Supporting Visitor Safety and Positive Visitor Experiences
In 2023, DEC awarded a two-year contract to conduct concurrent VUM planning processes for the central High Peaks Wilderness in the Adirondack Park and the Kaaterskill Clove region of the Catskill Park. Based on recommendations provided by the High Peaks Strategic Planning Advisory Group (HPAG) and Catskill Strategic Planning Advisory Group (CAG), the VUM projects have focused on developing data-driven management strategies to support and promote visitor safety and positive visitor experiences in each of the project areas.
The reports:
- Recommend strategies and address persistent traffic, parking, crowding, and public safety issues, and to restore and maintain desired conditions in each project area.
- Have recommendations that are organized into a suite of management strategies and actions, and a phased implementation plan.
- Include a monitoring plan that provides guidance and tools for DEC’s long-term monitoring of select indicators and adaptive management of visitor use according to the desired conditions for each project area.
Public Feedback Opportunities
Email or Mail Feedback
DEC is soliciting public feedback on the reports to help inform additional actions the State would take to enhance safety and the visitor experience at these two locations. Feedback will be accepted until Monday, June 1, 2026, and can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:
Josh Clague
NYS DEC
625 Broadway, 5th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-4254
Upcoming Virtual Public Meetings
DEC will present information about the two reports at virtual public meetings. Please see below for registration information for each meeting.
High Peaks Virtual Public Meeting
- Date: April 22, 2026, at 6 PM | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
- Registration link: https://meetny-gov.webex.com/weblink/register/r015c2fe1d67a414cd7bc1307091d53b8
- Webinar number: 2823 523 9467
- Webinar password: welcome1 (93526631 when dialing from a phone or video system)
- Join by phone: +1-415-527-5035 United States Toll
- Access code: 2823 523 9467
Kaaterskill Clove Virtual Public Meeting
- Date: April 29, 2026, at 6 PM | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
- Registration link: https://meetny-gov.webex.com/weblink/register/r30bd1508967ad40961595ba6683be2a7
- Webinar number: 2821 291 5170
- Webinar password: welcome1 (93526631 when dialing from a phone or video system)
- Join by phone: +1-415-527-5035 United States Toll
- Access code: 2821 291 5170
Language interpretation services shall be made available to persons with limited English proficiency, including American Sign Language, at no cost. Requests must be received 10 calendar days before the meeting, but DEC will make every effort to fulfill requests received closer to the hearing date. Requests can be directed to the NYSDEC Division of Communication, Education, and Engagement by mail (address: NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4500), e-mail ([email protected]), or phone (518) 402-8028.
