*ATTENTION*

On Saturday July 10th, 2010 we were notified that the July 17th & 18th Recreational Water Release has been CANCELLED.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), under the regulations of NYS Part 670, has cancelled the July 17th & 18th recreational water release due to the lack of cold water reserve in the Schoharie Reservoir.

“The permit that governs operations of the Shandaken Tunnel calls for a survey of the cold water available in the Schoharie Reservoir, then the gradual release of that water during the summer months to promote the fishery in the Esopus Creek. A recreational release in late July will significantly reduce the amount of time when this fish habitat release is made.”

For more information, or to voice your concerns regarding the elimination of this scheduled recreational opportunity, contact:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
ATTN: Brenan Tarrier, Environmental Engineer
Bureau of Water Resource Management
625 Broadway, 4th Floor
Albany NY 12233-3505
(518) 402-8157
bctarrie@gw.dec.state.ny.us

The Esopus Creek is part of the New York City watershed, and is used to transfer water from the Schoharie Reservoir to the Ashokan Reservoir by way of the Shandaken Portal. Four times a year, depending on watershed conditions, the portal is opened wider, providing higher, faster water for even more exciting tubing!