doing initial scouting and feasibility studies to go around the Byram area completely. This reroute would be a daunting task that would require years of work. Late one afternoon, Adam and I were returning from one of these scouting trips. I sat in the passenger seat, brooding. “The Highlands Trail and I can’t take too many more hits,” I said. Since taking on the trail, I’d never let setbacks slow me down—instead, I immediately pushed ahead with a work- around. But this time, I came as close as I’ve ever come to giving up entirely on the HT. “Why don’t we look into routing the trail down the ridge to our right?” Adam sug- gested as we drove north on Route 605. Adam’s idea led to the largest and even- tually the most successful reroute ever on the HT. After getting permission from Hudson Farm and Hopatcong Township, we moved the trail from one ridge to another ridge on the opposite side of the valley. But at the south end of the new ridge, two large parcels were slated for development. Although we had our ridge walk partway down Route 605, we still had a 1.4-mile road walk along Route 605 to the Byram Bike Trail. Our big break came in 2014, when Trail Conference Executive Director Ed Goodell arranged a meeting between The Land Conservancy (TLC) of New Jersey’s Land Preservation Director Sandy Urgo and Winter 2015 New York-New Jersey Trail Conference — Connecting People with Nature since 1920 www.nynjtc.org Move-in Day Nears! Construction on schedule for our new headquarters. READ MORE ON PAGE 2 Our Annual Awards We shine the light back onto some of our stars. READ MORE ON PAGES 4–5 VOLUME XLII, NUMBER 1 ISSN 0749-1352 T he Trail Conference was named winner of the 2014 New Jersey Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award in the Environmental Education (Adult-led) category for its Trail University program. The award was presented by the New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection. Trail University classes work to benefit the environment in New Jersey and New York in several ways. They draw new vol- unteers to the field of outdoor work, support park staff in executing important projects, improve and create access to beau- tiful natural areas in the states, and serve to minimize user impacts by promoting trail- building skills and projects such as Sustainable Layout and Design. Trail University workshops often focus on improving existing trails by reducing erosion, keeping sediment out of sensitive watersheds and reservoirs, and keeping hik- ers and recreationalists on a well-defined path to minimize damage caused by wan- dering off-trail. In the 12 months from September 2013 to September 2014 (most recent updated period), 263 Trail University attendees con- tributed 1,132 hours of service in the state of New Jersey, over the course of 32 classes. Though the numbers for 2014 have not yet been processed, in 2013 Trail Conference volunteers donated a combined total of 16,979 hours to benefiting New Jersey’s public lands. Volunteers recruited through Trail University help maintain more than 678 miles of hiking trails in New Jersey. Ramapo College students attend Trail U. PEOPLE FOR TRAILS Knox Osborn (in backpack with parents Hank and Alexis) Beacon, NY How old were you when you took your first hike? I was two months old. My parents walked me around the Dennings Point Loop Trail in Beacon, NY. I rode in a Baby Bjorn front pack worn by my father. What is your favorite trail? Fishkill Ridge because it’s right in Beacon, where I live, yet it is never crowded and it feels far away. What is your favorite trail food? I love Annie’s Organic Bunnyfruit Snacks! What is the most interesting thing you have seen while hiking with your parents? When I was riding in a backpack worn by my father, the top of the backpack jostled a small branch of a tree and knocked a snake out. The 3-foot garter snake fell through the air and landed at my mother’s feet. She doesn’t like it when snakes fall from the sky. What do you like best about trails? All the great things that you can find along them—leaves and sticks and rocks and dirt! Every time my parents put me on a trail, I toddle over to see what I can find off on the side. I don’t know why they want to keep walking so fast. You can’t find anything that way. Do you understand your Dad’s job? My father supports volunteers to help protect the woods and improve trails so more people—people like me!— will be able to enjoy nature. We received help in translating Knox’s answers from his father Hank, East Hudson Program Coordinator for the Trail Conference. PETER DOLAN Trail University Cited in New Jersey Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award to Trail Conference continued on page 10 Cowboy Creek Land Preservation Invigorates Highlands Trail Volunteers In February 2014, 305 acres around Cowboy Creek in Sussex County, NJ were preserved by the state’s Green Acres Program in a deal that had been long promoted by our partner, The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, and endorsed by the Trail Conference. The Trail Conference’s interest in the land stemmed primarily for the off-road route it offered in the western part of the state for a section of the long-distance Highlands Trail (HT). By Glenn Oleksak, Trail Chair, Highlands Trail
Transcript of Winter 2015 Trail University Cited in New ...€¦ · We shine the light back onto some of our...
In 2008, the cards started falling for theHighlands Trail in the Byram area of SussexCounty, NJ. There, the original HT routeweaved over a ridge, through Hudson Farmproperty, and into the woods, all punctuat-ed by road walks on Route 605, RosevilleRoad, and Route 206. The first hurdle came when Hudson
Farms cleared woods on a ridge, necessitat-ing a reroute that extended the alreadylengthy road walk along Route 605. Short-ly afterwards, we lost the trail throughprivate lands near Lake Lackawanna. Wenow had a long road walk north to a longridge walk south… to nowhere!We’d already lost the HT in two areas in
New York, resulting in long road walks,and things were looking bleak for the feasi-bility of the HT remaining a continuouslong-distance trail. Highlands Trail Super-visor Adam Rosenberg and I started doinginitial scouting and feasibility studies to goaround the Byram area completely. Thisreroute would be a daunting task thatwould require years of work. Late one afternoon, Adam and I were
returning from one of these scouting trips. Isat in the passenger seat, brooding. “The
Highlands Trail and I can’t take too manymore hits,” I said. Since taking on the trail, I’dnever let setbacks slow me down—instead, Iimmediately pushed ahead with a work-
around. But this time, I came as close as I’veever come to giving up entirely on the HT. “Why don’t we look into routing the trail
down the ridge to our right?” Adam sug-gested as we drove north on Route 605. Adam’s idea led to the largest and even-
tually the most successful reroute ever onthe HT. After getting permission fromHudson Farm and Hopatcong Township,we moved the trail from one ridge toanother ridge on the opposite side of thevalley. But at the south end of the newridge, two large parcels were slated fordevelopment. Although we had our ridgewalk partway down Route 605, we still hada 1.4-mile road walk along Route 605 tothe Byram Bike Trail.Our big break came in 2014, when Trail
Conference Executive Director Ed Goodellarranged a meeting between The LandConservancy (TLC) of New Jersey’s LandPreservation Director Sandy Urgo and
Winter 2015 New York-New Jersey Trail Conference — Connecting People with Nature since 1920 www.nynjtc.org
Move-in Day Nears!Construction on schedule for our new headquarters.READ MORE ON PAGE 2
Our Annual AwardsWe shine the light back onto some of our stars.READ MORE ON PAGES 4–5
VOLUME XLII, NUMBER 1 ISSN 0749-1352
The Trail Conference was namedwinner of the 2014 New JerseyGovernor’s Environmental
Excellence Award in the EnvironmentalEducation (Adult-led) category for itsTrail University program. The award waspresented by the New Jersey Dept. ofEnvironmental Protection.Trail University classes work to benefit
the environment in New Jersey and NewYork in several ways. They draw new vol-unteers to the field of outdoor work,support park staff in executing importantprojects, improve and create access to beau-tiful natural areas in the states, and serve to
minimize user impacts by promoting trail-building skills and projects such asSustainable Layout and Design. Trail University workshops often focus
on improving existing trails by reducingerosion, keeping sediment out of sensitivewatersheds and reservoirs, and keeping hik-ers and recreationalists on a well-definedpath to minimize damage caused by wan-dering off-trail. In the 12 months from September 2013
to September 2014 (most recent updatedperiod), 263 Trail University attendees con-tributed 1,132 hours of service in the stateof New Jersey, over the course of 32 classes.
Though the numbers for 2014 have not yetbeen processed, in 2013 Trail Conferencevolunteers donated a combined total of16,979 hours to benefiting New Jersey’spublic lands. Volunteers recruited throughTrail University help maintain more than678 miles of hiking trails in New Jersey.
Ramapo College students attend Trail U.
PEOPLE FOR TRAILS
Knox Osborn (in backpackwith parents Hank and Alexis)
Beacon, NY
How old were you when youtook your first hike? I was twomonths old. My parents walkedme around the Dennings PointLoop Trail in Beacon, NY. I rodein a Baby Bjorn front pack wornby my father.
What is your favorite trail?Fishkill Ridge because it’s rightin Beacon, where I live, yet it isnever crowded and it feels faraway.
What is your favorite trail food?I love Annie’s Organic BunnyfruitSnacks!
What is the most interestingthing you have seen whilehiking with your parents? WhenI was riding in a backpack wornby my father, the top of thebackpack jostled a small branchof a tree and knocked a snakeout. The 3-foot garter snake fellthrough the air and landed at mymother’s feet. She doesn’t like itwhen snakes fall from the sky.
What do you like best abouttrails? All the great things thatyou can find along them—leavesand sticks and rocks and dirt!Every time my parents put meon a trail, I toddle over to seewhat I can find off on the side. I don’t know why they want tokeep walking so fast. You can’tfind anything that way.
Do you understand your Dad’sjob? My father supportsvolunteers to help protect thewoods and improve trails somore people—people like me!—will be able to enjoy nature.
We received help in translatingKnox’s answers from his fatherHank, East Hudson ProgramCoordinator for the TrailConference.
PETER DOLAN
Trail University Cited in New JerseyGovernor’s Environmental ExcellenceAward to Trail Conference
continued on page 10
Cowboy Creek Land PreservationInvigorates Highlands Trail Volunteers
In February 2014, 305 acres around Cowboy Creek in Sussex County, NJwere preserved by the state’s Green Acres Program in a deal that had beenlong promoted by our partner, The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, andendorsed by the Trail Conference. The Trail Conference’s interest in the landstemmed primarily for the off-road route it offered in the western part ofthe state for a section of the long-distance Highlands Trail (HT).
By Glenn Oleksak, Trail Chair, Highlands Trail
By the time you receive the Spring edition of Trail Walker, weexpect to be operating out of our new headquarters at theDarlington Schoolhouse! The address will be 600 RamapoValley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430 (but don’t use it quite yet!).Phone and all other contact information will remain the same.As this edition goes to press, we are developing plans for
a ribbon-cutting this Winter (let’s keep our fingers crossed!)and a Grand Opening later in the year to welcome ourfriends and supporters.Plans are also in the works for a celebratory 5K Hike/Run in
partnership with the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The event is set for Sunday, May 17, from 7:30am to 12 noon;online registration will be available in January 2015. Eventsponsors may register at http://www.mahwah.com.As our move-in date and related events approach, watch
for details on our website and in E-Walker, our electronicnewsletter. Click “Get Our E-newsletter” button on our website if you are not already a subscriber.We look forward to welcoming and supporting our
extended trails community at our soon-to-be new home atthe heart of the New Jersey-New York Highlands!
TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #970-100)(ISSN 0749-1352) is published quarterly by theNew York-New Jersey Trail Conference as abenefit of membership. Subscriptions areavailable to libraries only at $15.00 a year.Periodical postage paid at Mahwah, N.J., andadditional offices. Postmaster: Send addresschanges to the address below. Opinions expressedby authors do not necessarily represent the policyor position of the Conference. Contributions oftyped manuscripts, photos, and drawings arewelcome. Manuscripts may be edited for styleand length. Send SASE for writers’ guidelines.Submission deadlines for the TRAIL WALKERare January 15 (Spring issue), May 15 (Summerissue), August 15 (Fall issue), November 15(Winter issue). Unsolicited contributions cannotbe acknowledged unless accompanied by SASE. For information on advertising rates, please writeor call.Copyright 2014 by:New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc.156 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202)Mahwah, NJ 07430201-512-9348
email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Wide Web: www.nynjtc.org
Mission StatementThe New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is afederation of member clubs and individualsdedicated to providing recreational hikingopportunities in the region, and representing theinterests and concerns of the hiking community.The Conference is a volunteer-directed publicservice organization committed to:• Developing, building, and maintaining hiking trails.
• Protecting hiking trail lands through support and advocacy.
• Educating the public in the responsible use of trails and the natural environment.
Board of DirectorsChris Connolly ChairGaylord Holmes Vice ChairRichard Levine TreasurerDaniel Chazin Secretary
DirectorsWalter Daniels Richard KatziveChristine DeBoer Edward SaiffCharlotte Fahn Dave StuhrSuzan Gordon Daniel Van EngelJames Gregoire Ned WhitneyDaniel Hoberman Patsy Wooters
StaffEdward Goodell Executive DirectorJoshua Howard Deputy Executive
DirectorDon Weise Development
DirectorMelissa McCutcheon Operations &
Finance DirectorLinda Rohleder Land Stewardship
Director
For a full list of staff visitwww.nynjtc.org/content/staff
The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is avolunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It isa federation of 103 hiking and outdoor groups,and 10,000 individuals.
VOLUMEXLII,NO.1 WINTER 2015
AMBER RAY EDITORGEORGETTE WEIR CONTRIBUTING EDITORLOU LEONARDIS GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Page 2 Winter 2015
printed on recycled content paper
PLEASE RECYCLE TRAIL WALKER
Darlington Schoolhouse HQ UpdateOur Move-in Day Approaches!
Statement of Ownership, Management, and CirculationTrail Walker is a quarterly paper published by theNew York-New Jersey Trail Conference, 156 RamapoValley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. The editor andmanaging editor is Georgette Weir, at the sameaddress. The annual subscription price is $15; contact person is Georgette Weir; telephone numberis 201-512-9348. The tax status of the organizationhas not changed during the preceding 12 months.
As of the filing date of September 30, 2014, theaverage number of copies of each issue during the preceding 12 months was 14,200; the actualnumber of copies of the single issue publishednearest to the filing date was 15,000. The paper has a total paid and/or requested circulation of6,407 (average) and 6,392 (actual, most recentissue). The average free distribution for the 12months preceding the filing date was 6,313(average) and 6,392 (actual, most recent issue). The total average distribution was 12,720; the actual distribution of the single issue publishednearest to the filing date was 12,667.
This information is reported on U. S. Postal ServiceForm 3526 and here as required by 39 USC 3685.
That was the “big news” reported by DavidBarone, PIPC General Park Manager, atthe October Trail Conference Members &Friends meeting in Ossining. The question mark hanging on the news
reflects the fact that environmental studiesof a new lot’s impact were not yet com-plete. But Barone sounded optimistic thatPIPC would be creating a new 50-car, per-meable lot in what is now a meadowopposite the visitors center, across SevenLakes Drive. The construction timetablewas uncertain, as was the future of roadsideparking in what PIPC Chief RangerMichael Cahill, also at the meeting, calledthe busiest hiker trailhead in HarrimanState Park.Barone and Cahill attended the Trail
Conference meeting as part of theirinvolvement with our Harriman TrailsAccess Committee. The committee wascreated after last year’s winter closing ofRoute 106 led to complaints from manyhikers that access to many trails in the parkwas being reduced. The committee,chaired by Trail Conference volunteer BobFuller and including Trail Conference staffand volunteers, collected and documentedthe complaints, made field trips, compiledsuggestions and requests for improvements,and met with PIPC officials. “We’re listening to you,” Barone told his
audience of 50+ hikers who attended theworkshop session at our meeting. Hereported on recent park improvements toseveral trailhead pull-offs, such as levelingand stabilizing along Route 106. Expan-sion of some of these pull-offs is notpossible, he explained, owing to safety con-cerns prompted by inadequate sight linesalong the road.
He noted that park staff has installedHiker Crossing signs at three different loca-tions near trailheads for the White Bar andVictory Trails along Route 106; that theSebago Boat Launch parking area has beencleaned up, repaired, redesigned, andreopened, and that portable toilets arebeing provided at the site on a test basis.They may lead to more permanent bath-room facilities in the future. He also announced that at the request of
the committee, the south end of theAnthony Wayne parking will be kept openin winter, though it may not always beplowed (there is just one plow available forthe entire region he said).
Route 106 and the Sterling Forest CasinoBarone also addressed PIPC’s response tothe casino proposed by the Genting Corp.for the middle of Sterling Forest. The pro-posal calls for using Route 106, which is aneast-west corridor through the park, con-necting the Palisades Parkway and Route17, as a primary access road to the casino.PIPC commissioners voted against conces-sions that would allow the road to be usedin this way. Barone told his audience that you can
“thank your lucky stars that we don’t keepthe road open in winter, and that we’re notgoing to give it back to [Orange] County,”which has been asking for it. The assem-bled hikers responded with cheers.
Future Communications about Harriman State ParkThis workshop session marked the conclu-sion of the work of the Harriman TrailsAccess Committee. However it does notmark the end of collaboration between theTrail Conference and the Park. In additionto continuing our 95 years of on-trail work,we look forward to supporting the parkwith improved communications about trailupdates and park news. Watch our websiteat nynjtc.org/content/trail-alerts-harriman-bear-mountain for regular updates as theyrelate to trails in the park.
—Georgette Weir
Find the full Fall Report of the Harriman-Trails Access Committee at nynjtc.org/news/news
New ParkingLot Coming toReeves Meadowat HarrimanState Park?
The park has added safety signage alongRoute 106.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28MANHATTAN COLLEGE WATCH FOR DETAILS
SAVE THE DATE: Winter Meeting
Notice:At the Trail Conference Winter Meeting,the delegates will discuss and vote on aproposal to increase basic membershipdues. The Trail Conference has not
adjusted its membership rates for inflationor cost of living increases for eight yearsand proposes to implement the followingrates during the second half of 2015.
Current Membership RatesIndividual/Joint
Regular $30/40Senior (65+) $25/30
Proposed Membership RatesIndividual/Joint
Regular $40/50Senior (65+) $35/40
JEREMY APGAR
My head is spinning. But in a good way.
I’m just looking around at all that is hap-pening at, by, and through the TrailConference today. This is an organizationwhere caring, enthusiastic people gather todo great things, and do them Now!Take on major corporations to preserve
the landscape of the Palisades, Sterling For-est, or Harriman State Park? Over and over,our Davids and Davidas have challengedGoliath, Inc. And won. We’re optimistic wewill win again in facing up to LG Electron-ics, Genting Casino Resorts, and Caesars. Create an education program—Trail
U—that trains and recruits hundreds ofhikers to give back as trail maintainers, trailbuilders, trail leaders, and citizen scientists?Yes! And we are very proud that New JerseyDept. of Environmental Protection has justthis month honored our program with anAward for excellence (see page 1).Expand our trail building and education
efforts by inaugurating our own Ameri-Corps conservation program? Yes!Ninety-five years of volunteer experience
laid the groundwork and gave us the confi-dence that we could train and putAmeriCorps members to good work onbehalf of our trail system. We train them,and they train more of us. Together webuild more and better trails. And our parkpartners get additional public resources.Win-win-win.Meet hikers (and potential hikers) at the
foot of the busiest trailhead in our region,if not the country—Breakneck Ridge—and help them make good choices andenjoy their outdoor experience with educa-tion, maps, and water? All we need to get
started is a roadside pull-off and funds totrain and pay a few good trail stewards.(We hope for shelter soon.) Not only arehikers appreciative, but so are the area’s firstresponders, who have had to make manyfewer rescue hikes up the mountain.Another win-win.When New York’s Dept. of Environ-
mental Conservation (DEC) asked us toadminister the Lower Hudson Partnershipfor Invasive Species Management, we saidYes. Again, our experience in launchingand running the trail-oriented Invasives
Strike Force gave us the confidence tomove ahead.Take on management of all outdoor vol-
unteer efforts in the Catskills? When DECasked us to partner with them to start theCatskill Conservation Corps, we said Yes tothat too. Volunteers are us. Preserve open space for public access and
to protect existing trails? The only realquestion here is how far can we stretch ourdollars? Working with our partners, westretch them quite a bit, as stories in thisissue about Cowboy Creek in New Jersey(page 1) and a newly protected parcel on
the Shawangunk Ridge (below) attest.Acquire, restore, and renovate a historic
schoolhouse in the heart of the Highlandsas our headquarters? The project wasintimidating. But as I write this, our move-in date approaches and we’re gettingexcited. Staff and volunteers look forwardto an end to the musical chairs approach toa seat in the office.Build and maintain an online headquar-
ters—a website that is the go-to place forhiking and trail information in our region?Of course. Our site now offers 350 hike
descriptions and information about 300+parks with trails, and it attracts more than300,000 returning visitors annually. That’s alot of interest in hiking, and we feel good thatwe are meeting the needs of so many. It’s anindication of the value we offer to the quali-ty of life in our region. If only those 300,000visitors would acknowledge our value with adonation or, better, their membership. Whata game changer that would be. People ask me, What are the benefits of
membership in the Trail Conference? To behonest, if you don’t enjoy getting out innature, if you never visit a park, or take yourfamily on a walk on a trail, if you are not ahiker, if you don’t enjoy wildlife, if you don’twant to protect the natural world we aregiven, then the benefits are few to none.Because parks and trails and opportuni-
ties to enjoy and enhance the outdoorexperience in our region are the benefits ofsupporting the Trail Conference with yourmembership. Your investment in us helpsus invest in our people and services thatpreserve and enhance things that you love.Please join us.
— Edward GoodellExecutive [email protected]
OUTCOMES We Protect Shawangunk Ridge TrailSection in Orange CountyThe Trail Conference has helped to secureprotection of 67 acres along the Shawan-gunk Ridge Trail (SRT) in the towns ofGreenville and Deerpark in Orange Coun-ty, NY. The land, adjacent to the1,500-acre Huckleberry Ridge State Forestand traversed by the SRT, was purchasedjointly with the Open Space Institute andfacilitated by the Orange County LandTrust (OCLT). The land will be held andmanaged by OCLT. The purchase wasfinalized November 3, 2014.The 70-mile Shawangunk Ridge Trail
extends from High Point State Park in NewJersey nearly to Rosendale in New York,and links with the Appalachian Trail andLong Path. The entire Shawangunk Ridge is listed in
the New York State’s 2010 and RevisedDraft 2014 Open Space Plan as a RegionalPriority Conservation Project. Other Trail
Conference-owned parcels on the Ridgehave been purchased by the state’s Dept. ofEnvironmental Conservation and managedas state forest. The expectation is the samewill happen with this and other of ourholdings on the Ridge when the landacquisition portion of the EnvironmentalProtection Fund is restored to appropriatelevels (see Our View). A more detailed sto-ry is posted at nynjtc.org/news/news
Casino Proposals at Sterling Forest,Harriman-WoodburyThe Trail Conference continued to workwith partners to oppose massive casinoresort proposals for the middle of SterlingForest State Park and adjacent to HarrimanState Park. New York State’s Gaming Com-mission was tasked with selecting up tofour casino locations. Their decision wasexpected to be announced on December17, after this issue went to press. If either ofthese sites is selected, we will continue tooppose these developments or, at a mini-mum, mitigate their negative impacts onthe surrounding parklands. Find the latestnews via nynjtc.org/panel/protectourtrails
New Jersey Votes for PermanentOpen Space Funding On Nov. 4, New Jersey voters said “Yes” toQuestion 2, a measure that dedicates a per-centage of existing corporate business taxrevenues on a long-term basis to ensurereliable funding for land and water protec-tion efforts. The Trail Conferencesupported this measure. Though the refer-endum is not perfect, it presented the onlyopportunity to secure permanent funds forland acquisition and parks improvement,as well as for stewardship of parks. We mustnow ensure that the enabling legislationallocates a significant portion of the fundsfor parks improvement. Furthermore, wewill need to continue working to ensureparks receive adequate annual budgets.
Public Access to Black Rock ForestProtectedIn October, The Open Space Institute(OSI) joined with New York GovernorAndrew Cuomo, Parks CommissionerRose Harvey, and the Black Rock ForestPreserve (BRFP) in announcing the largestever conservation easement in the Hudson
Highlands. The easement on 3,777 acres ofmountainous, undeveloped land in thewestern Hudson Highlands, known asBlack Rock Forest Preserve, was purchasedby OSI from the Preserve and is to bedonated to the Palisades Interstate ParkCommission.
The easement will assure the permanentprotection of Black Rock’s prominent openspace, significant mature forest, and at least23 miles of trails, most maintained by TrailConference volunteers for the benefit ofhikers and walkers, who have long beenwelcome to explore the Preserve. Black
OUR VIEW New York State’s Draft 2014Revised Open Space Plan The Draft 2014 Revised Open Space Planfor the State of New York was released inSeptember, and the Trail Conference isvery pleased with the recommendations itincludes for our region. The next and cru-cial step is to persuade lawmakers tobudget sufficient funds for land acquisi-tion in next year’s EnvironmentalProtection Fund to support the plan.Advocacy work for that will begin inearnest in January.Trail Conference Regional Programs
Manager Jeff Senterman was a member ofthe committees that drafted recommenda-tions for DEC Regions 3 & 4 in the plan,and, he reports, most of our suggestionswere adopted. These include:
Shawangunk RidgeContinued high priority for protecting traillinkages along the Shawangunk Ridge andassociated Basha Kill Wildlife ManagementArea. The Trail Conference has put its ownmoney into protecting key parcels alongthe Shawangunk Ridge pending state pur-chase. Despite the fact that the state hasidentified the Ridge as a priority area for
open space protection for many years,worked with us in the past to add land toridge top state forests, and is currentlyfunding our efforts to promote a GunksGreenway on the Shawangunk Ridge, inrecent years it has consistently failed toback up its efforts with funds for additionalland acquisition. We ask DEC and theGovernor to make this area a land acqui-sition funding priority in 2015.
Hudson HighlandsWe also endorse recommendations toexpand protection of lands in the HudsonHighlands, both east and west of the Hudson River.
Long Distance Trail Corridors & LinksWe strongly support this expanded sectionand the new trails and trail types that havebeen included in the 2014 draft. We look for-ward to working with New York on longdistance trails where we have managementresponsibility, including the AppalachianTrail, Long Path, and the Highlands Trail.While we have nothing but praise for
the goals and recommendations in thisplan, the realities of NYS budget decisionsin recent years that have essentially wipedout funds for land acquisition by the state,require us to ask:
• How are these recommendationsgoing to be achieved? • Are there plans to restore meaningful
funding for land acquisition in next year’sEPF? • If not, what new sources of funding
are proposed?
We urge our members and friends inNew York to contact the Governor’s officeand their state representatives in theAssembly and State Senate (especially after
their swearing-in in January), and askthem to restore meaningful land acqui-sition funds to the environmentalprotection fund in 2015. Specifically, weare asking for restoration to the 2008 levelof $66 million.Plan Now to Attend March 9, 2015
EPF Lobby Day in Albany. Find our full comments and keep
up with this issue; find it via nynjtc.org/panel/protectourtrails
Winter 2015 Page 3
From the Executive Director
Conservation & Advocacy
continued on page 10
Permanent protection ofBlack Rock Forest Preserveincludes protection of 23 miles of trails.
This is an organizationwhere caring, enthusiastic people gather to
do great things, and do them Now!
DANIELA WAGSTAFF
Page 4 Winter 2015
Trail Conference Annual Awards aredetermined by the Board of Directorsupon recommendation by the Volun-teer Committee. The following awardannouncements were made October18, 2014 at the Annual Meeting inOssining, NY.
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIPConveys life member status and theright to vote at Delegate’s meetings.Usually given after long (greaterthan 20) years of extraordinaryservice to the Trail Conference.
Ron Rosen, Poughkeepsie, NYRon has been involved with the Appalachi-an Trail since 1976 and was chair of theDutchess Putnam AT Management Com-mittee from its inception until 2009. Ronfostered cooperation among maintainers,monitors, and partners, and recruited andretained volunteers. He kept records ofhours of service so that “his” volunteerswere eligible for the National Park Service’sservice awards. When corridor monitorsneeded to be trained, he developed a work-shop that became a model for training forthe Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Withthree AT committees in New York andNew Jersey, there was a need to coordinateactivities. Ron was the obvious choice tohead the coordinating committee. He alsobecame the NY-NJ Trail Conference dele-gate to the Mid Atlantic ATC RegionalPartnership Committee. ATC conferredHonorary Membership to Ron in 2011.
Pete & Jo-Ann Senterman, Elka Park, NYIn 1989, starting with the Dutchess-Put-nam Appalachian Trail ManagementCommittee (DPATMC), Pete Sentermanbegan his long history of volunteering. Heshifted his focus to the Catskills, eventuallystepping up to be the chair of the CatskillTrails Committee and serving for 17 years.Pete recruited hundreds of volunteers,offered training and appreciation events,and developed a deep working relationshipwith the NYS Dept. of EnvironmentalConservation. His efforts ensured the con-tinued presence of the Trail Conference inthe Catskills. Even after retiring as a TrailChair, Pete continues to represent the TrailConference. He leads a special projects trailcrew, attends public meetings and informa-tional sessions, and serves on the CatskillPark and Forest Preserve Advisory Com-mittee. Pete is truly Mr. Catskill. While Pete has been busy with projects
in the Catskills, his wife, Jo-Ann, has beenbusy behind the scenes. She has managedthe many trainings, workshops, meetings,and picnics that took place in the Catskillsover the years that Pete was the Trails Chair.At many events she made sure dozens ofpeople knew where they were going andwere properly fed throughout the day. Eventoday Jo-Ann remains Mrs. Catskill, Cater-er in Chief. She continues to volunteer inthe background, attending outreach eventsand helping with the logistics, planning,and catering of many of our most recentactivities.
LEIKIN EXTRA MILE AWARDThis award recognizes those volunteers who have demonstratedexceptional commitment to projectssuch as a book, map or advocacy.
Chris Reyling & the Long DistanceTrails CrewThe Long Distance Trails Crew spentmany weekends during the last two workseasons on the Long Path in the Catskills.They were the backbone of the multipleweeklong service vacations that were spenton the mountains. The entire crew deservesrecognition for the work that they did. Fol-lowing are the core members of the group:Crew Chief Chris Reyling; Crew LeaderErik Garnjost; Crew members DavidBooth, Marty Costello, Russ Dooman,Bob Fuller, Charlie Morgan.
Gely and Jakob Franke, Northvale, NJThe Long Path is Jakob Franke’s “baby” andhis wife, Gely, is right there helping behindthe scenes. Jakob’s septuagenarian ways fillhis aura with smiles and good will and hedemonstrates by doing. Gely not only didtrail work, but for the Phoenician rerouteshe volunteered to be the camp cook,preparing home-cooked meals that wereready when the crew returned to camp.
John Moran, Glen Rock, NJJohn has served as North Jersey Trails Chairsince 2004, during which time which hehas expanded our trail network in theRamapos dramatically and also helped withthe North Jersey map set. John has alsodeveloped connections with the park man-agers, nurtured countless people to take onadditional responsibilities, and workedwith Eagle Scout candidates to completetheir projects.
Cliff Berchtold, Monroe, NY Volunteering in multiple ways, Cliff Berch-told believes in paying back for the decadeshe has spent enjoying trails. After main-taining a section of the Scenic Trail (LongPath) in Minnewaska State Park Preservefor 18 years, he now maintains theTownsend Trail in Sterling Forest. Cliffhelps with Trail U workshops, was the topsurveyor for the Invasives Strike Force (ISF)
in 2013, and spends many hours in theTrail Conference office processing ISF data.
Pete Tilgner, Tenafly, NJ Committed to the trails in our region, PeteTilgner also volunteers with the Trail Con-ference office operations. Since 2001, Petehas been coming to the office weekly tomail membership cards and free maps. Hisreliability in this role is matched by hisimpeccable manners, sense of humor, andappreciation of the hiking opportunities inthe region.
Eugene Reyes, Passaic, NJ Highly experienced with both print anddigital publication, Eugene Reyes helpedpave the way for our e-book publications.He informed the Publications Committeeabout the production process, then guidedit through its first e-book publication,including additional guidance to the bookdesigner so that when a book was laid out,it could be more easily converted to thenew format.
Steve Weissman, New Brunswick, NJ Steve puts the "pro" in pro bono. Over thepast 10 years, Steve has provided the TrailConference with countless hours of hisprofessional legal services free of charge.Steve has long been a trusted advisor to theTrail Conference on personnel and legalissues, always available to offer his calmcounsel, prompt and objective in hisresponse, and always maintaining confi-dentiality to the utmost.
KEN LLOYD AWARDThis award recognizes members ofTrail Conference member clubs ormember clubs who have demon-strated exemplary service to trailmaintenance, management, and/ortrail land protection. It is usually given after more than seven years of service.
Ralph’s Peak Hikers Cabin Volunteers ClubFor 15 years, the Ralph’s Peak Hikers(RPH) Cabin Volunteers Club, an AT TrailCrew in Dutchess and Putnam Counties,has worked on heavy duty trail projectsthat are beyond the capacity of the main-tainers. In addition to maintaining theRPH Cabin Shelter, their projects haveincluded puncheon, turnpiking, bridges,and steps. In addition, for 15 years theyhave organized a three-day work weekendwith a multi-day BBQ and trail projectssuited to all skill levels. This weekend proj-ect has attracted local volunteers as well asthose coming from a distance.
NEXT GENERATION AWARDGiven to those under age 21 who aremaking significant contributions oftime and energy to trail building orprotection. An awardee may be anindividual or a group.
Matt Whittle, Oakland, NJ Matt was a junior in high school when hefirst volunteered as an Invasives Strike Forceintern and fell in love with invasives. For hisEagle project he organized a team to removeinvasives and plant native species. Hebecame a certified pesticide applicator andhas encouraged adults to volunteer. Duringthe summer of 2014, he served as an Ameri-Corps member on the Invasive Strike Forceteam. In the fall of 2014, Matt matriculat-ed at William Paterson University.
Erika Schneider-Smith, Shrewsbury, NJErika signed up to be a member of ourInvasives Strike Force in September 2012,when she was 15 and a sophomore at Bio-Technology High School in MonmouthCounty, NJ. She was one of the top survey-ors that year and returned the followingsummer, bringing along a friend for mostof the miles. Now a senior, she has contin-ued to survey.
Emma Chilton, Suffern, NYEmma volunteered as a trail builder formore than 100 hours in 2013, first at Ster-ling Forest and then at Bear Mountain. Anenvironmental engineer major in her jun-ior year at Cornell University in 2014,Emma continues to volunteer at the officeand do trail work on her days off fromanother internship.
WILLIAM HOEFERLIN AWARDRecognizes Trail Conference volun-teers who have demonstratedexemplary service to trail mainte-nance, management, and/or trailland protection.
Andy Garrison, Wurtsboro, NY Dedicated describes Andy Garrison forboth his land acquisition efforts for theShawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT) as well ashis work building and managing the trail.Andy also has led the effort to reroute the
2014 Trail Conference Awards H
We give so much thanksto so many peopledoing so much
for the public good.
Winter 2015 Page 5
Long Path in the Catskills to eliminate aroad walk. When he leads a work trip, hearrives earlier than the crew members andmakes at least one extra trip to bring equip-ment to the work site. He invited othertrail crews to join him and establishedweek-long backcountry work trips dis-guised as camping trips. The preparationand detail in planning has made these tripsa success. Under Andy’s leadership the newtrail was built and opened to the public inonly two years.
Salley Decker, Poughkeepsie, NY Salley has a multiple decade volunteer his-tory with the Conference that includesbeing an AT maintainer for over 25 years,active participant in the Dutchess/PutnamAT Management Committee, helping withthe 2007 ATC biennial meeting hosted bythe Trail Conference, and, in 2014, spear-heading the local efforts to establish a trailcrew for the historic Stone Church Preservein Dover, NY.
Chet Morris, Branchville, NJChet has been volunteer trail supervisor inStokes State Forest and Swartswood StatePark since 2003. He is more than just asupervisor; as a certified sawyer, he puts hisheart and soul into making sure thatdowned trees are removed immediately.When a call comes in, he grabs his chain-saw and heads out to the trails to helpwherever he is needed.
DON DERR AWARD Recognizes Trail Conference volun-teers who have demonstratedexemplary off-trail service such aspublications, advocacy, land conser-vation, development, membership,and office work. It is usually givenafter more than seven years of out-standing service.
George Petty, Clinton Corners, NY George, a poet, writer, editor, and retiredcollege professor, has served on the TrailConference Publications Committee, for atime as chair, since 2001. In addition tobeing the author of Hiking the Jersey High-lands, George served as project manager andeditor of several editions of Hiking LongIsland. George’s words of wisdom, dedica-tion, and exceptional commitment to thePublications Committee exemplify the bestcharacteristics of an off trail volunteer.
George Becker, Franklin Lakes, NJGeorge’s actions, commitments, and lead-ership have made significant, positiveimpacts on the Trail Conference. He wasone of the earliest volunteer leaders and
supporters of the Darlington Schoolhouseproject and has continued to be a drivingforce behind our successful fundraisingcampaign. As a longstanding member ofthe Darlington Schoolhouse StakeholderAction Team, he played a significant role inhelping the Trail Conference raise publicawareness for the Schoolhouse, the cam-paign, and our organization as a whole.
MAJOR WILLIAM A. WELCH TRAILPARTNER AWARDPresented to those outside the TrailConference (for example, state, fed-eral or local agency partner officials)who have given long and/or signifi-cant assistance to the local hikingcommunity. It is usually given aftermore than seven years of service.
Todd Cochran Superintendent of the Bergen CountyDept. of Parks, Todd has been always at theready to support Trail Conference volun-teers and staff, whether it is a crew, tools,materials, a place to store tools or trans-portation when and where it is neededwithin Ramapo Reservation, Camp GlenGray, and Campgaw. He has assisted withthe Darlington Schoolhouse, hosted chain-saw courses, and helped with approvals forprojects. Todd has made time for severalmeeting to prioritize projects and lend sup-port and input for our outreach efforts withRamapo College.
Staff at Minnewaska State Park PreservePark Manager Eric Humphrey (pictured),Assistant Park Manager Jorge Gomez, Educator Laura Connor, and Nick Martinare always helpful with trail projects, trans-porting materials and tools and in manyinstances crew members, saving them valu-able time to work on projects. They are apleasure to work with.
CORPORATE PARTNER AWARD Given to businesses or theiremployees for outstanding serviceto the hiking community.
Morgan Outdoors (owner Lisa Lyons) A small business owner, Lisa Lyons has,since 2011, volunteered her time and herspace at Morgan Outdoors in LivingstonManor to promote the Trail Conferenceand host our workshops and events since2011. She has recruited volunteers forhikes and trail work and is now the crewchief of the Willowemoc Trail Crew, whichis improving the trails in the southwesternCatskills. Lisa’s efforts have given the TrailConference a presence in a region where wetraditionally did not adopt trails.
LEO ROTHSCHILD CONSERVATION AWARDPresented to a person or organiza-tion that has made a significantcontribution to the protection of ourtrails and/or the natural lands thatsurround them.
Friends of the Shawangunks For more than 50 years, the Friends of theShawangunks (Friends) has exercised vigi-lance and vigor in preserving theShawangunk Ridge. The Friends wasfounded to “marshal public opposition to aproposed ‘Skyline Drive’ along the top ofthe ridge.” That battle was won as havemany since. Friends was a leader of thecoalitions that fought to protect Lake Min-newaska, establish Minnewaska State ParkPreserve, and add the Awosting Reserve tothe park. Friends has successfully challengedmany ridge development proposals, pro-tecting the natural environment for us all.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDSThis award is given by the VolunteerCommittee to recognize significantservice or a special achievement byTrail Conference volunteers.
Howard “Pete” France, Lake Katrine, NYPete has been the Northern Catskills Chairsince 2009, tirelessly working to ensurethat volunteer supervisors and maintainershave the tools and information they needin order to tackle trail maintenance in theCatskill Park. He’s always been a good teamplayer, excellent with paperwork and fol-low-up, and has managed to keep trailmaintainer vacancies to a minimumthroughout his region.
Rich Weiler, Irvington, NYTrail maintainer on the Timp-Torne Trailand Appalachian Trail in Harriman StatePark for more than 20 years, Rich has alsohelped to clear countless blow-downs aftersnowstorms and tropical storms and hurri-canes of recent years.
Marci Layton, Brooklyn, NY Pitching in to help is a way of life for Mar-ci Layton. In 2009, she began volunteeringby assisting with trail maintenance; her
contributions to trails soon became greaterand broader. She became a trail maintain-er, a swamper assisting sawyers, and a trailcrew member. Marci also assists in fieldchecking maps and guidebooks in Harri-man State Park.
Mark Nordyke, North Butler, NJSince 2012, Mark Nordyke has been anactive invasive plant surveyor and memberof the removal crew of the Invasives StrikeForce. He has been the crew member withthe most number of hours. In 2014, he hassurveyed more than 130 miles of trails. It issaid that Mark generates data on invasivesalmost faster than it can be recorded by ISFoffice volunteers.
Bob Paine, Pleasantville, NYTrail maintainer on the 1777E Trail inHarriman State Park for more than 20years, Bob has also helped to clear blow-down after blow-down, especially after thelate fall snowstorms and tropical stormsand hurricanes of recent years.
Peter Schwartz, Brooklyn, NYOn his own initiative, Peter developed andgave to the Trail Conference “Hike Finder”.This addition to our website is a searchablemap that pinpoints the locations of thehikes listed on our website; results can befiltered by location, difficulty, and othercriteria.
onor Our Volunteers & Partners
Trail ConferenceVolunteer StatsJuly 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
2,684 volunteer positions(not including crews)
1,287 volunteers
76,839 volunteer hours
223 work crew trips
354 crew members
278 new volunteers
1,023 participants in Trail U
760 unique peopleparticipated in Trail U
151 classes
Winter 2015Page 6
Hudson Nor’Westers an Hudson North Clippers The newly formed West Hudson North Clip Nor'Westers crews, both operating under th tion of crew chief Sandy Cascio, hit the grou In July, the Nor’Westers began refurbishing
across Sanders Kill in Minnewaska State Park bridging over slick and sloping trail tread on trail. Next, they tackled trail and stream block Park, where a blowdown across a stream on the King—along with a little residual damage from had caused the stream to overflow its ban substantial ice dam across the trail at the foot Future plans include rehabilitating a shortc
relocation, and drainage mitigation in West which include Minnewaska, Schunnemunk, Rock Forest. Technical trail skills taught on mitigation, stone steps installation, and bog-br The Clippers, meanwhile, have made them
unteers in their region. They offer a hand t section that has fast vegetation regrowth, w who has been unable to get to their trail in a w trail sections.The Clippers go out every second Saturda
and clear a challenging trail section. They inv ing maintainers and supervisors, to join them
People for Trails. Trails for People.A quarterly look at some of what we have been doing to improve public access to nature.
Ground Broken on Lon A crowd of about 100 attend the September in Mount Tremper, in the central Catskills. T ter for decades, starting from his time as th building began this past fall with a grand ope The CIC will provide information to visito
ing watershed, and ways to recreate and enjoy $500,000 from New York Works III, $420, Development grant.The Friends of the Catskill Interpretive C
operate the center once constructed. The New the first five years toward operating expenses NJ Trail Conference, Catskill Mountain Club
We Take On theWilderness of NJThe Great Swamp National WildlifeRefuge, only 26 miles west of TimesSquare in New York City, is 12 squaremiles of largely undisturbed nature strad-dling the border between Morris andSomerset counties. Its 10 miles of hikingtrails vary from primitive cleared walkingpaths to elaborate boardwalks that spanwildlife management and wilderness areas. As one of more than 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge
System (and the very first to receive Wilderness designation), the GreatSwamp just helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of the signing of theWilderness Act. The Trail Conference is proud to be invited to helpwith stewardship of the hiking trails in this Wilderness area on the heelsof this historic occasion. Federally designated Wilderness areas are chosen from existing feder-
al lands of at least 5,000 acres which have minimal human imprint,opportunities for unconfined recreation, and educational, scientific, orhistorical value. Motorized and mechanized devices aren’t allowedunless deemed absolutely necessary. The result is an area minimallyimpacted by people, and perfect for hiking and exploring.Like many Wilderness areas, the Great Swamp had its brush with
annihilation–the refuge was established in 1960 after a year-long legalbattle in which local residents fought to keep the land from beingturned into a major regional airport. Today on these 7,768 acres,instead of jet airplanes, more than 244 species of birds fill the sky. Inaddition, 39 mammal species and 42 species of reptiles and amphibiansvariously crawl, run, and slither across the refuge. Beautiful vernal poolsand ponds dot the woods to be appreciated by animals and hikers alike.We look forward to helping the Great Swamp maintain their trails by
bringing in workshops, training, and volunteers over the coming years.Hope to see you out there!
—Peter Dolan, New Jersey Program Coordinator
Long Distance Trail Crew Celebrates West MountainAppalachian Trail RelocationSaturday, Oct. 18, was a big day for the Long Distance Trails Crew(LDTC). The morning began at the Trail Conference Annual Meetingheld in Ossining, NY, where the entire crew received the Paul LeikenExtra Mile Award for its members’ efforts during the last two work sea-sons on the Long Path relocation in the Catskills.Following the awards portion of the meeting, the crew headed out to
Harriman State Park to put the final touches on the new AppalachianTrail (AT) relocation. This included closing off the old section of thetrail, scraping out and painting over the old blazes, and painting thefinal new blazes at each end of the relocation. The crew also raked thenew trail to make it clearly stand out in the leaf covered terrain for thesubsequent trail work hike and ribbon-cutting ceremony.In the afternoon, the crew led a hike to the north (uphill) end of the
relocation, first passing by and highlighting previous work by the WestHudson South and Long Distance Trails Crews. The group traveled upthe old, eroded trail so everyone could see why the path was beingreplaced, and arrived at the ribbon-cutting site.LDTC member Bob Fuller introduced the crew and our distin-
guished guests: Ed Goodell, Trail Conference Executive Director; ChrisConnolly, Trail Conference Board Chair; Ed McGowan, PalisadesInterstate Park Commission Science Director; Sona Mason, West Hud-son Program Coordinator; and John Mack, Harriman/Bear MountainTrails Chair. We talked briefly about the relocation work, which took10 months to complete with over 35 individuals putting in around1,800 hours of volunteer time. The new relocation is .4 miles long andis exactly .123 miles longer than the section of trail that it replaces. Thisis no doubt due to the extensive planning by Crew Chief Chris Reyling,who holds the Long Path End to End certificate number 123, which isa very special number to him.With the entire LDTC crew behind them, Chris Reyling and Crew
Leader Erik Garnjost cut the ribbon using a giant pair of scissors creat-ed just for this occasion. The hike down the relocation began with crewmembers pointing out many of the sustainable features of the new trail,as well as major rock work including steps, massive crib walls, and giantstepping stones.Then crew and guests enjoyed a celebratory BBQ.
—Bob Fuller, LDTC member
Hiking to Know the Places We SaveExactly how wilderness areas are preserved is likely a bit of a mystery tothe average person. The ongoing efforts to conserve and set aside wildlands for perpetuity is mainly the behind-the-scenes work of volunteersand partner organizations such as the New York-New Jersey Trail Con-ference, land trusts and land conservation organizations, and governmentorganizations such as the state and federal parks departments. But projects like the ongoing preservation of the Shawangunk Ridge
deserve greater recognition. The ridge has been an active area for theTrail Conference’s Conservation Committee, as two of our longesttrails, the Long Path and the Shawangunk Ridge Trail, depend on safeaccess through the wilderness along this corridor. This requires secur-ing trail access on private, undeveloped land, as well as acquiring landparcels along the ridge. The Land Trust Alliance recently granted fund-ing to purchase more land parcels in this area, with the stipulation thatlocal communities and municipalities be made aware of the recreation-al opportunities available to them as a result of this conservation work.In cooperation with Trail Conference partners, several hikes were set upat key places along the ridge to showcase the area and its ecological andpublic value.The season started off with a much-needed trail-clipping hike at
Graham Fire Tower along the ridge, where the Ravine Trail offers anadditional cool and verdant rock scramble alongside a stream. Later inthe season, a group picked blueberries and cooled off under the Rain-bow Kill Falls at Minnewaska State Park Preserve and enjoyed the longview across the entire stretch of the ridge, all the way back to New Jer-sey. Other hikes explored the newest addition to the ridge, RidgeviewPreserve, and climbed up the Shawangunk Ridge Trail at WurtsboroRidge State Forest to views of the Catskills and the Basha Kill—thelargest wetland in southeastern New York.A hearty thanks to volunteer Trails Chair Jakob Franke, Laura Con-
ner of Minnewaska State Park, Andy Mills of the Orange County LandTrust, and Mike Medley of the Basha Kill Area Association for co-lead-ing these hikes and enriching all with their specialized knowledge of thelands along the Shawangunk Ridge! And stay tuned on our website forfuture events.
—Sona Mason, West Hudson Program Coordinator
A Better Breakneck By-pass Coming?On October 28, Trail Conference staff and volunteers met up with trailplanners from the New York State Office of Parks Recreation andHistoric Preservation (OPRHP) at the foot of the Wilkinson Trail inthe Breakneck Ridge area of Hudson Highlands State Park. Theirpurpose was to field check possibilities for rerouting a severely erodedsection of the popular Breakneck Bypass Trail (red blaze). The groupincluded, left to right: Fred Barnes, volunteer Trail Supervisor for thearea; Erik Mickelson, Trail Builder; Evan Thompson, Fahnestock &HH State Parks, Jesse Jaycox, OPRHP Biologist; and Mary Dodds,volunteer Trail Crew leader and all-around trail worker.
SONA MASON
GEORGETTE WEIR
ANDREA MINOFF
Winter 2015 Page 7
HIGHLIGHTS FROM NEW PROGRAMS
nd West s crews
ppers and revived Hudson he leadership and inspira-
und running this year. g stepping stone crossings Preserve and building bog n the verdant Mossy Glen
kages in Storm King State e Highlands Trail at Storm
m Tropical Storm Irene— nks in winter, creating a
of the mountain. cut, stream crossings, trail of Hudson North Parks,
, Storm King, and Black the job include drainage
ridging with rock footings. mselves available to all vol- to any maintainer with a will help out a maintainer
while, and clear unassigned ay of each month to clip
vite all volunteers, includ- m. They have a blast!
ng-awaited Catskill Interpretive Center 23 groundbreaking for the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center (CIC) along Route 28 The CIC is named in honor of retired Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey, who championed the cen- he region’s representative in the New York State Assembly. Construction on the 1,700-square foot
ening anticipated for early 2015. ors about the 700,000-acre Catskill Park, New York City's one million-acre Catskill/Delaware drink-
y these natural resources. The $1.3 million DEC-managed project will be funded with approximately ,000 from the State's Environmental Protection Fund, and $380,000 federal Housing and Urban
enter, working under the umbrella of the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, will w York City Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) has agreed to contribute $20,000 per year for
of the CIC. The center will be staffed through a partnership including the Catskill Center, the NY- b, Ulster County Tourism, and Catskill Mountainkeeper.
Better Trails to HistoryIn Hudson Highlands State ParkIn October, nine acres, a new parking lot, and short trail extension builtby the Trail Conference’s Taconics Crew were added to Hudson High-lands State Park historic North/South Redoubt section along SnakeHill Road in Garrison. Land preservationists and state park and Dept.of Environmental Conservation officials celebrated the occasion with abrief ribbon-cutting ceremony before sitting down to a meeting aboutother conservation priorities. The land was donated to the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation (OPRHP) by Winter Hill LLC, which also built the newparking area. OPRHP Deputy Commissioner Carol Clark and WinterHill’s Chris Buck signed the transfer papers and cut the ribbon (above)at the event.With a short and quick climb on a red-blazed trail to the North
Redoubt, hikers can get a nice view north over the Hudson River—especially with the leaves off the trees. A longer, but still relatively short,hike to the higher South Redoubt winds through bits of GarrisonSchool Forest. These trails to the South Redoubt are in the process of being
reworked and reblazed by the Garrison School, which maintains all thetrails in this area of the park. Already, there are differences in blaze col-ors between the latest 2014 edition of East Hudson map #101 andwhat you will find on site. The South Redoubt features a kiosk withinformation about the Revolution-era history of the redoubts, fortifica-tions built in 1779 with the intent of delaying or stopping Britishadvances on West Point. At both North and South Redoubt, evidenceof the now buried fortifications is obvious.
Breakneck Trail StewardsThe Trail Conference stewards at Breakneck Ridge were on duty weekends andholidays from Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day (45 days total). EastHudson Program Coordinator Hank Osborn reports the stewards counted exactly26,743 hikers ascending the Breakneck Ridge Trail during that time. (They did notcount hikers descending or hikers at the other two nearby trailheads.) The mosthikers counted in one day was 1,426, on Oct. 12, the stewards’ last day of the season.The fewest: 60 on a “terribly” windy and rainy day.
The stewards evaluated hikers’ preparedness and recommended various hikingopportunities and routes. In the course of the season, they sold over 2,000 maps,rescued 99 lost hikers, persuaded almost 400 unprepared people to turn away fromthe trailhead, referred almost 1,000 hikers to Cold Spring, and nearly 500 hikers toBeacon for food, drink, and other entertainment. They also treated 25 people and onedog for various injuries.
An anonymous donor has made a generous, multi-year Challenge Grant to supportthe Trail Conference’s work on the trails east of the Hudson River, including atBreakneck Ridge.
You can help us meet this challenge—and increase the impact of your own gift by 50 percent—by making a donation to our East Hudson-Breakneck Ridge fund. Here’show it works: If we succeed in raising $20,000 in the next 12 months, the anonymousdonor will match it with an additional $10,000 gift!
To make your gift qualify for the match, please make your donation to the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference and designate it to the
“East Hudson-Breakneck Challenge.”
Thanks to Mountain Tops, our retail partner store in Beacon, for donating all of theuniforms and footwear for the five stewards. Beacon Bagel donated water to fillbottles. The Cold Spring Fire Department donated a first aid kit and resuppliesthroughout the season, and commended the stewards’ efforts in reducing the numberof rescues that needed to be performed by fire fighters.
Catskill Conservation CorpsRegional Program Coordinator JeffSenterman was quick to get the wordout: The Catskill Conservation Corps(CCC), a new partnership between theTrail Conference and the New York StateDept. of Environmental Conservation(DEC) that seeks to increase and supportnature-oriented volunteers and volunteeropportunities in the Catskills, is inbusiness. A new website and presence on Facebook and Twitter were quicklyestablished to help spread the word, and press releases have been promotingCCC activities since its first workshop, on volunteer leadership training, in June.Work trips tackled trail building at thefuture site of the Catskill Interpretive Center and litter cleanup at Kaaterskill Falls andalong Route 23A in Kaaterskill Clove. An appreciation picnic was held for all Catskillvolunteers in October; at the event, we were able to thank many people for theirservice to trails, lean-tos, and the natural and recreational resources of the CatskillMountains. Visit the CCC website to learn more and get involved. We will be in touchshortly afterwards with the info you request and will add you to the electronic mailinglist for CCC updates. catskillconservationcorps.org
AmeriCorps In 2014, 17 AmeriCorps members engaged by the Trail Conference to learn and dotrail building east and west of the Hudson River in New York or serve with ourInvasives Strike Force, leveraged 408 volunteers who contributed 7,758 hours to ourtrails from May to October. The AmeriCorps members contributed approximately13,000 hours of effort towards our mission during that time, and formed the nucleusof three trail-building crews—the Palisades and Taconics Crews, who worked on statepark trail projects in Sterling Forest, Fahnestock, and Hudson Highlands State Parks,and the Bear Mountain Trails Project crew, working on the Appalachian Trailrelocation. Four members also contributed to the monitoring and removal work of ourInvasives Strike Force.
Breakneck Ridge Trail Stewards (blue shirts) welcome AmeriCorps members of ourTaconics Crew at the trailhead.
Our new programs aim to extend our reach to hikersand potential volunteers and to expand the
opportunities and skill development available for them.
SONA MASON
GEORGETTE WEIR
GEORGETTE WEIR
Page 8 Winter 2015
ADK Long Islandwww.adkli.org
ADK Mid-Hudson Chapterwww.midhudsonadk.org
ADK Mohican Chapterwww.adkmohican.org
ADK New York Chapterwww.adkny.org
ADK North Jersey Ramapo Chapterwww.hudsonhikers.org
Adventures for Womenwww.AdventuresforWomen.org
Alley Pond Environmental Centerwww.alleypond.com
AMC Delaware Valley Chapterwww.amcdv.org
AMC Mohawk Hudson Chapterwww.amcmohawkhudson.org
AMC New York North Jersey Chapterwww.amc-ny.org
Bellvale School www.bruderhof.com/en/international-directory/united-states/bellvale
Black Rock Forest Consortium Inc.www.blackrockforest.org
Boy Scout Troop 121-Hudson Valley Council
Boy Scout Troop 50 MahwahMAHWAHtroop50.scoutlander.com
Boy Scout Troop 8, Brooklyn
Boy Scouts of America, Troop 21
Boy Scouts of America-Northern NJ Councilwww.nnjbsa.org
Byram Township Environmental Commissionwww.byramtwp.org
Catskill 3500 Clubwww.catskill-3500-club.org
Catskill Mountain Clubwww.catskillmountainclub.org
Chinese Mountain Club of New Yorkwww.cmcny.org
Church Communities Foundationwww.bruderhof.com
Closter Nature Center Associationwww.closternaturecenter.org
East Coast Greenway Alliancewww.greenwaynj.org
East Hampton Trails Preservation Societywww.ehtps.org
Flat Rock Brook Nature Associationwww.flatrockbrook.org
Fox Hill Schoolwww.bruderhof.com/en/international-directory/united-states/fox-hill
Friends of Garret Mountain http://friendsofgarretmountain.blogspot.com
Friends of Pelham Bay Parkwww.pelhambaypark.org/
Friends of the Hackensack River Greenway in Teaneckwww.teaneckgreenway.org
Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct, Inc.http://aqueduct.org
Friends of The Shawangunkshttp://shawangunks.org
Friends of Van Cortlandt Parkhttp://vancortlandt.org
German-American Hiking Clubhttp://gah.nynjtc.org
Greenburgh Nature Centerwww.greenburghnaturecenter.org
Hike for Mental Healthwww.hikeformentalhealth.org
Hilltop Conservancy, Inc.www.hilltopconservancy.org
Hudson Highlands Gateway Task Forcewww.TownofCortlandt.com
Hunterdon Hiking Clubwww.hunterdonhikingclub.org
Interstate Hiking Clubwww.interstatehikingclub.org
Jolly Rovershttp://jollyrovers.org
Little Stony Point Citizens Associationwww.littlestonypoint.org
Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conferencewww.ligreenbelt.org
Long Path North Hiking Clubwww.schoharie-conservation.org
Mohonk Preservewww.mohonkpreserve.org
Monmouth County Park Systemwww.monmouthcountyparks.com
Morris County Park Commissionwww.morrisparks.net
Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Clubwww.mosaic-gny.org/joomla
Musconetcong Mountain Conservancyhttp://mmc.nynjtc.org
Nassau Hiking and Outdoor Clubwww.nassauhiking.org
Nelsonville Greenway CommitteeVillageofNelsonville.org
New Haven Hiking Clubwww.NHHC.info
New Jersey Search & Rescue Inc.www.njsar.org
New York Alpine Clubwww.nyalpine.com
New York City Audubon Society, Inc.www.nycaudobon.org
New York Hiking Clubhttp://nyh.nynjtc.org
New York Ramblerswww.nyramblers.org
Outdoor Promisewww.outdoorpromise.org
Palisades Nature Associationwww.njpalisades.org/greenbrook.htm
Protect Our Wetlands, Water & Woods(POW)http://box292.bluehost.com/~powwworg
Protectors of Pine Oak Woodswww.siprotectors.org
Rip Van Winkle Hikershttp://newyorkheritage.com/rvw
Rock Lodge Clubwww.rocklodge.com
RPHC Volunteerstimtrek.mikentim.com
SAJ - Society for the Advancement ofJudaismhttp://www.thesaj.org
Salt Shakers Trail Running Clubwww.saltshakersrun.com
Shorewalkers Inc.www.shorewalkers.org
Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter OutingsCommitteewww.newyork.sierraclub.org/outings
Sierra Club Lower Hudson Grouphttp://www.newyork.sierraclub.org/lhg
Sierra Club Mid-Hudson Groupwww.newyork.sierraclub.org/midhudson
South Mountain Conservancy Inc.www.somocon.org
Southampton Trails Preservation Societyhttp://southamptontrails.org
St. Benedicts Prep Backpacking Projecthttp://www.sbp.org
Storm King Adventure Tourswww.stormkingadventures.com
Sullivan County Audubon Societywww.sullivanaudubon.org
Sundance Outdoor Adventure Societywww.sundanceoutdoor.org
SUNY Oneonta Outing Clubwww.oneonta.edu/outdoors
Teatown Lake Reservationwww.teatown.org
Tenafly Nature Center Associationwww.tenaflynaturecenter.org
The Catskill Center for Conservation & Dev.www.catskillcenter.org
The Highlands Natural Poolwww.highlandsnaturalpool.org
The Nature Place Day Camphttp://thenatureplace.com
The Outdoor Club, Inc.www.outdoorsclub.info
Thendara Mountain Clubwww.thendaramountainclub.org
Torne Valley Preservation Association
Town of Lewisborowww.lewisborogov.com/parksrec
Trail WhippAsswww.trailwhippass.com/trail-whippass-home
Tri State Ramblershttp://tsr.nynjtc.org
Union County Department of Parks &Community Renewalhttp://ucnj.org/community/parks-community-renewal/parks-facilities
University Outing Clubwww.universityoutingclub.org
Urban Trail Conference, Inc.www.urbantrail.org
Valley Stream Hiking Clubwww.meetup.com/vshclub
Wappingers Greenway Trail Committee
Warren County Morris Canal Committeewww.morriscanal.org
West Milford 13ershttp://www.weishike.com
Westchester Trails Associationwww.nynjtc.org/clubpages/wta.html
Women Aboutwww.womenabout.org
WWWwww.weishike.com
Hikers’ Directory
These clubs and organizations support the Trail Conference. Visit their websites tolearn about their activities, or find them at www.nynjtc.org/content/member-clubs.
To add your organizationto the list, contact Jennis Watson, [email protected].
Greenburgh Nature Centerhttp://greenburghnaturecenter.orgThe Greenburgh Nature Center (GNC) inScarsdale, NY, is a 33-acre nature preservewith trails, a pond and gardens. More than70,000 visitors come to the GNC eachyear. The property is a significant wildlifehabitat refuge, both for indigenous speciesand for the hundreds of species of migra-tory birds that use it as a resting place ontheir spring and fall travels. The propertyincludes 30 acres of woodland, two signif-icant wetland sites, and a wildflowermeadow, which is used as a nesting area forEastern box turtles.
Outdoor Promisewww.outdoorpromise.orgUsing the world as their classroom, Out-door Promise helps disadvantaged NYCyouth discover the wonder and joy oflearning by doing. Through hands-on,project-based outdoor education pro-grams, Outdoor Promise aims to preparethe natural leaders of tomorrow.
Trail WhippAsswww.trailwhippass.comApproximately 90 members comprise TrailWhippAss, a trail-running club based inthe New York and New Jersey area. Mem-bers are encouraged to give back byvolunteering on the trails; recently, they’veworked with our Palisades, Bear Moun-tain, and South Mountain Reservationcrews. The club is in the process of adopt-ing a trail to maintain.
Welcome to Our New MemberClubsThree organizations joinedthe Trail Conference ranksthis fall.
Winter 2015 Page 9
PEOPLE FOR TRAILS
Regina Willis Coxsackie, NY
For six peak weekends this pastfall, Regina Willis enjoyed whatshe called “the best ‘office’ view”of anyone in the DEC (Dept. ofEnvironmental Conservation).
Hired as a temporary BackcountrySteward and assigned to theKaaterskill Falls area in theCatskills, Regina was on dutyThursdays through Mondays, earlySeptember through Columbus Day,sharing information about thehistory of this iconic landmark andits natural environment, and givingnovice trail users tips for hikingsafely at the falls and elsewhere.(Tip No. 1: Hiking in flip-flops canbe hazardous to your wellbeing.)
Regina is a master’s student atthe State University of New YorkCollege of Environmental Science& Forestry (Syracuse). Thetemporary job as a trail stewardwas a great excuse to break awayfrom her computer-focusedscholarly task of completing herthesis (statistical analysis ofstream data), and get outdoors.Visitors were very receptive toher help, she reports, as werelocal people, who were happy tosee the official presence on site.
Posting a trail steward atKaaterskill Falls was advocatedby the Trail Conference as a steptoward improved public safetyand protection of the Fallsenvironment. We expect to work with the departmentthrough our joint CatskillConservation Corps (CCC)program to support volunteersand potentially seasonal part-time staff in a Catskills stewardprogram next year.
For Regina, whose last day on the job was Columbus Day, it wasback to her thesis.
Learn more about the CCC atCatskillConservationCorps.org.
Many of us know the problems invasiveplants cause in our forests and along hikingtrails—shrubs like barberry crowding in onthe path, vines like oriental bittersweethelping to pull down trees, invasive plantssmothering an area that used to have won-derful spring wildflowers.The Trail Conference’s Invasives Strike
Force has been working to combat invasiveplants along our trails since 2011. We,along with many other park managers andnatural resource professionals across thecountry, work tirelessly to protect ournative biodiversity in parks and naturalareas, but we often feel unsupported bymany facets of society. We go to nurseriesand see the very plants we have been
removing being sold to unsuspectinghomeowners. We go to pet stores and seethe invasive aquatic organisms that are dec-imating our native aquatic habitats beingsold for aquariums. We see lists of recom-mended street trees promoted by theregional shade tree organization thatinclude species that are popping up as inva-sive in our forests. We watch gardenprograms that enthuse over ornamentalplants that we know have become invasivein nearby states. This past September, New York State
gave invasives fighters some much-neededlegal support for our efforts. The NYSDept. of Environmental Conservation(DEC) issued regulations defining a list of98 prohibited invasive species (NYCRRPart 575) that, starting March 10, 2015,will be illegal to sell, introduce, purchase,import, or transport. This means that, as ofthis spring, many of the invasive plants we
see in our forests will no longer be able tobe sold in New York.Many of the most common invasive
species found along our hiking trails will beprohibited—including barberry (prohibit-ed starting Sept. 10, 2015), orientalbittersweet, Japanese stiltgrass, Japanesehoneysuckle, garlic mustard, andknotweed. Yellow iris, water chestnut, andmosquito fish—commonly sold for watergardens and ponds—will also be prohibit-ed, as will border privet, one of the shrubsfrequently used for hedges. Two species ofbamboo were also placed on the list due tothe problems they cause when they spreadbetween neighboring yards.You will still be allowed to transport pro-
hibited species for the purpose ofidentification or disposal. For example, ifyou catch a strange fish in the stream, youare allowed to transport it to an expert tohave it identified without fear of havingviolated the regulations. If you are involvedin an invasive plant removal effort, you areallowed to transport and dispose of theremoved plants in the trash. In addition, apermit process will be in place to allow useof prohibited species for educational andresearch purposes.Some species were deemed too impor-
tant economically to prohibit outright.These species have been placed on the reg-ulated list. A regulated species may still besold, but must be accompanied by labeling
identifying it as invasive and providinginformation on how to prevent the speciesfrom becoming introduced into a free-liv-ing state in our natural areas. Theseregulated species include some well-knownlandscaping plants, such as Norway maple,burning bush, and Chinese silver grass(Miscanthus sinensis), and popular aquaticpets such as red-eared slider (a turtle) andgoldfish.To see the complete regulations along
with a full list of prohibited and regulatedspecies, go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/93848.htmlNow that New York has passed these reg-
ulations, we hope that it will inspire similarefforts in New Jersey. Now that there is leg-islation backing our efforts, we hope to seea big difference in the invasive species con-trol work in New York.
Linda Rohleder is Trail Conference Directorof Land Stewardship and Coordinator of theLower Hudson Partnership for RegionalInvasive Species Management (PRISM).The Trail Conference is contracted by thestate of New York to lead the Lower HudsonPRISM, which brings together individuals,organizations and agencies working oninvasive species to coordinate efforts andstrategies in the Lower Hudson Valley. Seehttp://LHprism.org for more information.
New YorkRestricts Sale& Transport ofSome InvasiveSpeciesNew York State EnactsMuch-Needed Supportfor Invasive SpeciesControl EffortsBy Linda Rohleder
Barberry branch
Bamboo
ARTHUR E. MILLER, USDA APHIS PPQ, BUGWOOD.ORG
Chinese silver grass
JOHN M. RANDALL, THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, BUGWOOD.ORG
CHUCK BARGERON, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
It takes preparation and perseverance to hikethe Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT), arugged 71-mile trek that starts on theAppalachian Trail in High Point State Parkin New Jersey and runs northward along thedramatic Shawangunk Ridge to MohonkPreserve in New York. But it takes a specialkind of dedication to tackle the entirety ofthe SRT in 31 hours or less, nonstop.Ultra-runner Kenneth Posner became the
first known person to thru-run the SRT inMay 2014. (His time: 29 hours.) Inspiredby this wild track that weaves past wetlandsand waterfalls, climbs over cliffs and rockpiles, and traverses abandoned rail beds,Posner created the Shawangunk Ridge Trail
Run/Hike, an event meant to honor andpromote this extraordinary path.The trail itself, initiated by the Trail Con-
ference in 1989, is a work in progress. TheTrail Conference and its ShawangunkRidge Greenway Preservation partners con-tinue to acquire land in the Gunks forpermanent protection while maintainingthe ridge-length corridor and its connec-tions to other trails along the way. The trailtook center stage Sept. 19-21 during theinaugural SRT Run/Hike, which saw 76participants competing in three divisions:74-mile, 32-mile, and 20-mile races. Fivehearty souls attempted the 74-mile journeyfrom New Jersey’s High Point to Rosendale,NY, where the event ended at a restoredrailroad trestle high above Rondout Creek.Only one completed the entire trek.George Grzyb was the sole 74-miler to
receive the SRT Tomahawk from racedirector Posner, an award symbolizing “thepersonal strength and connectedness withthe land necessary to complete a challengeof this magnitude.” A 31-year-old electricaland computer engineer who does IT secu-rity consulting during the day and “crazyoutdoors stuff” in his downtime, Grzyb is
no stranger to tough situations in thewilderness—he’s a member of the New Jer-sey Search and Rescue team, which is aTrail Conference affiliate and throughwhich he maintains a section of trail by theBearfort Fire Tower in the PequannockWatershed Area.Still, Grzyb was “definitely not expecting
[the SRT] to be as rugged as it was.” An
adventurer who has already ticked mostpeak-bagging lists and many long-trailhikes in the Northeast off his list, Grzybsays the demanding SRT Run/Hike ratesclose to the top of the difficult trails andevents he’s taken on.“The one thing I really, really like about
this race is that it wasn’t overbuilt,” saysGrzyb, who identifies himself as an “insanelong-distance hiker” rather than a trail run-ner. “It wasn’t like, 10 sponsors and aidstations left and right—it was actually alow-key, down-to-earth trail run,” heexplains. “You better know what the hellyou’re doing, you better know how tohydrate yourself, how to take care of your-self, or you’re gonna drop out of the race.”So how does someone not only prepare
to thru-hike the SRT, but do the wholething in 30 hours, 23 minutes, like Grzyb?“It’s a lot of preparation,” he says. “As longas you’re well-planned, for me, it’s just amatter of getting it done.”
The SRT Run/Hike was sponsored by Bee’s Fund, Rock and Snow, and AromaThyme Bistro.George Grzyb, seen here in the Catskills,
completed the 74-mile SRT in under 31 hours.
Thru-hiking theShawangunkRidge Trail—in less thantwo daysBy Amber Ray
Page 10 Winter 2015
DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUNDAugust 20, 2014 – November 5, 2014
TRAIL CONFERENCE SUPPORTERS
Erik & Jennifer Aase-Remedios, Charles Allison, Timothy Arata, Dr. George L. Becker Jr., Karl Berwer, Ian Blundell, JohnA. Boehning, Brian & Jody Bol &, Stuart D. Braman & Nancy Braman, Robert Brantl, David Burch, James W. & CarolynM. Canfield, Laurence M. Cassar, Russell Charest, Nina Charnoff, William Chiappane, Douglas & Linda Cleek, StephenClifton, Chris Connolly, John Connolly, Foy R. Cooley, Paul Cornett, Mark Crames, Peter Cruikshank, John Dalenberg,Andrea J. Damato, Jon-Eric Dentz & Monika Mate, Deborah M. Derby, Peter Dilullo, Christopher & Caroline Dionisio,Delight W. Dodyk, Michael E. Doehring, Dennis Driscoll, Yehuda & Judith Eliezri, Charlotte & Stanley Fahn MD,Michael G. Faust, Thomas Faust, Peter Feniello, Thomas R. & Karen Finan, Douglas Fisher, William & Janice Forsyth,Christopher & Dorothy Freeman, Ronald Furia, Matthew Garamone & Adrienne Booth, Jane Geisler, William H. Gelles,Dan & Ann Gladding, Dr. G. Nigel Godson, Ronald Good, Lisa L. Gordon, Coralyn & Abraham Gorlicki, Richard G.Gramlich, Judith Green, Glenn Gross, Richard Grossmann, John & Marianne Gunzler, Addie Haas, James W. & MargaretHarbison, Dennis & Wania Hardy, Richard Harris, Richard Hartley & Jaquelyn Hartley, Peter & Rita Heckler, BethHershenhart, Frederick Hodde, Halsey Hunt, Joseph Jastrzembski, Jeffrey Katz, Laurie Katzmann, Nicole A. Kawachi,James F. Kenny & Viola Ortiz, Timothy King, Janet C. Kohler, Richard Kopsco, Robert Krumm, Theresa A. Lahr, IreneLang, Russell M. Layne & Maripat Barlow-Layne, Adam & Melinda Leone, Kathryn Lieberthal, Howard & RosemarieLiebmann, David A. & Judith Lloyd, Ann G. Loeb, H. Max Lopp II & Irene H. Reichert, William G. & Betty Ann Lott,Christine Loyacano & Michael May, Robert G. Mackay, John C. Mahle Jr., Kenneth H. & Linda Z. Malkin, PasqualeMarcotullio, Matt Martin, Frederic Mauhs, Michael McGuire, W. Barnabas McHenry, Esq., James R. & Theresa A. McKay,Philip & Lynne McLewin, Gloria & David Meade, Jim M. Melius, Christian & Peter Meyer, Mary Miller, Lucia D. Molaro,Lee Mott & Barbara Simmons, Hugh H. D. Murray, Peter A. Ochsner, Michael & Linda Oldano, Janet G. Orr, MichaelOscar, John Pao, Anthony V. Paterno, William F. & Mary H. Penny, Hank Perrine, Jeanne Petta, William & GeorgannPettenger, Steve Pinterich, Laurence W. Pittis & Karen Haight, Jonathan Policke, Kenneth Posner, Jeffrey & Susan Pribor,John A. Pritchard, Dan Pupel, Vicki & Charles Raeburn, Dr. Tom & Carol Rakowski, Daniel Raleigh, Dale L. Ramsey &Sarah N. Schindler, Monica Reynolds, Edward Ribitzki, Ronald H. & Cathy A. Roberts, Bonnie Robins, Mark Robinson,Ayako Saito, Sandi Schiffman, Lori Schilt, Aaron Schneider, John Schroeder, John Schweighardt, Patricia Merritt &Jeffrey Scott, Paul E. Scraggs, Theodore W. Scull, Kathe Serbin, Kyle & Michael Sherry, Michael Shiffer & AmySilberkleit, Kent Splettstoeszer, Eric Steinhart, Kent Stivers, Karen Storms, Dr. Ronnie Stout-Kopp & Dr. David Kopp,James Sutherland, Juris M. & Nancy R. Svarcbergs, Sallie & Wylie Sypher, Carl E. & Victoria A.D. Thune, John D. Titman,Howard Tokosh, Charles W. Ulrich, Ernest V. Valera, Daniel R. & Lynne H. Van Engel, John Walz & Kathleen Strakosch,William C. Ward Jr., Larry A. Wehr, Robert & Virginia Weismantel, Les & Nancy Weiss, Ken & Marilyn Weissman, MichaelJ. White, Martha Howell & Edward Whitney, Marty & Nancy Willick, Thomas Winner, Hanson Wong, Patsy & RoyWooters, Michelle Yost, Paul Zofnass, & Julie Zuckerbraun
Jeremy Apgar, Robert L. & Rose Marie Boysen, James W. & Carolyn M. Canfield, Richard Cantor & Alice Luddington-Cantor, Skip & Jean Margaret Card, Chris Connolly, Kate & Douglas D’Angelo, Connie Dean-Taylor, Jennifer Easterbrook,David Emero, Robert E. Fuller, Dan & Ann Gladding, Robert J. Glynn, Josie Gray, Kelly Keenan, Keith Kral, Constance E.Lee, John K. Leigh IV, Gwen Marquardt, Marc S. & Nancy C. Melamed, Kori & William Phillips, Patrice & Charles M.Scully, Jeffrey P. Senterman & Maurice Lemire, Mark & Mindy Sotsky, Kathy Sullivan, Daniel & Victoria Sullivan, DonaldTripp & Denise Jarvis, Daniel R. & Lynne H. Van Engel, Constantine G. Vasiliadis & Ellen Stewart, Matthew & Lisa Visco,Donald L. Weise, Janice S. Wells, Evan & Maria Williams, Gary Willick, George M. Yocher, Hugh N. Zimmerman
TRIBUTESIn memory of David Sivel John B. Blenninger, Marilyn SiskindIn memory of Dr. Robert L. NuttGeorge & Lucy M. Heller In memory of Samuel F. Pryor III Robert J. Jonas In memory of Richard MillerGeorge M. YocherIn memory of George & Kimiko Yuzawa James & Gene Yuzawa In honor of Kenneth MalkinKenneth MayerIn honor of Frank LockwoodRobert SherrillIn honor of Dan & Ann GladdingDena M. Steele In honor of Dick Katzive’s 75th birthdayBill & Marlene Wertheim
CORPORATE, FOUNDATION & OTHER DONORSAvon Products, Inc, Catskill 3500 Club, Clark Companies,Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, Jewish Communal Fund,Mary W. Harriman Foundation, Mountain Top HistoricalSociety, Nassau Hiking & Outdoor Club, Network ForGood, Novartis, Paragon Sports, The Estate of Harry W.Blumenthal, The Friends of Long Pond Ironworks, Inc.,The New York Community Trust, The UPS Foundation,Inc., Truist, Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program,Zone4 Landscapes Ltd.
DONORS TO THE DARLINGTON SCHOOLHOUSE FUND
August 20, 2014 – November 5, 2014
Tributes are only printed for donations of $25 or more.
Rock Forest is adjacent to Storm King StatePark and the United States Military Acade-my at West Point (see West Hudson Trailsmap 113).Dr. William Schuster, executive director
of the Black Rock Forest Consortium,which leases and manages the Preserve forresearch, education, and recreation pur-poses, explained that while most of theland had been somewhat protected bydeed restrictions, permanent protectionwas not guaranteed and several areas hadno protection at all. Perhaps most signifi-cantly, the unprotected land included theextensive parcels that border Route 9W,where there is a trail head for the popularBlack Rock Hollow Trail. The conserva-
tion easement provides the long-soughtpermanent protection.He noted that the agreement specifically
requires that a minimum of 23 miles oftrails—the current number—be providedfor public use in the future, though the con-figuration of trails may be subject to change.In addition to securing long-term pro-
tection of the Preserve, Schuster reportsthat OSI will create a conservation fund, tobe co-managed by BRFP, with the goal ofprotecting additional adjacent parcels thatwill extend the corridor of protected landtoward Schunemunk Mountain State Park.A “public access” fund will also be estab-lished to support the Preserve’smaintenance of parking areas and trails.
CONSERVATION & ADVOCACYcontinued from page 3
HOUSE FOR SALE, RINGWOOD, NJ 074561st flr: 950 s.f.; 3-season deck: 250 s.f.; 2nd flr: 250 s.f. 3 Bedrooms, one bath,
living room, dining room, kitchen, den/office,full basement. New windows, newer roof &furnace, oak floors, new paint, wood stove.
Lake Views; built in 1951, oak frame, oak siding, Cape Cod style.
Located in a small lake community offStonetown Rd. surrounded by State Forests.NJ at its most pristine. Clean water, clear skiesand no traffic. State forest abutting property.Hiking trails, boating, fishing and huntingnearby. Perennial gardens. Bird-watcher
heaven. One-hour commute to NYC. Call now.
Frank Capozzi III, Sales AssociateMcBride Agency Realtors, off. 201-891-8900 ext. 25
myself at the TLC offices. The three of uswere able to work through a number ofmaps of potential properties for acquisi-tion. A number of those acquisitions are inprocess. Best line when we again began tofocus on Cowboy Creek: “I reckon we canrustle up some fixings next week to discussCowboy Creek, partner!”
As soon as Sandy closed the deal onCowboy Creek, we made the all-woodsconnection, thereby eliminating theremaining 1.4-mile Route 605 road walk.Blacking out blazes on utility poles andputting the blazes back in the woods wherethey belong is so much more satisfying!
Glenn Oleksak has been a trail volunteersince at least 2003. His passion is the High-lands Trail, which highlights the naturalbeauty of the New Jersey and New York High-lands region from the Delaware River to theConnecticut border and draws public atten-tion to this endangered resource.
Cooperating for Lands and Trails in New JerseyTrail Conference Executive Director EdGoodell notes the Cowboy Creek deal isthe latest success story in a two-year tale ofcooperation between the two organiza-tions. “In our partnership,” Goodellexplains, “TLC is primarily responsible foracquiring land interests, while the TrailConference is primarily responsible fordefining trails in the best possible locations.There have been a number of successes,and an even larger number of projects inthe works.
“The deal to acquire property aroundCowboy Creek in Sussex County—animportant tract of land for the HighlandsTrail—demonstrates the important rolesplayed by dedicated members of bothorganizations working together. We lookforward to continuing this work for manyyears in the future.”Sandy Urgo, Land Preservation Director
of TLC, notes that the project was in theworks for many years. “The Cowboy Creekland deal includes 305 acres of New JerseyHighlands forest, with the namesake creektraversing the middle of the property.There are vernal pools, extensive graniteoutcrops, and glacial erratics. “The Land Conservancy of New Jersey
began negotiating with the owners of thisvery large, forested tract in Hopatcong Bor-ough in 2009 and was finally able to assistthe landowner with an offering to the NewJersey Green Acres program in 2010. Ittook some time, but Green Acres was even-tually able to contract to acquire theproperty and closed on the acquisition inFebruary 2014.”TLC President David Epstein said,
“This is stunning conservation land, andwe are thrilled to have preserved it after allof this time, and are very grateful to ourpartners at Green Acres.”The property sits at the southern end of a
major project area for TLC and is a criticallyimportant link for the Highlands Trail (HT).“The TLC was delighted to work with TrailConference volunteers Glenn Oleksak, TrailChair of the Highlands Trail, and Adam
HIGHLANDS TRAILcontinued from page 1
!
!
!
!
Hu
ds
on
R i v e r
Cornwall-on-Hudson
Cold Spring
Highland Falls
Garrison
£¤87
UV9D
UV9D UV301
HIGHLA
NDS TRAIL
HIGHLA
NDS TRAIL
HIGHLANDS TRAIL
LONG PATH
Cor
nwal
lB
loom
ing
Gro
ve
Cornwall
Highlands
Cornwall
Woodbury
Hig
hlan
dsPh
ilipst
own
Hig
hlan
ds
Woo
dbur
y
UV9W
"
October 10, 2014
T
SchunnemunkState Park
!
!
!
§̈¦87
New
N J
C T
M A
P A
Hudson
Kingston
Poughkeepsie
§̈¦87
Re n s s e lae rOts e g oSc h o h a r ie Alb a n y
De la w a reCo lu m b ia
Gre e n e
Uls te r
Du tc h e s s
Su l l i v a n
Ora n g e Pu tn a m
We s tc h e s ter
Ro c k la n d
Su f fo l kNa s s a u
0 1 20.5 Miles
Black RockFores t
Storm K in gState ParkStorm
Kin gAr t
Cen te r
Hud son High landsState Park
Preserved Land
Preserved Land
Preserved Land
US M i l i ta ryAcadem y
West Po int
Adam Rosenberg (left), HT supervisor, andGlenn Oleksak, HT chair.
Rosenberg, Supervisor of the HighlandsTrail, in moving the HT onto the parcel,”Urgo adds. “The relocation eliminated along road walk along County 605 and allowshikers to enjoy this beautiful forest.“Finally, the property is important
because it achieved TLC’s long held goal ofpreserving 20,000 acres!”For the Trail Conference’s Highlands Trail
volunteers Glenn Oleksak, Trail Chair, andAdam Rosenberg, Trail Supervisor, the new-ly preserved land around Cowboy Creekgave them the woods route they needed toeliminate a 1.4-mile road walk in Byram. Glenn reports that the deal helped turn
around what had begun to be a discourag-ing saga of disappointments for theHighlands Trail.
A hiking path at Cowboy Creek.
SANDY URGO, TLC
Keep up with TrailWalker on our blog.blog-tw.nynjtc.org
Winter 2015 Page 11
Patrick DaltonStaten Island, NY
In May 2014, Patrick Daltonrenewed his Trail Conferencemembership. “It had been threemonths since my second lower-back surgery, and I wanted to getinvolved to keep myself active. Ididn’t imagine just how far thatfirst step would actually lead.”
An Intro to Trail Maintenanceworkshop led to Patrick’s adoptionof a Long Path section in HarrimanState Park. In June, an Intro to Map & Compass/Land Navigationworkshop led him in an unexpecteddirection: to the volunteer positionof Trails Supervisor at Clay PitPonds State Park Preserve inStaten Island, newly adopted by the Trail Conference.
Patrick credits careful guidance byHank Osborn, our East HudsonProgram Coordinator, and DawsonSmith, Metro Chair (volunteer) forhis quick progress as a trail leader.“They jointly advised me to build aTrail Conference résumé thatincluded a number of specific TrailU workshops—and off I went. Fromlearning about stone cribwall andstair construction at Bear Mountainto tread and drainage at SterlingForest to leadership training inHaines Falls, I attended over 10 TrailConference workshops betweenJune and mid-September. I evenconducted two Intro to TrailMaintenance workshops myself inStaten Island.”
“When I departed the compassworkshop that evening in lateJune, I was shown a path, and howto traverse it, that wasn’t there forme hours earlier.”
Advance your leadership skills.Volunteer with the TrailConference.
PEOPLE FOR TRAILS
Improving what is already the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference’s best-sellingmap set, the new, 16th edition of the Har-riman-Bear Mountain Trails map set is oneof the most significant updates since the2007 edition. On this revised edition, to beavailable in early 2015, trail mileage figuresare shown next to the trails on the mapfront and represent distances between trailjunctions and significant trail features. Withsuch a large trail network and nearly unlim-ited hike possibilities in these parks, thesemileage figures can be easily referenced forplanning or navigating on the trail.This map set features more than 230
miles of marked trails throughout Harri-man and Bear Mountain State Parks andsurrounding parklands. More than 20miles of the Appalachian Trail, along withmore than 27 miles of the Long Path, areshown on the maps.Along with the trail mileage figures, this
revised edition contains several recent trailrelocations, including portions of theAppalachian Trail on West Mountain, theMajor Welch Trail on Bear Mountain, andthe Arden-Surebridge Trail on Pine SwampMountain. Additional corrections andadjustments to the trails and map featuresmake the 16th edition the most accurateand comprehensive trail map yet for Harri-man and Bear Mountain State Parks.Printed map set: $9.95 ($7.46 for Trail
Conference members).
When you buy from us your purchase supports trail work in our region. For printed maps, shop online atwww.nynjtc.org, call 201-512-9348, or visit the Trail Conference office. Our mapsare also available in digital format on Apple and Android devices through Avenza’s PDF Maps app; learn more aboutour GPS-enhanced maps atwww.nynjtc.org/pdfmaps.
This map set was produced with support fromCampmor, an outdoor store and retail part-ner of the Trail Conference.
DAN BALOGH
Made by the People Who Build the Trails 2015
Harriman Bear MountainTrailsBear Mountain State Park Harriman State Park
W
ATERPROOF
TE
A
R RESISTA
NT
Sixteenth EditionTwo-Map Set
• Appalachian Trail
• Long Path
• All Marked Trails
• Woods Roads
• Lakes
• Mines
• Fort Montgomery
• Viewpoints
• County and Local Parks
• Parking Areas
$9.95
Published by the
New York-New JerseyTrail Conference
www.nynjtc.org
How Many MilesHave YouHiked?Our NewHarriman-BearMountain TrailMaps Show You
ThermaCELL ProFLEX HeatedInsolesReviewed by Jeff Senterman, Regional Programs Manager and Catskills ProgramCoordinator
Have you ever hiked in the winter andwished your feet could just be a bitwarmer? I know I have, and that was thereason I was excited to try out theProFLEX heated insoles from Therma-CELL.“Heated insoles?” I hear you asking.
The thought conjures images of wires,batteries, and all sorts of uncomfortablethings in your boots. However, Therma-CELL has done a decent job of tacklingthese issues. The insoles are run byrechargeable batteries that fit into theinsole itself, and the temperature of theinsoles is regulated wirelessly by a smallremote control that you carry. Theremote is small, light, and easy to carry.The lithium ion batteries are locatedbelow your heels and are padded, so
when they are inserted into the insoles,you notice very little difference betweenthe battery area and the rest of the insole.There are three heat settings for the
insoles—standby, medium, and high—and there is an internal thermostat thatregulates the insoles to keep them fromoverheating your feet. The goal of theinsoles is to keep your feet at your regu-lar body temperature; the colder it is, theharder they work. On the medium set-ting the batteries last for about 5 hours,but I have found that I rarely use themcontinuously, so they last longer.What about comfort? This is probably
the only place I am a bit disappointedwith these devices. I do not find them tobe as comfortable as a good pair of regu-lar insoles in my hiking boots, but I havebeen on a couple of hikes with them nowwithout any serious problems. They justfeel a bit more stiff (most likely due tothe heating elements inside) than a regu-lar insole and take some getting used to.They definitely keep your foot a bithigher up in the boot, so you will have toadjust your lacing a bit.Overall though, they do keep your feet
warm as advertised. And for someonewho is often chilly during winter activi-ties, I will be looking forward to havingthese with me this winter.
ThermaCELL ProFLEX Heated Insoles areavailable in sizes small to XXL and can betrimmed to properly fit your boot. They areavailable through most outdoor retailersand sell for about $170.
Rating: 3 boots out of 5
Ratings are 1-5 boots, with a 5-boot rank-ing signifying “This is very good. I like it.”
GEARCHECKAn occasional series that reviews gearappropriate for hiking.
For the first time, some of the most popularguidebooks from the New York-New JerseyTrail Conference are now available in e-bookformat! Long a source of reliable, up-to-dateinformation about trails in the region, youcan now access select guidebooks on a vari-ety of devices, including e-book readers andmany tablets and smartphones. Whetherout on the trail, referencing on the go, orreading at home these e-books can be anoth-er helpful resource for educating yourselfabout the trails.Four titles are currently available as e-
books on our website:• Hiking Long Island, 4th edition 2014• Hike of the Week, 1st edition 2013• Harriman Trails, 3rd edition 2010• Iron Mine Trails, 1999 (long out of print,
now available exclusively as an e-book)
Visit nynjtc.org/content/ebooks to learnmore about our e-book offerings, includingwhat they are, how to use them, which e-book format is right for you.
Select e-Books Now Available
HISTORIC HUDSON RIVER COTTAGESAffordable studio, one and two bedroom homes available inhistoric cottage cooperative in Westchester County, off theHudson River, one hour from NYC. Dating back to 1929,
this three-season community offers swimming pool, tenniscourt, organic community garden, social hall with internetand social activities. $25,000-$100,000+. 917-880-5419.www.reynoldshills.org. Contact [email protected].
Coming This Spring:New, Expanded South Taconic Trails map featuring
more than 100 miles of trails and significant enhancements over the previous 2006 edition. Stay Tuned.
Page 12 Winter 2015
Featured Hike Doris Duke Trail
Creates New Loop Hike
By Georgette Weir
On a cool, crisp, sunny November after-noon, 25 people from all walks of lifeenjoyed a guided hike on a new trail loopat Sterling Forest State Park made possibleby the completion of a final section of theDoris Duke Trail. This trail, commissionedby New York State Parks in 2013 and builtby volunteers of the New York-New JerseyTrail Conference, now links up with two ofthe oldest trails in the region: the Allis andthe Appalachian Trails. The day’s hike leaders were Trail Confer-
ence’s West Hudson Program CoordinatorSona Mason, West Hudson South TrailsChair (volunteer) John Mack, and volun-teer Janet Setter, who combined to explainhow trails are built and maintained, andwhy the land over which they cross must beconserved and protected. Friends of Ster-ling Forest leader Doc Bayne also supplieda wealth of natural and local history alongthe way, creating a three-hour journey ofdiscovery for all.The area is open to all for hiking, and the
loop can be followed on our Sterling ForestTrails, Map 100, 2013. Although the DorisDuke Wildlife Preserve is off-limits tohunting, it is surrounded by hunting zones,and hikers are advised to wear bright colorsduring hunting season
To Trailhead:Take Route 17A from junc-tion with Route 17 in Tuxedo for 3.0 milesto Benjamin Meadow Road. Turn rightonto Benjamin Meadow Road and, in 0.2mile, just before letterbox number 52, turnsharply left into a gravel driveway markedby a small “Hikers’ Trailhead Parking” sign.
The LoopFrom the eastern end of the parking area,enter the woods at a triple blaze for theDoris Duke Trail (yellow “DD” logo onwhite). The trail follows a woods road andsoon crosses a wooden footbridge over astream (built as an Eagle Scout project).About 200 feet beyond the bridge, watchcarefully for a double blaze. Turn right atthe double blaze, leaving the woods road,and head into the woods on a footpath.
Follow the DD through the woods, pass-ing a magnificent wall of stone and a marshthat is a magnet for wildlife. The route fol-lows a newly sidehilled, sustainablefootpath, which rises gradually toward theSterling Ridge. Before reaching the crest ofthe ridge, the trail bears left across a season-al stream crossing. Along the ridgetop, thetrail heads southwest. You will get apanoramic view from a rock outcrop alongthe crest trail.
Join/Renew NY-NJ Trail Conference Membership 2,000 miles of trails; your membership helps us expand our horizons.
Included with membership, Trail Walker, 10% discount on purchases at many outdoor stores, and 25% discount on all Trail Conference maps and books purchased directly from the Trail Conference. Save time and a tree by joining orrenewing online at www.nynjtc.org. Just click on the Join/Renew Now button.
Name________________________________________________________Address_______________________________________________________City _______________________________ State_______ Zip __________Day Phone ___________________ Evening Phone____________________E-MAIL______________________________________________________Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex
Card #_____________________________________ Exp. Date: ____/ ____
Make check or money order payable to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430.
Tax-deductible. Dues are not refundable.
MEMBERSHIP TYPE
Select one: Join Renew Membership # if available________
Individual Joint/Family
Regular $30 $40Sponsor $60 $75Benefactor $120 $150Senior (65+) $25 $30Life $1,000 $1,500
A joint membership is for two adults residing at the same address.
For my membership of $50 or more, send me a:Trail Conference Cap OR Harriman-Bear Mountain Map Set
To purchase a gift membership, call 201-512-9348, extension 26.
The Trail Conference maintains more than 2,000 miles of trails, advocates for parks, protects open space, andprovides volunteer service opportunities in the great outdoors.
Your membership supports the trails you love and gives you these additional benefits: Go to nynjtc.org/membership
25% Discount on Trail Conference maps, books, and other products. Visit nynjtc.org/panel/goshopping
Great Discounts at supporting outdoor retailers and other businesses. See our partners atnynjtc.org/content/retail-partners
Tuition-Free Enrollment in our Trail Universityintroductory courses
Workshops and Seminars on trail maintenance and construction, leadership training, wilderness first aid,chainsaw operation, environmental monitoring and GPS operation. Learn more about Trail U atnynjtc.org/trailu
Access to a wide range of volunteer opportunities on-trail and off-trail. Visit nynjtc.org/volunteer
Find links to all these and more at nynjtc.org.
Support Trails, Parks and OpenSpace in the New York-New Jerseyregion by joining the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.
NY-NJ Trail Conference
BENEFITS
Hikers’Marketplace
Visit www.nynjtc.org/panel/goshopping! Or call 201-512-9348
We cover your favorite hiking areas in the New York-New Jersey region,including Harriman-Bear Mountain, the Catskills, North Jersey and JerseyHighlands, East and West Hudson Highlands, and more.
Find all our publications, and select trail guides from others, on our website,and get your 25% member discount!
Go Places with Trail Maps andBooks from the Trail Conference.
Get the complete set of trail maps at onegreat, low price!Our map combo offers all of our high-quality Trail Conference maps at a 5% discount (members get anadditional 25% discount). Save big on shipping charges!
Find it on our online store under Combos.
This view may be marred by the rooftopsof the Genting Group’s proposed $1.5 bil-lion Sterling Forest Resort casino, if it isapproved (we are doing our best to stop it). At a trail junction, follow the now co-
aligned DD-Allis-Highlands Trails (DD,dark blue, HT aqua blazes) to the left to ahigh point, but one that offers no view.About 0.4 mile from here, the DD trailwill depart from the Allis Trail. Follow theDD downhill, on and off an old, ofteneroded woods road (plans are in the worksfor a re-route off the road). Blazes may bescarce, but just follow the woods road toreturn to the wooden bridge that youcrossed at the start of your hike and thenback to the parking area.
Information for this article was provided bySona Mason, West Hudson Program Coordi-nator, and Daniel Chazin’s writtendescription of the route, which can be found infull on our website. Go to Find a Hike, scrollto Sterling Forest State Park, and select “Ster-ling Forest Doris Duke Wildlife Sanctuary.”
Wildlife-rich marsh at Sterling Forest.
The trail was commissionedby New York State Parks
and built by the Trail Conference.
SONA MASON
This 3.5-mile loop hike passes by interesting cliffs and a scenic marsh and climbs to a panoramic viewpoint.
