Mountainkeeper Testifies on the Governor's Budget
Catskill Mountainkeeper’s Fiscal Year 2024
Executive Budget Testimony
Joint Legislative Budget Hearing, Senate Finance and Assembly Ways and Means Committees
Testimony Overview
Mountainkeeper’s testimony today covers the funding for the Catskill Park and implementing the Catskills High Use Advisory Group (CAG) recommendations, establishing and capitalizing a Climate and Community Protection Fund, supporting the Climate Jobs and Justice package, supporting sustainable agriculture, continuing support for our state’s Forest Preserves via the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), endorsing strong staffing at the Department of Environmental Conservation, passing the Birds and Bees Protection Act (BBPA), and Route 17 expansion.
Read more
LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL GROUPS OPPOSE MISGUIDED PLAN TO EXPAND ROUTE 17 FOR 50 MILES THROUGH ORANGE COUNTY AND THE CATSKILLS
Transportation officials need to go back to square one and develop a plan that fits the needs of the communities, addresses climate, environmental and justice concerns, and tackles the real infrastructure needs in the Route 17 corridor
Hurleyville, NY - “Our organizations are speaking with one voice, calling on Governor Hochul and state transportation officials to reconsider the Route 17 widening plan and to develop a new plan that truly meets the needs of our communities, addresses the climate crisis, and deals head-on with the real infrastructure needs in the Route 17 corridor,” said Ramsay Adams, Catskill Mountainkeeper’s Executive Director. “We look forward to working with the Administration to develop a blueprint for the Route 17 corridor that becomes a model for the rest of the state and the nation on how to improve and upgrade critical infrastructure that addresses the real environmental, climate and social impacts of such large projects.”
Click 'Read More' to view the full February 2, 2023 press release.
Read moreCatskill Strategic Planning Advisory Group Submits Final Report To DEC Commissioner Seggos
Final Report Recommendations Build on DEC’s Ongoing Efforts to Promote Sustainable Recreation, Diversity, and Protection of the Park’s Natural Resources
The Catskill Strategic Planning Advisory Group (CAG) submitted its final report on promoting sustainable recreation in the Catskill Forest Preserve to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos. Comprised of stakeholders with expertise in local government, recreation, natural resource protection, business and tourism, and other priority areas, the CAG was tasked in October 2020 with providing recommendations to DEC on how to address critical issues associated with increased public use of Catskill Park resources in order to protect these areas in the short term, as well as for future generations.
Read moreDelaware River Frack Ban Coalition Pledges Resolve to Protect the Watershed Groups Deeply Disturbed by DRBC Failure to Enact Full Frack Ban
Delaware River Watershed - Delaware River Frack Ban Coalition organizations denounced the Delaware River Basin Commission’s (DRBC) adoption of amendments to its regulations on December 7, 2022 that will allow the importation into the Watershed of wastewater produced by fracking and will allow the export of water from the Delaware River Watershed to support fracking operations elsewhere.
Read moreCourt Orders Gas Company to Pay More Than $16 Million for Poisoning Dimock's Water
In a "no contest" plea Coterra, formerly Cabot Oil and Gas, is being held accountable for ruining Dimock PA residents’ lives and contaminating their water
Montrose, PA - Officials from Coterra Energy appeared at the Susquehanna County Courthouse today to plead no contest to 15 criminal charges. Wes Gillingham, Catskill Mountainkeeper’s Associate Director, issued the following statement in response....
Read moreNew Yorkers Vote YES for the Environmental Bond Act
November 9, 2022 -- On November 8th, more than 60% of New Yorkers took the once-in-a-generation opportunity to vote YES on the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act, an initiative that will invest $4.2 billion into projects we can see, feel, and taste. This funding will be used to improve our drinking water and air quality, preserve our environment, and protect us from the worst of the climate crisis. Mountainkeeper is proud to have been part of the VOTE YES effort, and we're so grateful for each and every voter who chose to invest in our shared environment. Click 'read more' to see how the bond act will help support the Catskills and communities statewide.
Read moreTelling the DRBC to Enact a Full Frack Ban
Delaware River Watershed - 175 organizations representing a total of almost a million members and 6,751 individuals signed a letter to the Delaware River Basin Commission voting members calling for a FULL fracking ban in the Delaware River Watershed. The letter was delivered by the Delaware River Frack Ban Coalition on Friday, October 14 to the Commissioners, the voting members of the DRBC who will decide on the final regulations governing these activities. The Commissioners are the Governors of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware and the Army Corps of Engineers, representing President Biden. The link to the letter is here: https://bit.ly/3etKHA7
Click 'Read More' for the full release.
Read moreHudsonia Report on Winston Farm
Developers in Saugerties NY, are seeking to move forward with a massive, inappropriately-sited development project proposed on Winston Farm. At Mountainkeeper’s request, Hudsonia – a Hudson Valley environmental research firm – conducted an initial assessment of the development’s potential impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity on Winston Farm. Unsurprisingly, they concluded that “The proposed development project at Winston Farm … would be devastating to the ecosystems, wildlife, and plants of the site and the surrounding region.”
Click 'Read More' for a link to the full report from Hudsonia.
Read morePublic blasts DRBC for shutting public out while approving an unjustified permit extension for deeply opposed Gibbstown LNG Export Terminal
The approval came following public outcry at the breach in protocol by DRBC Executive Director, Steve Tambini, to unilaterally approve the permit extension
“The DRBC’s quiet approval of the Gibbstown LNG permit extension behind closed doors not only violates public trust and governmental transparency, it also goes against the guidelines laid out in New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act by supporting the fossil fuel industry’s behind-the-scenes dealings in toxic oil and gas,” said Ivo Kennedy, Catskill Mountainkeeper.
Click 'read more' for the full release from the Delaware River Frack Ban Coalition.
Read moreCatskill and Adirondack groups applaud state budget funding for state land stewardship
April 12, 2022 — Albany, NY — Catskill and Adirondack conservation and recreation groups applaud the New York State legislature and Governor Hochul for passing an ambitious budget that prioritizes land stewardship and environmental protection. The final budget includes nearly $50 million for State Land Stewardship within an historic $400 million Environmental Protection Fund.
Within State Land Stewardship, the final budget includes $8 million in funding dedicated specifically for Adirondack and Catskill “visitor safety and wilderness protection activities to address issues relating to overuse.”
"Governor Hochul, the Senate, and the Assembly deserve all the credit they've received for investing in the Catskills and Adirondack Parks in this year's budget and putting a $4.2 billion bond act before voters. These investments are always needed, but the COVID 19 pandemic shifted people outside, intensifying the impact on our public lands. Funding will improve trail safety and maintenance, in addition to supporting public education and outreach to help visitors enjoy the parks while preserving the Catskills' and Adirondacks' splendor," said Katherine Nadeau, Catskill Mountainkeeper's deputy director.
