Plans for Sundown Wild Forest Finalized by DEC

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Listed below is the finalized version of the 2023 Unit Management Plan ("UMP") for the Sundown Wild Forest.

Many hikers, as well as, people at Catskill Mountaineer are greatly disappointed in the latest UMP for the Sundown Wild Forest. There appears to be very few changes from the drafted UMP to the final UMP. It as if the DEC ignored many of the problems and comments that people sent in. Many feel that it is just a "band-aid" for many of the problems in this forest. For hikers, this is a major setback that upset many hikers.

1. Those setbacks are significant restrictions to hiking in the Peekamoose Valley in summer months.

2. Will not solve the over-crowding problem at Peekamoose.

3. Campers have very few activities in the Peekamoose Valley because the DEC is not providing more options to spread people out.

4. The problem of hunters target practicing around homes was not resolved.

5. The problem of hunters target practicing around non-maintained trailheads was not resolved.

6. A great location that would allow hunters to target practice was not enabled.

7. Many hikers would have preferred a wider trail below Vernooy Kill Falls. We do understand that cost always plays a role.

8. Access to the Peekamoose Trailhead will not be allow outside of the summer months is disappointing to many hikers.

The problems with the Peekamoose Valley are not hard to correct. But, for some reason this is not being done. All across the United States certain areas have moved to a Reservation System as a "band-aid" to increasing population. The population will not stop increasing, and the frustration among hikers will continue to increase.


Final UMP Includes New Parking Lot and Trail

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the finalization of the Sundown Wild Forest Unit Management Plan (UMP) Amendment. The amendment will improve infrastructure, increase public safety, enhance natural resource protection, and improve visitor experiences in the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor in the town of Denning, Ulster County.

"The finalized amendment to the Sundown Wild Forest Unit Management Plan reflects DEC's commitment to sustainable recreation and the protection of New York's natural resources," said DEC Regional Director Kelly Turturro.

The Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor encompasses 275 acres of Forest Preserve land in the approximately 30,000-acre Sundown Wild Forest. The final amendment includes the following:

General Access and Trail Improvements:
Construction of an 80-car parking lot in the Peekamoose trailer field to consolidate parking to a single location;
Closure of eight parking areas;
Construction of an approximately 0.6-mile connector trail from the 80-car parking area to the Peekamoose Blue Hole;
Construction of a 60-foot bridge across Bear Hole Brook; and
Construction of a foot bridge/retaining wall near the wooded pathway entrance to the Blue Hole between the banks of the Rondout Creek and Peekamoose Road.

Natural Resource Protection
Closure of 25 designated campsites throughout the western portion of the corridor due to extreme site degradation and natural resource concerns.

Accessible Projects
Construction of two new accessible campsites in locations that minimize natural resource impacts;
Construction of an accessible path from the accessible parking area to the entrance of the Blue Hole to accommodate people with mobility impairments; and
Development of an accessible photo point for people on the accessible portion of the Blue Hole trail.

Multi-Use Trail Proposal and Changes to the 2019 Long Path Trail Proposals
Removal of the proposal to allow snowmobiling on a portion of the Long Path trail re-route; and
Construction of a re-route of the Long Path that will accommodate multiple uses such as hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and skiing.