The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of the riverfront parcel adjacent to the existing Long Eddy River Access in Long Eddy, New York. With a bridge grant from the Open Space Institute for a portion of the purchase, and donations from more than 100 individuals invested in the future of Long Eddy, the Conservancy was able to complete the purchase and is now looking forward to working in partnership with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (Region 3) to ensure the property remains open for public access and necessary improvements are completed.
Working with our partners, we will share 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.
“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 in development of the site.”
“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.”
“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.”
The Long Eddy River Access purchase and subsequent improvements are part of a river revitalization plan to help Sullivan County drive more economic benefit from its natural resources, and to improve the quality of life for its residents.
The Delaware Highlands Conservancy works in partnership with landowners and communities to protect the lands and waters, eagles and eagle habitat, sustainable local economies, and quality of life in the Upper Delaware River region. For more information on the Conservancy and how it connects people to the lands where they live, work, and play, visit www.DelawareHighlands.org.
