Cell Phone Towers

The cell phone tower proposed for Twilight Park continues to move forward. Public Comment period will be coming soon. Click image for more details (Dec 28)

Hunter Lost

On December 10, 2017, Carl Weaver, 77, never returned home after hunting in Delaware County. Ten days later he still has not been found in spite of an extensive search of 1700 acres. Click image for more details (Dec 18)

Vroman's Nose

The NYS DEC has acquired 139 acres, that includes Vroman's Nose, from the Vroman's Nose Preservation Corporation. The land was donated by the VNPC. Click image for more details (Dec 18)

Hiking after Dark

On December 1, 2017 a 76-year-old hiker started her hike too late in the Bluestone Wild Forest, and was stuck on the mountain after dark. The DEC was called in the bring her out. Click image for more details (Dec 1)

Hiking after Dark

On December 1, 2017 a 66-year-old hiker started his hike too late, and was stuck on the mountain after dark. The DEC was called in the bring the man down. They reached the bottom at 9:50pm. Click image for more details (Dec 1)

Hiker Lost

On November 30, 2017 a 60-year-old hiker had problems with a stove and decided to go home. Unfortunately, he got lost, and the DEC was called in to help. The DEC found the man the next day at 10:10am. Click image for more details (Nov 30)

Hiker Injured

On Saturday, November 11, 2017, a 46-year-old female hiker injured her ankle at the middle basin of Kaaterskill Falls. She was unable to walk so DEC Forest Rangers and EMS responded to the call. She was carried out to Rt 23a, and was was transported to the hospital. Click image for more details (Nov 11)

Leaf Foliage Report

Catskill Mountains

1,000'+ 100% changed - 100% Fallen
2,400'+ 100% changed - 100% Fallen
3,500'+ 100% changed - 100% Fallen
Leaf Browning: Major
2009 Image: Platte Clove Valley
Click image for more details (Oct 23th)

Acra Point Forest Fire

On Sunday, October 12, 2017, a group of hikers decided to camp on the trail near Acra Point. In the morning they left without putting out the camp fire. The fire was placed on top of roots, which set nearby trees on fire. A group of hikers called 911 Click image for more details (Oct 22)

KF Parking Issues

Every weekend Kaaterskill Falls parking lots are now overflowing. The Town and Hunter and tourist are now battling each other over parking. And, it is becoming quite ugly. Click image for more details (Oct 22)

Hikers Lost

On Sunday, October 15, 2017, two young hikers didn't return home, so the girl's father contacted DEC for help. Two DEC Rangers used the GPS coordinates from a 911 call to located the couple on Wittenberg Mtn. The DEC Rangers then hiked for 3 hours to locate the couple. Click image for more details (Oct 15)

Hiker Injured

On Saturday, September 16, 2017, a male hiker slipped and fell at the middle basin of Kaaterskill Falls. He was conscious and alert. DEC Forest Rangers and EMS responded to the call. He was carried out to Rt 23a, and was was transported to the hospital. Click image for more details (Sept 16)

New Bike Trail

This weekend, the new mountain bike trail opened near the Rt 23 Trail Head in Windham. The terrain and forest is exceptional. There are bridges over the wet spots to prevent mud holes. The trail has been groomed well. Click image for more details (Sept 15)

Hiker Injured

On Sunday, August 28, 2017, a 74-year-old man slipped and fell at the middle basin of Kaaterskill Falls. He injured his knee and could not walk. DEC Forest Rangers and EMS responded to the call. He was carried out to Rt 23a, and was then driven home by his hiking companion. Click image for more details (Aug 28)

Blue Hole

Over this past weekend, the DEC estimates that 1,200 people visited the Blue Hole in Peekamoose. Numerous tickets were issued by DEC and police. Click image for more details (Aug 20)

Hiker Injured

On Sunday, August 20, 2017, a 52-year-old woman slipped and fell at Kaaterskill Falls. She had a cut to the head and lost consciousness. DEC Forest Rangers and EMS responded to the call. She was then assisted in walking back down to Rt 23a, and was transport to Albany Medical Center. Click image for more details (Aug 20)

Rocky Mtn Spot Fever

Earlier in August a hiker picked up an American Dog tick at the beginning of the Escarpment Trail from Rt 23. The tick was not discovered until 5 days later. After about 4 days a speculated rash developed. Click image for more details (Aug 13)

Hiker Injured

On August 13, 2017 a 78-year-old hiker failed to return after hiking Balsam Mountain. DEC Rangers were able to locate the man around 11pm. He had hurt his ankle and could no longer walk. More EMS personnel were called in to extract him . Click image for more details (Aug 13)

Unruly Campers

On August 12, 2017 a group of hikers became intoxicated, loud, and unruly while camping at the Woodland Valley Campgrounds. The DEC Rangers were called to settle them down. The following morning they were evicted . Click image for more details (Aug 12)

Hiker Injured & Lost

On August 11, 2017 a group of hikers were hiking the entire Devil's Path. One of the hikers was having knee problems and left the group at Mink Hollow. He didn't have a map and became confused as to where he was. Click image for more details (Aug 11)

Hiker Lost

Wayne Lamicela called 911 on August 1 stating that he was lost. This triggered a Search & Rescue that involved over 100+ people. He was found barefoot on the Gould Property on August 5th by the caretaker. Click image for more details (Aug 5)

Blue Hole Trash

Over thee past couple of years trash and overuse of the Blue Hole on Peekamoose Road in Ulster County has been a major problem. Again this summer trash is a big issue. Click image for more details (Jul 26)

Hikers Lost

On July 16, 2017, a group of eight hikers were hiking to the Palenville Overlook. They could not figure out how to get back to their car. DEC Ranger Pachan discovered that they were on the Sleepy Hollow Horse Trail. He was able to guide them back to their car. Click image for more details (Jul 16)

Hiker Lost

On July 3, 2017, a group of hikers were hiking the Balsam Lake Trail. They had taken a wrong turn and got lost. When it got dark they called the DEC for help. Ranger Shea hiked in and provided headlamps and hiked them out. Click image for more details (Jul 3)

Hiker Injured

On July 3, 2017, an older hiker was injured between Slide Mtn and Cornell Mtn. DEC had to call in a helicopter to extract the injured hiker. He was then transported to the hospital. Click image for more details (Jul 3)

Camper Arrested

On June 29, 2017, a DEC ECO visited a camp site to find a burning camp fire with no one present. When the campers later returned it was discovered that one of the men was wanted. He was immediately arrested. Click image for more details (Jun 29)

Hiker Lost

On June 29, 2017, a hiker was overdue to return from a hike on Indianhead Mountain. DEC Forest Ranger Nelson was called to find the lost 17-year-old hiker. It was determined that he was actually hiking on Plateau Mountain. Click image for more details (Jun 29)

Hiker Injured

On the afternoon of June 25, 2017, a hiker was injured on Westkill Mountain. Five DEC Rangers were dispatched to the mountain, where they brought in a helicopter to extract him off the mountain. Click image for more details (Jun 25)

Hikers Lost

On the afternoon of June 22, 2017, two 74-year-old hikers were lost on the mountain bike trails of Elm Ridge. DEC Ranger Nelson is credited in finding them and leading them back to their car on Peck Road. Click image for more details (Jun 22)

Hiker Injured

On the afternoon of June 20, 2017, a hiker was hit in the head with a rock below Kaaterskill Falls. Hunter Ambulance and Tannersville Search & Rescue responded to the scene. Click image for more details (Jun 21)

Hikers Lost

Late in the day on June 17, 2017 a group of hikers got lost on Panther Mountain. Their group leader called for help. Two DEC Forest Rangers conducted a Search for the hikers, and they were found exhausted on the Fox Hollow Trail. Click image for more details (Jun 21)

Biker Injured

A 50-year-old biker had a serious bicycling accident in the Fun Loops / Elm Ridge area of Windham on Tuesday, June 13, 2017. He suffered several broken bones. Click image for more details (Jun 15)

Hiker Lost

A group of hikers from New Jersey were stating at the North-South Lake Campground. They decided to take a side trail near the Catskill Mountain House site and got lost. NYS Ranger quickly found them. Click image for more details (Jun 5)

Funds for Trails

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the dedication of a five-person summer trail crew for the Catskill Park. The five-person team will have 5 projects to be completed this summer. Some of the projects have been on hold for years. Click image for more details (Jun 5)

Hiker Injured

On Sunday, February 19, 2017 a hiker was hiking deep inside Platte Clove when he fell and was injured. Fire and Rescue had to use ropes and climbing gear to extract the 50-year-old hiker out of the clove. Click image for more details (Jan 29)

Ice Climber Injured

On Sunday, January 29, 2017 an ice climber fell in Platte Clove. They were transported to Albany Medical Center by helicopter. Click image for more details (Jan 29)

Hiker Injured

On Sunday, Junuary 29, 2017 around noon time, a 26-year-old female hiker fell off the lower part of Kaaterskill Fall. Investigators surmise that she probably slipped, and fell off. She is reported in Serious condition, and is expected to survive. She was transported to Albany Medical Center by helicopter. Click image for more details (Jan 29)

Hiker SAR

On Sunday, Junuary 22, 2017 a group of HVH hikers were hiking Fir and Big Indian. One of the hikers became tired, and the group of 18 left him behind. When the hiker could not make it out of the woods, this started a massive SAR mission Click image for more details (Jan 29)