Catskills reservoir boating season launches

SCHOHARIE, N.Y. — New York City's Department of Environmental Protection has opened four upstate reservoirs to recreational boaters.

Kayaking, canoeing and sailing were allowed starting May 24 on the Cannonsville, Pepacton, Neversink and Schoharie reservoirs.

There are two new programs this year. A pilot program allows the use of electric trolling motors for fishing on Cannonsville Reservoir. And, the DEP has partnered with the Catskill Watershed Corporation to buy 30 boat storage racks that will be installed at the four reservoirs.

Free permits are available on DEP's website, www.nyc.gov/dep. Boats not stored at the reservoirs must be steam-cleaned at a local vendor each time before launching on the reservoirs.

DEP significantly expanded a three-year pilot program at Cannonsville Reservoir to allow kayaking, canoeing, and sailing on the Cannonsville, Pepacton, Neversink, and Schoharie reservoirs. The expansion resulted in a record number of visitors to city reservoirs, with nearly 1,000 DEP recreational boating permits issued last summer.

DEP Commissioner Carter Strickland said the partnership of local nonprofits, businesses, and residents is thinking of "new ways to improve the already popular Catskill recreational boating program."

"By providing ready access to rental boats, these programs will make it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy some of New York’s most scenic waterways, and the expanded recreational boating program will provide another boost to the Catskill tourism economy," Strickland said.

“Boating on the city-owned reservoirs is a unique experience that simply cannot be duplicated,” said James Thomson, Delaware County’s tourism director. “The crystal clear waters provide an unmatched view of fish and other wildlife in their natural habitat. This is an opportunity to be as close as possible to nature that is not available anywhere else.”

The season runs through Columbus Day.