Watershed Recreation


	Watershed Recreation


	Although the majority of land in the watershed is privately owned by local residents, New York City is also a watershed landowner with responsibilities for managing nearly 34,000 acres of reservoirs and approximately 150,000 acres of water supply lands. Although DEP’s primary management goal is watershed protection, a significant portion of City-owned lands is open to the public for a variety of recreational uses and other opportunities.


	Attention Hunters and Hikers Portions of the following areas will be temporarily closed to public access as necessary for completion of forest management projects. The remaining lands outside the project areas within these recreational units will be open to hunting and hiking with a DEP Access Permit and the applicable New York State Sporting License. Ashokan North Recreational Unit, southeastern-most peninsula adjacent to Jones cove in the Town of Olive. Area closed includes approximately 36 acres plus portions of the forest access road to the boat area at Jones cove. You must detour around active work areas—keep back a minimum of 300 feet. This project is salvaging trees blown down in Superstorm Sandy and is expected to be completed in 4-6 weeks. Acorn Hill Recreational Unit, located in the Town of Olive, near the Ashokan Reservoir. Approximately 95 acres of land between the main dam and Yale Quarry will be closed for public access until further notice. The project will salvage hemlock and oak trees dying from invasive insect pests and extreme weather, as well as opening the canopy to encourage natural seedling development for the next generation of forest. Signs delineating the project area have been posted.


	Attention Ashokan Reservoir Anglers and Hunters Temporary Recreation Area Closure A portion of the following recreational unit will be temporarily closed to ALL public access to allow for the completion of a forest management project: Bushkill Unit, Boiceville, Town of Olive, Ashokan Reservoir – Gate W-12, NYS Rt. 28A from Five Arches Bridge south to the Chimney Hole. The closed project area is approximately 48 acres (to Re-open in early 2013). The remainder of the 440 acre recreation unit remains open to fishing and bow hunting with a DEP Access Permit and the applicable New York State Sporting License. Signs delineating the project area have been posted.


	New Shotgun Restrictions Attention Hunters: Effective immediately, Louden Point and Big Peninsula Recreation Units located in Westchester County at the Kensico Reservoir will no longer be open for Hunting with shotgun. These areas are now Archery hunting only. Learn more


	Recreation Rules & Access Permits DEP allows for enhanced recreational uses of City-owned water supply lands in accordance with specific Recreational Rules and Regulations. DEP issues a comprehensive Access Permit that allows for hiking and fishing on certain designated lands in the watershed. Learn more


	Hiking DEP does not construct or maintain hiking trails on City-owned watershed lands, but hiking (including cross country skiing and snowshoeing) is allowed on many City-owned properties that are marked and designated for these purposes. Learn more


	Hunting & Trapping DEP allows both big and small game hunting as well as trapping on designated City-owned water supply lands as permitted by and in accordance with New York State regulations. Learn more


	Fishing Fishing is allowed on City-owned reservoirs, lakes and streams as designated by specific DEP signs and according to all applicable New York State regulations. Most City-owned reservoirs offer excellent fishing opportunities for both warm-water species such as bass and cold-water species such as trout. Learn more


	Boating Boating for the purposes of fishing is allowed on New York City reservoirs to registered individuals having the appropriate DEP Access Permit and Boat Tag. Beginning on Friday, May 25th 2012 recreational boats including, kayaks, canoes, rowboats, sculls or sail boats will be allowed on Cannonsville, Neversink, Pepacton and Schoharie Reservoirs. You do not have to be actively fishing to participate in this program. The goal of the program is to expand regional recreational opportunities for watershed residents and visitors and promote environmentally sound economic development. Learn more


		Agriculture & Forestry DEP allows agricultural uses of City-owned watershed lands when these uses are compatible with water quality protection. DEP also promotes long-term management of City-owned watershed forests through regular forest improvement and restoration projects. Learn more


	Land Use Permits DEP issues Land Use Permits to applicants who request the temporary use of City-owned water supply lands for specific proposed activities such as the maintenance of utility lines or special projects such as recreational trails or ball fields. DEP also allows certain uses of City-owned land for short-term, low impact activities such as fund-raising events or scientific studies. Learn more

Reservoir Levels

Current: 97.2%

Normal: 100.0%

Watershed Recreation

Temporary Recreation Area Closure

Reservoir Levels

Recreation Links