LONG EDDY, NY—Dec. 16, 2015—A riverfront parcel adjacent to Long Eddy Fishing Access, a popular fishing and boating access point on the Delaware River, has been permanently protected thanks to the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, the Open Space Institute (OSI) and many local donors. A priority acquisition of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the land will help expand the access point and boost the economy of this Sullivan County river town.
The project, completed with the help of a bridge grant from OSI and a successful public crowdfunding campaign with more than 100 local supporters, protects riverfront adjacent to the existing Long Eddy River Access. The acquisition also sets the stage for further improvements to the property, as envisioned by a river revitalization plan to help Sullivan County drive more economic benefit from its natural resources and improve the quality of life for its residents.
“With stirring, scenic views from either bank, this section of the Delaware River is an amazing natural resource that now will be more accessible to fishermen, kayakers, boaters and others,” said Christopher Mahoney, head of OSI’s Land Grants Program. “This project exemplifies OSI’s decades-long commitment to improving public access. OSI congratulates the Delaware Highlands Conservancy for their hard work and determination in protecting the property.”
“We are very grateful to the Open Space Institute and for all of the donors who contributed to make the Long Eddy River Access a vibrant, accessible and economically beneficial space for the community,” said Sue Currier, Executive Director of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy. “As we transition into the next phase of this project, we look forward to continuing to engage with the community and to developing the site with the DEC.”
“Congratulations to the Delaware Highlands Conservancy on conserving this property on the Delaware River that will help people access this outstanding resource,” said Martin Brand, DEC Regional Director. “We look forward to working with the Conservancy, the community of Long Eddy and a variety of stakeholders to increase public access to the river and enhance the public’s enjoyment of the outdoors while helping the local economy, all which are a main focus of Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative.”
Although Long Eddy River Access has long been popular with river guides and recreational users, the current site lacks a ramp and sufficient parking.
Working with its partners, the Delaware Highlands Consrevancy will submit a draft site plan for review with the community and other stakeholders, in which the priorities identified by the community in a series of meetings will be addressed, including a circular drive to include access for emergency vehicles and drift boat trailers, facilitate loading and unloading, and alleviate congestion on town roads; a standpipe for the Fire Department to facilitate water withdrawal and safeguard equipment; cleared access to the banks of the river for fishing, and seating for picnics or quiet enjoyment of the river; limited parking; and landscaping to screen any development from the river and adjoining/nearby properties.