Background
In 2019 and 2020, respectively, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the formation of the High Peaks Advisory Group (HPAG) and the Catskill Advisory Group (CAG). Comprised of stakeholders with expertise in local government, recreation, natural resource protection, business, tourism, and other priority areas, the Advisory Groups provided advice to DEC on how to balance critical issues associated with increased public use in the two regions in order to protect each area's natural resources for future generations.
The Advisory Groups were charged to make recommendations for strategies, actions, and tactics in support of six goals for managing public use in each region:
- Ensure public safety within the communities, along roadways, at trailheads, and in interior areas where recreation is occurring;
- Protect natural resources and recreation infrastructure;
- Provide a quality recreation experience;
- Support local economic vitality; and
- Make science/factual driven decisions with the use of best available data.
