Do you know a boy or girl from 12-17* years of age who would like to attend an environmental camp for one week this summer?
The Basha Kill Area Association (BKAA) is sponsoring two children for one week each at a NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Camp during the summer of 2010.
Camp choices include: Camp Colby (Saranac Lake), Camp DeBruce (Livingston Manor), Camp Rushford (Caneadea), and Pack Forest (Warrensburg). BKAA will pay $250.00 of the total camper’s fee ($325.00) for each child selected. Primary requirements are that campers be between 12 and 17 years old and be interested in the outdoors.
NEW THIS YEAR: If a child is 11 years old and turns 12 by December 1, 2010, he or she may apply for the sessions for 12 to 14 year-olds. If a child is 14 years old and turns 15 by December 1, 2010, he or she may apply for the sessions for 15 to 17 year-olds.
TYPES OF CAMPER EXPERIENCES
First time camper 12-14 years old
Returnee camper 12-14 years old
First time camper 15-17 years old
To apply:
Please have the interested child send us a letter with the following information:
Why you are interested in the environment.
Your name and names of your parents or guardians
Your address and phone number
The grade you are in and which school you attend
Send your letter to:
Paula Medley, BKAA President, P.O. Box 1121 Wurtsboro, NY 12790 or email: info@thebashakill.org
We must receive your applications by February 1, 2010.
Click here for DEC Comments on Preliminary DEIS
Another major project, entitled "Seven Peaks," has been
proposed for the southern Shawangunks. The Seven
Peaks property envelops 650 acres of the Shawangunks
as it drapes over the ridge top and proceeds down the
eastern flank as well as part of the western slope. (please
refer to map)
This venture incorporates 3 phases: Phase I entails
building a gated community with forty-nine 8500-square-
foot (6 bedrooms, 7+ baths), $8 million houses on 5-acre
or larger lots. Phase II comprises a 200-room hotel,
conference center, spa and restaurants. Phase III
involves further residential development on parcels of 17
and 10 acres.
Notably, this proposal's environmental review must
scrutinize Seven Peaks' impact at full build-out (all 3
phases). Analyzing only one phase at a time is
"segmentation," a State Environmental Quality ReviewAct
(SEQR) violation.
Currently, both the DEC Region 3 (7 counties including
Sullivan) and Mamakating planning board desire to be
the lead agency, or overseer, for environmental review of
this endeavor. Ultimately, this dispute will be resolved by
DEC Commissioner Peter Grannis (who will consider the
following SEQR criteria (in order of importance) when
rendering his determination:
- "whether the anticipated impacts of the action being
considered are primarily of statewide, regional or local
significance. (i.e., if such impacts are of primarily local
significance, all other considerations being equal, the local
agency involved will be the lead agency);
- which agency has the broadest governmental powers
for investigation of the impacts of the proposed action;
and
- which agency has the greatest capability for providing
the most thorough environmental assessment of the
proposed action."
From the time he receives all relevant information, the
Commissioner has 20 days in which to make his decision.
[Editor's note: On December 23, the DEC rescinded its
intent to be lead agency, leaving the Mamakafing Planning
Board to fulfill that role.]
Obviously any large-scale venture proposed for the ridge
top should have to undergo the highest degree of
environmental review. We will monitor all relevant events
and intercede when necessary to ensure that the Basha
Kill Wildlife ManagementArea and the Shawangunk ridge
receive the utmost protection.
Click here to read draft scope
Map of proposed subdivision on the Shawangunk Ridge
Basherkill Subdivision
The DEIS is available at the Town of Deerpark Building Department and may be viewed online by visiting www.townofdeerpark.org and scrolling down to Basherkill Subdivision.
Please get involved! This project will produce terrible impacts upon the Basha Kill and Shawangunk Ridge, while negatively influencing the economic health of town and area residents.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Paula Medley,
BKAA President
(845)754-0743
