04/07/2026
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a new Visitor Use Management proposal for Kaaterskill Clove and surrounding areas. While this plan is being presented as a way to address safety and environmental concerns, it includes potential measures such as reservation systems and visitor limits on access to Kaaterskill Falls and the Clove.
The Town of Hunter has reviewed this document carefully, and we stand FIRMLY OPPOSED to these recommendations proposed by a 3rd party consultant hired by DEC.
For years, we have worked collaboratively with DEC to address the very real challenges of congestion, safety, and increased visitation in the Clove and at the Falls. We support responsible management of our natural resources. However, this document suggests moving in the absolute wrong direction by focusing on restricting access rather than implementing practical, on the ground solutions that we have consistently suggested for years.
Our concerns are clear:
• Restricting access to public lands will have significant negative economic impacts on our community, which depends on responsible visitation
• A reservation or gated system will not reduce demand, it will shift it elsewhere chaotically, creating new congestion and safety issues in other places
• Common sense solutions such as expanded parking, improved traffic flow, and better on site management have not yet been attempted or implemented.
We believe there is a better path forward by working together with the DEC and other stakeholders to address the many challenges we have seen in this area of our Town for years.
*VERY IMPORTANT - WE NEED YOUR VOICE! *
DEC is accepting public input on this proposal, and it is critical that our community is heard. If you care about access to Kaaterskill Falls, and the future of our town, now is the time to speak up!
The Town of Hunter strongly encourages residents, business owners, and visitors to submit comments opposing restrictive access measures and supporting practical solutions.
Comments on the report can also be submitted by email to [email protected] by June 1, 2026.
______
This is about much more than Kaaterskill Falls. It is literally about the future of our community. Our Town Board will continue to advocate for Hunter and work toward solutions that make sense for our residents and visitors as well as the environment.
Read the report for yourself here:https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2026-04/kaaterskillvum.pdf
Read my response to DEC Commisioner Amanda Lefton here:
https://townofhunterny.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/VUM-response-letter-4626.pdf
Respectfully,
Sean Mahoney
Hunter Town Supervisor
