In 2022, DEC announced a VUM planning process to identify solutions that address impacts to natural resources caused by the proliferation and expansion of user-created, informal trails on formerly trailless Catskill high peaks (over 3,500 feet in elevation). The majority of these peaks are part of the Forest Preserve and have been previously identified by the Catskill Park State Land Master Plan (PDF) as "trailless."
Current research to support this project includes field monitoring of montane bird species, which breed in dense and scrubby spruce-fir habitats found in small pockets at high elevations in the Catskills. This field research will help DEC to determine the impact of proliferating informal trail net works and bushwhacking activities on montane birds, and to make management recommendations aimed at lowering the recreational impact on vulnerable species.
Additional support for this project was provided through an education and outreach contract to promote responsible recreation and sustainable use of the formerly trailless peaks. This work included:
- The administration and analysis of a visitor experience survey;
- Development of training materials for volunteers and stewards that incorporate Leave No Trace TM messaging;
- Visitor education on recreational impacts to vulnerable species and habitats on Catskill Mountain summits; and
- Development of recommendations for improving messaging throughout the study area.
Public Participation Opportunities
Draft Visitor Use Management Plan
A draft Formerly Catskill Peaks Visitor Use Management (VUM) Plan was released for public comment in 2025. The draft VUM Plan presented recommendations for addressing the natural resource impacts occurring on the formerly trailless peaks. In addition to accepting written comments, DEC held a virtual meeting on Aug. 6, 2025, where the public shared their comments and provided input on the draft VUM Plan. DEC is currently reviewing comments and developing a final VUM Plan.
Draft Formerly Trailless Catskill Peaks Visitor Use Management Plan (PDF)
Educational Webinar
On October 19, 2022, DEC and its partners participated in a webinar about informal trail networks on Catskill peaks. A recording of the webinar is available on the Catskill Mountainkeeper website.
Visitor Experience Surveys
Visitor surveys are an important tool to help DEC better understand public opinion regarding current and future conditions of recreational lands. In 2022 and 2023, a combined 970 people provided feedback through visitor surveys regarding future management of the Catskill peaks. The survey data is being used to develop adaptive management strategies as a part of the VUM planning process.
2023 NYNJ Trail Conference Visitor Survey (PDF)
2022 DEC Visitor Experience Survey Results (PDF)
Management Solutions Currently Being Considered
- DEC will identify informal trails that are damaging rare, threatened, and endangered species and categorize these into specific zones. A comprehensive educational outreach plan will be developed to decrease the use of informal trails in these vulnerable zones.
- DEC will identify a suitable "preferred informal trail" route to each summit that is not located near rare, threatened, or endangered species while also working to develop more permanent solutions to damage caused by informal trail networks.
- Due to the damage caused by extensive informal trail networks on the high peaks, management interventions will likely be required. Solutions could include proposals to create formal trails that are designed for long-term use and will prevent further damage to natural resources and lead trail users along an established route.
Additional Resources
Preliminary Field Study Findings
2019 Visitor Use Study of the Trail-less Peaks 3,500' in the Catskills (PDF)
2022 Addendum to the 2019 Visitor Use Study (PDF)
2001-2024 Canister Sign In Analysis (PDF)
Effects of Informal Trail Use on Natural Communities in the Catskill Park (PDF)
Human Visitation Impacts on Montane Breeding Bird in the Catskills High Peaks (PDF)
Communication Tools
Authority of the Resource Training Video
Using the Authority of the Resource Technique (PDF)
Messaging Recommendations for Volunteer Programs (PDF)
