State of New York
Executive Chamber
Proclamation
Whereas, the citizens of the Empire State are
pleased to join in Commemorating milestones that illustrate our commitment to
precious natural resources and those cherished lands which reflect our noble
environmental heritage and whose presence has meaningful impact upon the lives
of New Yorkers – such as the Catskill Park – which this year celebrates its
100th anniversary; and
Whereas,
from the earliest days of our nation, the Catskill region has always had a
significant role in shaping the United States and influencing its culture as the
birthplace of American fly fishing, the backdrop for paintings by the Hudson
River School of artists, the home of the legendary Rip Van Winkle and the
beloved naturalist and writer John Burroughs, one of the first resort
destinations in the nation, and as the watershed which provides pure water for
millions of New Yorkers; and
Whereas,
the Catskill Park was created by an act of the New York State Legislature on
April 5, 1904 for the express purpose of extending protection and recognition to
this remarkable mountainous area that runs longitudinally along the eastern
region of the State; and
Whereas,
the original Catskill Park, its borders designated on official State maps by a
blue line, encompassed 92,708 acres of State Forest Preserve lands within a
pristine 576,120-acre region that included portions of Delaware, Greene,
Sullivan and Ulster counties – throughout the 19th, 20th
and in this century, the Park has grown to encompass 287,514 acres of State
Forest Preserve lands within a 1,102 square-mile area of 705,500 acres that
include 35 mountains over 3500 feet in elevation, and countless reservoirs,
lakes and rivers; and
Whereas,
public use and enjoyment of the Park has been enhanced by the development of
seven State campgrounds, the Belleayre Ski Center, two Day Use Areas, 21 fishing
access sites on 60 miles of rivers and streams, 303 miles of hiking, 76 miles of
snowmobile trails, 30 miles of horse trails, 187 primitive campsites and 33
lean-tos, and public visitations to the Catskill Park that now attract in excess
of 550,000 people yearly; and
Whereas,
the historic New York City Watershed Agreement of 1997 has led to renewed
efforts to protect New York City’s critical water supplies, including those
located in the Catskill Park, while encouraging investments in local
communities, forestry and farms; and
Whereas,
the hamlets, villages and towns surrounding the Catskill Park offer charm and
warmth, and their residents welcome visitors from this State and beyond who are
eager to enjoy many cultural assets as well as a host of natural assets and
outdoor enrichment possibilities available at the Park;
and
Whereas,
it is appropriate and fitting, on the occasion of the 100th
anniversary of the creation of the Catskill Park, that we celebrate its storied
past and look forward with its residents and visitors to a future build upon
vibrant communities, pure water, unsurpassed scenery, sustainable economies,
working farms and forests, and eternally magnificent natural
resources;
Now,
Therefore, I, George E. Pataki, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby
proclaim 2004 as the year of
Given under
my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany
this nineteenth day of
March in the year two thousand and four.