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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE10-26

March 17, 2010

CONTACT:

Michael Saucier/Mercedes Padilla (718) 595-6600

DEP to Expand Cannonsville Reservoir Boating Program

1,473 More Acres to Open for Recreational Boating Starting May 28

Environmental Protection Commissioner Cas Holloway today announced that 1,473 additional acres of Cannonsville Reservoir will be open for recreational boating at the start of this year’s boating season on May 28. This announcement builds upon last year’s decision to launch a three-year pilot program to expand recreational boating opportunities at Cannonsville Reservoir. For the first year of the pilot program, 407 tags were issued for kayaks, canoes, rowboats and small sailboats. Previously, only fishing boats with proper permits were allowed on the reservoir. The recreational space will expand westward from the Cannonsville Bridge to 500 feet from the Cannonsville Dam.

"Being a good neighbor is crucial to our partnerships in the watershed," said Commissioner Holloway. "Opening up the remaining third of the Cannonsville Reservoir for families and visitors ensures that as many people as possible can take advantage of this great resource and has the added benefit of encouraging tourism and economic activity in the region."

"This program is evolving into a fantastic summertime activity," said James Eisel, Chairman of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors. "We have found no negative impacts on the Cannonsville Reservoir from the pilot recreational boating program. Therefore, it only makes sense to expand the program to within 500 feet of the dam, giving a more open expanse of surface water for sailboating, among the variety of recreational uses of the reservoir."  

A new launch site will be constructed at Roods Creek to support the new expansion. The reservoir is open from sunrise to sunset from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend.  To obtain a recreational boat tag, a boat owner will need a DEP access permit, which is available for free online. Owners will also need their boat steam cleaned by a DEP certified vendor.  Seasonal boat tags are also available by appointment with the DEP Downsville Region Office at 607-363-7009.  Click here to learn more about the recreational boating program, including the online DEP access permit, a downloadable DEP boat tag application form, and a list of DEP certified vendors. 

DEP manages the City’s water supply, providing more than 1 billion gallons of water each day to more than 9 million residents, including 8 million in New York City, and residents of Ulster, Orange, Putnam and Westchester counties. Approximately 1,000 DEP employees live and work in the watershed communities as scientists, engineers, surveyors, and administrative professionals, and perform other critical responsibilities. 

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