NOVEMBER 27, 2021
The meeting was held in the barn at the home of Patricia and John Adams. Approximately thirty members were in attendance. Reports and announcements began at 3:30pm.
INTRODUCTION. FOBC President Josh Grier and Patricia Adams welcomed everyone to the meeting, and noted that due to COVID this was the first official in-person gathering of the membership since the summer of 2019.
BEAVERKILL VALLEY LAND TRUST. Kate Adams spoke about the activities of the BVLT, and its assumption of the efforts to enter into and curate existing conservation land easements in the area. She pointed out that BVLT has taken over much of this responsibility, which was previously managed by the Open Space Institute. Kate O’Connor – our resident forest and environment professional who is currently working locally under the auspices of BVLT — spoke about the efforts to save the local forests from invasive pests, and about the renovation and re-opening of the Beech Mountain Nature Preserve. A more detailed summary of BVLT activities is attached below.
COVERED BRIDGE CAMPSITE. Carl Obecny spoke about on-going efforts to maintain and improve the Campsite day use and camping areas. As a “local steward” working directly with the DEC in Albany, Carl is initiating a number of projects to keep the riverbanks intact and to preserve the area’s rural appearance. Carl mentioned that he’d welcome any volunteers to assist in his efforts.
BEAVERKILL COMMUNITY CHURCH. A report from Ed Cerny was read by Patricia. Full text of that report attached below.
RAIL TRAIL EXPANSION. Josh Grier and Jennifer Grossman reported on the intended expansion of the biking/hiking rail trail from Hurleyville to Livingston Manor, then possibly on to Roscoe.
CATSKILL MOUNTAINKEEPER UPDATE. Executive Director Ramsay Adams spoke briefly about CMK priorities, including opposition to the proposed widening of Route 17 from Harriman to Liberty.
CANNABIS LEGALIZATION. Sheila Shultz reminded everyone that the Town of Rockland will be considering the legal opening of retail and usage establishments in the Town – to either opt in or opt out of the NY State legalization of marijuana. The open hearing is being held at Town Hall in Livingston Manor at 7pm on December 2.
BEAVERKILL VALLEY COOKBOOK. The publication of Stirring Up Memories of Trout Town USA. A cookbook compiled of recipes from local residents was announced. The book is available for sale at the Roscoe Free Library or by emailing Sally Cerny at sallypcerny@gmail.com
TREASURERS REPORT. The bank account balance as of November 28 was $5940.40. New member dues contributions of $775 were collected at the meeting.
CLOSING. All members were encouraged to check out and possibly contribute to the FOBC website – friendsofbeaverkill.org.