The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a Visitor Use Management (VUM) Report for Kaaterskill Clove. This report outlines a series of proposed strategies intended to address increased visitation, congestion, safety concerns, and environmental impacts in one of the most heavily visited areas of the Catskills.

Among the recommendations under consideration are restrictive access measures such as reservation systems, timed entry, and visitor caps.

The Town of Hunter recognizes the importance of protecting our natural resources, improving public safety, and responsibly managing visitor use. These are shared goals.

However, we have serious concerns with the direction of the recommendations put forward in this report.

Town of Hunter Position

The Town of Hunter formally opposes the current direction of the VUM Report.

While the report identifies real and pressing challenges, it places too much emphasis on restricting access rather than addressing the underlying causes of those challenges.

Our position is grounded in the following key points:

  • Restrictive access is not the right solution
    Limiting access through reservation systems or visitor caps does not reduce demand. It shifts it, often creating new congestion, safety, and environmental issues in surrounding areas.
  • Practical solutions have not been fully implemented
    For years, the Town has worked with DEC and other stakeholders to identify commonsense strategies, including:
    • Expanded and better managed parking on existing State lands (Laurel House Road, Scutt Road)
    • Improved traffic flow and roadway management
    • Increased staffing and enforcement during peak periods
    • Improved wayfinding and signage and on site management
  • The economic impacts must be considered
    Communities like Hunter rely on responsible visitation tied to these public lands. Restricting access to one of the region’s primary destinations will have real consequences for local businesses, jobs, and the broader economy.
  • Implementation concerns
    The geography of Kaaterskill Clove, existing roadway constraints, and multiple access points make any reservation or gated system difficult to enforce and unlikely to be effective.
  • Balance is required
    DEC’s own mission calls for balancing environmental protection with economic and social well being. We believe this report does not achieve that balance.

Town of Hunter Actions

  • The Town Supervisor has submitted a formal letter to DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton outlining our concerns and recommendations.
  • The Town Board is advancing a resolution formally opposing the current direction of the VUM Report.
  • We are working with neighboring municipalities and regional leaders to ensure a coordinated response.
  • We are asking for support from our residents and visitors to oppose this effort.

Take Action – Submit Public Comment

DEC is currently accepting public comments on the VUM Report.

Deadline: June 1, 2026
Email: forestpreserve@dec.ny.gov

Public input is critical. The more feedback DEC receives from residents, visitors, and stakeholders, the more likely it is that a balanced and practical approach will be adopted.

Download a Comment Letter Template

To make it easy to participate, the Town has prepared a sample comment letter that you can personalize and submit.
Letter Template in PDF 

Letter Template in Word format

Instructions:

  1. Download the template
  2. Add your name and personalize your message
  3. Email it to forestpreserve@dec.ny.gov
  4. Submit by June 1, 2026

Kaaterskill Clove Virtual Public Meeting

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