Watershed Assistance Program

What all property owners in Greene County should know

If you own a property within the New York City water supply watershed and plan to build on it, you should familiarize yourself with the information contained in this page.

What Are the Rules and Regulations?

There are a number of agencies that implement rules and regulations governing stormwater, soil erosion, septic placement, and stream & wetland impacts. Whether developing a single family home, a business, or large lot subdivision, development activities are monitored to minimize impacts to water, air, and animals, which ultimately affect human communities.

Regulatory Agencies

Following is a list of regulatory agencies that monitor and issue permits for development activities.

NYC Department of Environmental Protection

The DEP Watershed Rules & Regulations that affect new development the most include:

• No septic systems allowed within 100 feet of a watercourse or wetland, or 300 feet of a reservoir, or reservoir stem.
• No new impervious surfaces (roofs, pavement) permitted within 100 feet of a watercourse or 300 feet of a reservoir or reservoir stem. Access roads to subdivisions are allowed within the 100 foot buffer subject to approval by DEP of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Certain exemptions apply to individual residential housing and designated hamlets and village areas.
• Construction of new individual residences within 100 feet of a perennial stream require an Individual Residential Stormwater Permit (IRSP) from DEP.

DEP requires that a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) be developed for the following activities:

• Development or disturbance of land greater than 5 acres of total land area (doesn’t have to be contiguous)
• Clearing or grading land involving two or more acres within 100 feet of a watercourse or on a slope exceeding 15%
• Subdivisions of 5 lots or more of 5 acres or less each
• Construction of a new facility creating more than 40,000 square feet of impervious surface
• Construction of an impervious surface in a village, hamlet, or commercially-zoned area

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

DEC enforces provisions involving streams, stormwater runoff, and wetlands of greater than 12.4 acres or of local significance.

A State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity is required for any soil disturbance 1 acre or greater. In order to obtain this permit, the developer must have a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The SWPPP is a plan for erosion and sediment control, and for installation of treatment for post-construction runoff.

A Protection of Waters Permit is required for disturbing stream beds and banks of certain classified streams. Disturbing Rosgen A, B, or C streams without a permit is a violation of the Environmental Conservation Law (will result in a fine). Disturbance may be either temporary or permanent in nature.

Regional DEC offices and Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District can tell you whether your project involves a classified stream or not (see below for contact information). Call before conducting any of these activities:

• Placement of structures in or across a stream (i.e. bridges, culverts, or pipelines)
• Fill placement for bank stabilization or to isolate a work area (i.e. rip-rap or coffer dams)
• Excavating gravel
• Lowering stream banks to establish a stream crossing
• Utilization of equipment in a stream to remove debris or to assist in-stream construction

Before construction activity begins, a Notice of Intent (NOI) must be filed with the DEC affirming that a SWPPP has been prepared and is being implemented. If you begin construction before filing a NOI and obtaining coverage, you may be subject to a penalty of up to $37,500 per violation per day.

United States Army Corps of Engineers

The USACE regulates impacts to all waterways and wetlands. Projects typically requiring a USACE permite involve discharges of dredged or fill material into waters (including wetlands).

NYS Department of Health

The NYS DoH enforces standards relating to water well location, construction, and design, and (in conjunction with DEP) individual home watewater treatment systems (septic placement).

Local Building Code Rules

Each municipality employs a code enforcement officer (CEO) who must enforce the Uniform Building Code. The NYS Uniform Building Code regulates construction of buildings and impacts to neighboring parcels. Property owners and CEO's are responsible for ensuring provisions are made to control water run-off and erosion during construction or demolition activities.

List of Common Activities that Require a Permit

Contact Information

For permits pertaining to stream disturbance, stormwater prevention, and wetlands of 12.4 acres or of local significance:

NYS DEC, Division of Environmental Permits
65561 State Hwy 10
Stamford, NY 12167
Kent Sanders, Deputy Regional Administrator, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For permits impacting waterways and wetlands under 12.4 acres that may be affected by development:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albany Field Office
1 Bond Street
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 270-0589
Amy Gitchell, Enforcement Officer

For permits pertaining to septic placement approval, stormwater prevention plans, individual residential stormwater permits, and watercourse identification:

NYC DEP, Water Supply Bureau
71 Smith Ave.
Kingston, NY 12401
Joe Damrath, Stormwater Program Supervisor, (845) 340-7234, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For septic system approval contact:
Christopher Costello, (845) 340-7235, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For stream restoration, riparian planting recommendations, soil studies, wetland identification, and aerial maps:

Greene Couny Soil & Water Conservation District
907 County Office Building
Cairo, NY 12413
(518) 622-3620

For standards pertaining to water well location, construction, and protection, and wastewater treatment:

NYS Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection
Flanigan Square, 547 River Street
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 402-7650, (800) 458-1158

 Enhancing Resource & Recreational                                                                      Opportunities in the Great Northern Catskills

Project Background

A local trail committee, originally oganized through the Mountaintop Community Resource Strategy, worked with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, property owners, the Town of Hunter, NYSDEC, the Mountain Top Historical Society, and Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District to open a pristine, undisturbed stretch of the Ulster—Delaware Railroad line as a public hiking trail. This trail, now known as the Kaaterskill Rail Trail (KRT), provides amazing views of the famous Kaaterskill Falls and provides a link between the Mountain Top Historical Society and the facilities at North-South Lake. Future trail development and extensions to the KRT are currently being discussed with a newly-formed local trail committee, known as the Hunter Area Trails Coalition (HATC).

Trail Development

Phase 1 - On June 2, 2013, under beautiful sunny skies, the ribbon was cut on Phase 1 of the historic Kaaterskill Rail Trail (KRT) in Haines Falls, NY. After three years, the Kaaterskill Rail Trail committee was successful in securing trail easements from four landowners. The 1.5-mile trail runs from the grounds of the Mountain Top Historical Society, in Haines Falls, to the end of Laurel House Road, just a five-minute walk from the top of Kaaterskill Falls in the 8,550-acre Kaaterskill Wild Forest preserve and near the NYSDEC North/South Lake Campground. It roughly follows what was originally a footpath dating back to the 1820s that connected the Catskill Mountain House to hotels in Haines Falls.

In order to complete Phase 1, the KRT committee raised $120,000 to purchase the final property needed to complete this section of the trail. The Open Space Institute, the NY-NJ Trail Conference, and the Mountain Top Historical Society funded the purchase. On May 20, 2017, there was another community celebration marking the end of the 2013 detour and the opening of the missing link. Walkers and hikers can now enter the KRT along the old train route as envisioned by many for so long. This long-awaited achievement was made possible through a broad coalition of groups and individuals.

Phase 2 - This phase of the KRT is on New York State land in the Kaaterskill Wild Forest. Following the success of opening Phase 1 on the former railroad bed, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) acknowledged it was time to upgrade the trails in and around Kaaterskill Falls to make access safer and more manageable. The DEC invested over $800,000 in safety and accessibility improvements including: 1) installing a 115-foot hiking bridge that spans Spruce Creek and connects the hamlet of Haines Falls to the Escarpment Trail and North/South Lake Campground, 2) constructing a new foot trail leading from the end of the marked Kaaterskill Falls trail at the base of the falls upslope to the middle pool of the falls, 3) installing a stone staircase designed to blend in with the natural stone of the area at a location that limits its visibility from below, 4) expanding two parking areas, 5) constructing an observation platform overlooking the top of the falls and 6) building new, wide, smooth surface trails with level resting areas. A celebration was held on September 13, 2017 at the top of Kaaterskill Falls to promote trail safety during the busy hiking season. Over 125 people attended including state, county, and local officials, as well as numerous trail and regional organizations.

Hunter Area Trails Coalition - With so much trail development happening in the region, the Hunter Area Trail Coalition (HATC) formed in 2016 to coordinate trail projects across the Town of Hunter. Representing local government, state, city and county agencies and local not-for-profit organizations, the HATC plans and collaborates on trail projects that enhance hiking opportunities within the town. Participating members include Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, The Hunter Foundation, Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District/Watershed Assistance Program, Mountain Top Arboretum, Mountain Top Historical Society, NY-NJ Trail Conference, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Town of Hunter, Village of Hunter, Village of Tannersville, and Windham Area Recreation Foundation.

Phase 3 - This phase is the KRT extension and will connect the Mountain Top Historical Society in Haines Falls to the Huckleberry Trail in Tannersville. The Town of Hunter was awarded a $75,000 NYSDEC Smart Growth grant to complete Phase 3 and market and advertise the growing network in the town. Work is due to begin in the spring of 2018.

Historical Significance of the Kaaterskill Rail Trail

Step back in time on the KRT - The Northern Catskills area is one of the earliest vacation destinations in America. In the early 1800s “going to the Catskills” meant going to the Kaaterskill Region. Haines Falls and the nearby Catskill Mountain House were at the region's heart. 

As you embark on the Kaaterskill Rail Trail (KRT), you are about to step into history. The trail was first a footpath connecting the Catskill Mountain House and other hotels to Haines Falls. By the 1880s additional boarding houses and the grand Hotel Kaaterskill attracted many travelers. The old footpath had made way for a rail corridor which, at its peak, saw two competing passenger rail lines following parallel tracks toward the Catskill escarpment. Thousands of vacationers arrived each summer via the newly-constructed rail lines to see the picturesque scenery and stay at the many boarding houses, hotels and resorts, such as the Laurel House.

Historic railroad station - At the end of the KRT trail (1.5 miles) you will find the Haines Falls Station of the Ulster and Delaware (U&D) Railroad. Built in 1913 to replace an earlier station located at then Haines Corners, it went out of service in 1940 when rail service in the area ended. For several years it was a private home. It is now the beautifully-restored home of the Mountain Top Historical Society.

Finding clues of the past - As you walk the trail, look for signs of the railroad—stone culverts from the 1880s, railroad bridge abutments, logging roads, cinders from the steam engines, remnants of the hotels, and glimpses of Kaaterskill Falls which were once clearly visible from the trains. Observe, too, how nature is returning the region to a more natural state—the very state that brought the original tourists to the Kaaterskill Region.

New York State Forest Preserve

North/South Lake Campground and Day Use Area to the north and the Indian Head Wilderness to the south in Platte Clove. Article 14 of the New York State Constitution states in part, “The lands of the state, now owned or hereafter acquired, constituting the forest preserve as now fixed by law, shall be kept as wild forest lands.”

Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway

In 2013, 41 miles of state and county roadway were designated NYS Scenic Byways in the Town of Hunter. Following earlier initiatives that promote the scenic, cultural and historic resources of the area, such as Preserve America and Hudson River School Art Trail, the Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway embraces the richness of intrinsic qualities that inspired past generations and recognizes that, through a profound travel experience, these resources support sustainable economic development that is based in the celebration of this unique landscape.

How can you help us protect the Kaaterskill Rail Trail?

• Leave no trace of your visit. Take only pictures; leave only footprints.
• Stay on the marked KRT trail (private landowners have allowed access, please respect that).
• Carry it in, carry it out. Pick up any litter you see.
• Do not disturb or harm plants, wildlife, or natural features.
• Respect other users (note: the KRT is a non-motorized trail).
• Keep pets under control.

 Kaaterskill Rail Trail Partners:

 Additional Information:

Notes from KRT meeting, June 2011                                                   

Notes from KRT meeting, March 2012                                                                                                                

KRT Assessment Map

Web Links:

Mountain Top Historical Society

Tourism

Greene County Tourism
Greene County Planning & Economic Development Map Resources

Varied Recreation

Mountain Trails XC Ski Center
Windham Mountain
Hunter Mountain
Bear Creek Landing
Windham Mountain Outfitters
Rip Van Winkle Ranch

Hiking

NYS DEC
Catskill Guide Trail Maps
Catskill Mountain Club

Historical Resources

Zadock Pratt Museum
Mountaintop Historical Society
Greene County Historical Society
Mountaintop Arboretum
Catskill Mountain House

Golf

Christman’s Windham House
Windham Country Club
Greene County Golf Association

Camping

North-South Lake
Devil’s Tombstone

Vineyards

Windham Vineyard & Winery

Looking Zoos

Catskill Mountain Country Store

Horseback Riding

Equine Solutions at Windham Equestrian Center
Windham Mountain Ranch

Fishing

Judd S. Weisberg
NYC DEP Recreation

Arts, Culture, & Entertainment

Windham Chamber Music Festival
Windham Fine Arts
Robert Cepale Art Studio
Francis X. Driscoll Images of the Catskills Gallery
Roshkowska Galleries
Windham Friends of Art & Photography
Catskill Mountain Foundation
Grazhda Music and Art Center of Greene County
Horton by the Stream
Point Lookout Murder Mystery Theatre
Hudson River School Art Trail
Greene Room Players
Greene County Council on the Arts

Scenic Sites

Hunter Mountain Fire Tower

A Brief History of the Watershed Assistance Program

Since 1989, communities within the New York City Watershed have found themselves facing an increasingly complex series of rules, regulations and program initiatives focused on protecting New York City’s water supply. The NYC water supply is unfiltered, with the City having a Filtration Avoidance Determination (FAD) which is issued on five year cycles by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The FAD relies on a complex assemblage of watershed rules and regulations, as well as voluntary watershed protection programs, to help NYC maintain the current high quality in its reservoir system.

In 2002, at the request of the Greene County Mountaintop Supervisors and Mayors Association (MSMA), the Greene County Legislature provided funding to the Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District (GCSWCD) to develop a program that that would assist municipalities as well as watershed residents with issues related to the NYC watershed. The Watershed Assistance Program (WAP) was established as a program within the GCSWCD, with the MSMA and Greene County Legislature acting as program advisors. The WAP places a high priority on integration of all watershed programs, and takes a very proactive approach to watershed management.

What Does the WAP Do?

The Watershed Assistance Program (WAP) provides a wide range of services including education and outreach, watershed planning, and water quality or stewardship project design and implementation. The WAP serves a key role in the facilitation of local, state, and federal programs, and works in partnership with municipal leaders, residents, agencies, and organizations. Watershed stakeholders that require assistance with issues related to the NYC watershed rules and regulations, or natural resource problems, should contact the WAP to determine what types of help may be available.

WAP Programs and Projects

• Mountaintop Supervisors and Mayors Association
• Mountaintop Community Resource Strategy
• Hunter Corridor Regional Planning Study
• Mountaintop Better Site Design Roundtable
• Schoharie Turbidity Reduction Strategy
• Building in the NYC Watershed
• Mountaintop Economic Development
• Municipal Tools for Watershed and Water Resource Protection
• Mountaintop Low Impact Development Resources

Listen to a recording of Michelle Yost, WAP Coordinator, discussing the WAP and Schoharie Watershed Summit on the Watershed Agricultural Council's WIOX Watershed Wednesday show