RT 28

CORRIDOR STUDY

Catskills Route 28 Corridor StudyAndes, Margaretville, Middletown, Fleischmanns, Shandaken, Olive, Hurley

LSA 470-670, Spring 2009Sean Creighton, Michael DiCarlo and Laura Roberts

Vegetation and Wildlife: An Invaluable Resource for the Catskills

A variety of worlds

to explore

Land history plays a major role in

shaping vegetation patterns in the

central Catskills.

While most of the region was

logged at some point in the past, many

of the steeper slopes contain first

growth forest which has never been

cut. These “old growth” areas allow the

visitor to experience a unique

ecosystem and provide a glimpse into

the past of the Northeast.

Previously burned areas and those

which were once used as pasture

display their own unique vegetation

patterns, offering a fascinating contrast

for the Catskills hiker.

Rt28_Clip1

Trails

First growth forest

Current or former pasture

Burn areas

0 3 6 9 121.5Miles

F

Forest Types of the Route 28 Corridor

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The lands surrounding the Route 28 corridor are home to a number of species of plants and animals that are classified as rare or endangered in New York State. Much of this habitat is currently on private land.

It is important to remember that even rare species can play an important role in the local ecosystem A healthy forest is one of the Catskills’ most valuable assets, both in terms of environmental quality and as a powerful draw for new residents and tourists alike.

Approximate locations of rare plant and animal species

(as identified by the NY Natural Heritage Program)

Public Lands

(Forest Preserve or NYC DEC)

Rare and Endangered Species of the Central Catskills

Images courtesy of

New York Natural

Heritage Program

www.acris.nynhp.org

See handout for

species names

and habitat

information

MargaretvilleArkville Fleischmanns

Pine Hill

Big Indian

Shandaken

Phoenicia

Mount Tremper

Boiceville West Hurley

Shokan

Ashokan

Wetlands

Northern hardwood forest

Pine-Oak forest

Pine-hemlock-hardwood forest

Spruce-fir-hardwood forest

First growth areas (never cut) F0 3 6 9 121.5

MilesTrails

Rt28

Margaretville

Margaretville

Andes

Arkville

Fleischmanns

Fleischmanns

Pine Hill

Big Indian

Shandaken

Phoenicia

Phoenicia

BoicevilleWest Hurley

Ashokan

Shokan

Shokan

Ashokan

Reservoir

Pepacton

The Invasive Species Threat Invasive species are plant or animal species that are not native to a particular area and if given the opportunity will outcompete native species. This can cause serious harm to the functionality of the ecosystem. The Emerald Ash Borer and Asian Long-horned Beetle, seen at right, have not yet been found in the Catskills but pose a serious threat. The Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, however, is al-ready present, and has the potential to do what the logging and tanning bark industries never did---wipe every last hemlock from the Catskill mountainsides. Shade tolerant plant species such as Norway Maple and Japanese Barberry, which have long been used as ornamentals in towns, also pose a threat to the native forests of Catskill Park. From top: Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Long-

horned Beetle and Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (images courtesy of wikipedia.com)

RT 28

CORRIDOR STUDY

Catskills Route 28 Corridor StudyAndes, Margaretville, Middletown, Fleischmanns, Shandaken, Olive, Hurley

LSA 470-670, Spring 2009Sean Creighton, Michael DiCarlo and Laura Roberts

Rt. 28: Gateway or Barrier for Wildlife?

Beaverkill

Sugarloaf

Panther Mountain

Bear Pen Vly

West Kill Wilderness

Catskill Escarpment

NYC DEP Lands OtherForest Preserve Land 0 1 2 3 40.5Miles F

Matrix forest blocks “represent landscapes identified as having the size and condition to maintain functional forest systems over the long term, including the ability to recover from natural and human caused disturbances”(Zimmerman et al., 1)

Pine Hill

Pine Hill

Big Indian

Big Indian

Mt. Tremper

Mt. Tremper

Phoenicia

Phoenicia

Creek crossings act as corridors for wildlife movement across (or rather under) Route 28 and other roads in the area. Parcels of land between these cross ings and the existing public lands are integral in facilitating wildlife movement.

Every road cutting through a landscape changes that ecosystem in some way. In the case of a large, heavily traveled road, that change can be huge. Route 28 cuts right through the center of the main group of Catskill matrix forest blocks, creating a significant hin-drance to the movement of wildlife between the large sections of intact forest. This impacts the genetic health of native populations and also increases the threat posed by invasive species.

The nature of development along the Route 28 corridor has the potential to dramatically impact the ecological functioning of the matrix forest blocks adjacent to it, and thus the ecology of the entire Catskill region.

RT 28

CORRIDOR STUDY

Catskills Route 28 Corridor StudyAndes, Margaretville, Middletown, Fleischmanns, Shandaken, Olive, West Hurley

Remnants of the original towns can still be seen during droughts.

Shavertowns River Street is now under the Ashokan Reservoir but its character can still be seen through old post cards.

This is the last known picture of Bishop Falls, taken the day before the valley began to be flooded.

Map showing the original and current sites of towns within the reservoir.

These 1829 maps of Delaware and Ulster counties show the original townships and land plots. (www.historicmapsrestored.com)

This 1912 Sanborn map shows Fleischmanns town center and original properties.(www.dcnyhistory.org)

What Does This Information Mean?

From a planning stand point, this information is useful to see how each of these towns developed before the construction of Route 28. It’s also useful to draw comparisons between the development pat-terns of today and see how Route 28 changed the way these towns grew. Fleischmanns is a prime example of how a town can lose alot of economic income by being bypassed by a main road. Old Route 28 used to pass directly through the town, allowing any passers-by the chance to stop and buy something. Today visitors may or may not notice the town of Fleischmann’s on their way by.

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LSA 470-670, Spring 2009Chris McGee, Nic Bozzo, Tim Mayhew

Phoenicia “If the Mountain House is the eye of the Catskills, the Overlook the brow, Wind-ham the lungs, and Slide Mountain the heart, then Phoenicia is the nerve center. It lies at the cross-roads of Nature, and as snug in its valleys as a moth in a muff. For merchantry it should be a strategic place to live. Every motorist who comes up the Esopus Valley from Kingston, or down the Esopus from the west, every traveler whose traffic delights the eye or dusts the nose of sellers of wares, mist bisect Phoenicia.”

Olive “Half way up Big Injin is the little town of Oliverea, which the natives pro-nounce to rhyme with sea, and I don’t see why they shouldn’t. It boasts an en-gaging little schoolhouse, very white, with a yard, then already very green..”

Big Indian“We chose Big Injin-named for a strapping redskin who got into trouble be-cause he would murder people. The name, of course, has been banalized into Big Indian,..We shall continue to Germanize our imaginations until they starve to death,”

“...a walking trip in the Catskills becomes a heart-warming affair. Your realize the Indian era with its sudden forays from the forest; the era of the first straggling hunters. Then you find coming in quicker succession the tanners, the lumbermen, the brave home-steaders, who people the ravines and lift the paintless and perishing backwoods settle-ments from the plane of romance to that of business.”

“Eventually the Catskills will be an immense pleasure park, as much of the Adirondack forest is now, set aside for the health, wealth, and happiness of the entire East.”

Description derived from James Sullivan, History of the State of New York, vol 2, 1927Hurley was granted by patent October 19, 1708. It has given territory to help form New Paltz in 1809, Esopus in 1819, Olive in 1823, Rosendale in 1844 and Woodstock in 1853. It is mod-erately hilly, with extensive fertile flats along the Esopus Creek. The citizens of Hurley first asked for an extension of land to guarantee a supply of pasture land and forests, but the ex-tended negotiations led to the granting of the notorious Hardenbergh Patent to Jacobis Hardenbergh and six others. Later, Robert Livingston purchased almost half of the Harden-bergh patent from its original owners.

The Hardenburgh Patent was the focus of the Andes Rent War where common citizens were forced to pay rent to wealthy European land-owners.

The site of Bishop Falls now lies 1/4 mile from the main Ashokan Dam under 180 feet of water at the deepest part of the reservoir.

Quotes from T. Morris Longstreths 1919 novel “The Catskills”

This map of Olive from the mid nine-teenth century, before the town was relocated for the reservoir, may provide ideas for a new town center.

Displaced Towns

(www.dcnyhistory.com)

(www.dcnyhistory.com)

(www.dcnyhistory.com)

1869 Beers Atlas

1869 Beers Atlas

1869 Beers Atlas

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History and Culture

RT 28

CORRIDOR STUDY

Catskills Route 28 Corridor StudyAndes, Margaretville, Middletown, Fleischmanns, Shandaken, Olive, Hurley

LSA 470-670, Spring 2008Amber Schladebeck, Katy Johnson, Jordan Kelley

Water-Based Recreation

Seasonal Opportunities:

Winter Spring Summer Fall

Ice Fishing

Fly FishingBoating

Fly FishingBoating

TubingFly FishingBoating

Natural Features:The Central Catskills contain well over ten thousand miles of streams, ponds, and lakes. The surrounding landscape with its moutains, valleys, and vegetation create the perfect environment for the outdoor adventurer. Years ago Native Americans and set-tlers used the waters as a means of transportation, resulting in the present day roads which often parellel streams and allow for easy access.

Public Fishing Rights:Much of the property in the Catskills is privately owned. If an area is not zoned for public fishing , the landowners consent is needed. Over the years the Department of Conserva-tion has worked with private land owners tocreate Public Fishing Rights to allow access to these waters. For specific rules and regulations, information can be obtained from the Department of Conservation. *www.dec.ny.gov*

Regulations & Permits: 1. Streams & Rivers - Permit NOT Needed 2. Reservoirs - Permit IS NeededPermits can be obtained from a NYS DEC Office.

Fishing License:Required while fishing on any body of water in New York State.

Signage:

Wilderness AreaWild ForestIntensive Use AreaPark Boundary LineWater Bodies

State Land & Forest Preserve:

Map showing location of public lands in the Central Catskills.

*Image taken from the Catskill Center for Conservation & Development *

Common Fish:According to the DEC, fish are stocked yearly in the various Catskill waters. This is done in oder to boost recreational fishing opportunities, as well as to regenerate certain native species to various waters.

Perch - Prefers shallow, weedy waters

Bullhead - Found in warmwater ponds and slow streams

Crappie - Prefers clear, quiet water with vegetation

Walleye - Prefers deeper waters

Pike - Prefers cooler, weedy waters

Pickerel - Found in cool lakes Bass - Found in most NYS waters

Trout - NY State’s official fish! Found throughout the state

Pumpkinseed - Most abundant fish in NY. Prefers shallow waters

Fishing Seasons:

Janu

aryFeb

ruary

March

April

May

June July

Augus

tSep

tembe

rOcto

ber

Novembe

rDece

mber

Month

PanfishYellow PerchBullheadCrappieWalleyeNorthern PikePickerelSmall Mouth BassLarge Mouth BassTrout

Fly Fishing:American Fly Fishing was born on the branches of the Neversink River in the Catskills and still remains a popular destination for anglers. The Catskill Fly Fishing Museum showcases angling material for those with a passion for the sport.

Ice Fishing:Ice fishing can be enjoyed on majority of lakes and ponds, however is prohibited in waters inhabited by trout. There are a number of safety precautions to be aware of before heading onto the ice. -Check to see if ice fishing is allowed in the area. -Make sure you have essential ice cutting tools . -Make sure to have the proper jigging rod. -Dress warmly. Dont forget your feet, fingers, and ears. -Test the ice: Is it the proper thickness? -Make sure you are aware of various fishing regulation.For more information on regulations and good fishing waters, contact the DEC Re-gional Fiskeries Office.

Tubing:Tinker Town Tube Rental on Bridge Street in Phoenicia provides tourists with the op-portunity to ride down a five-mile stretch of the Esopus Creek. During the warmer months, water is released upstream in order to add turbidity to the water.

Boating & Launching:Within Wild Forest areas and Forest Preserve deisgnated waters are managed for baoting, traditionally associated with recreation, such as camping, swimming, canoe-ing, rowing, and fishing.

Fish Species Present

Trout Bass Panfish Bullhead Perch Sucker Alewife Pickerel Crappie Pumpkinseed Coldwater Warm Water Ice Fishing Permit Parking Campground Tubing Non-Motorized BoatingEcho Lake x x x x xBelleayre Pine Hill Lake x x x x xNorth-South Lake x x x x x x x x x xEsopus Creek x x x xBeaver Kill x x x xCatskill Creek x x x x xSchoharie Creek x x xPepacton Reservoir x x x x x x x x x xNeversink Reservoir x x x x xAshokan Reservoir x x x x xWoodland Valley Stream x x x xEast Branch of the Delaware x xEast Kill River x x x x xWest Kill River x

RT 28

CORRIDOR STUDY

Catskills Route 28 Corridor StudyAndes, Margaretville, Middletown, Fleischmanns, Shandaken, Olive, Hurley

LSA 470-670, Spring 2008Amber Schladebeck, Katy Johnson, Jordan Kelley

Water-Based Recreation

Esopus Creek

Woodland C

reek

Roundout Creek

Roundout Creek

Ashokan Reservoir

Pepacton Reservoir

Neversink Reservoir

East Branch of the Delaware

Beaverkill Creek

Willomemoc Creek

Dry Brook

Batavia Kill

Wallk

ill Cre

ek

Belleayre Day

Use AreaBelleayre

Ski Center

Esopus CreekMargarettville

Andes

ArkvilleFleischmanns

Pine Hill

Shandaken

Phoenicia

Mt. Tremper

Boiceville

Shokan

Belleay

Uselleayre

ki Cente

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elleay

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Big Indian

Ash

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Arkville Public Fishing Rights: Big Indian Public Fishing Rights:

Boiceville Public Fishing Rights:

Phoenicia Public Fishing Rights:Popular Rt.28

Fishing Locations:Map showing various fishing lo-cations throughout the towns & hamlets on the Route 28 corridor.

Beaverekill Creek and Wil-lowemoc Creek, to the south west of the Route 28 Corridor are also higly popular areas for fishing. Al-though off the corridor, these waters offer some of the best catches.

*Map images produced using GIS*

Public Fishing

Rights:Smaller maps defining the spe-cific fishing rights and access throughout the towns & hamlets.

*Maps images from the NYS DEC Public Fishing Rights website*