Upper Delaware Council Seeks to Limit Mongaup Boating (NY)

Earlier this month, the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) sent a letter asking the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to prohibit boating on the Monguap River, except on scheduled boating release days.  The letter stated “We are concerned that the Mongaup River will become just another "water park ride" seven days a week if boating is not restricted.” 

The UDC is a coalition of representatives of several towns and townships.  Their letter states concerns that “more use will necessitate the need for more facilities, including access roads, which could degrade this unique area.”

American Whitewater and the Kayak and Canoe Club of New York are aware of no data or even anecdotal evidence indicating that boating use of the Mongaup River is increasing or is likely to increase in the foreseeable future.  Likewise there are absolutely no current or anticipated needs for additional facilities or access roads.  There would be no factual basis for limiting boating to scheduled releases on the Mongaup, as well as no precedent for the action. In addition, the river is navigable, and the state has a legal obligation to protect beneficial uses like boating.

This issue has already been resolved through a detailed analysis and decision process conducted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.  FERC found no need for any such limits on recreation, and indeed no such need exists.
 

While we assume that DEC will not respond favorably to the UDC’s request, AW and KCCNY will be sending response letters to the DEC just to be sure.