The 2019-2020 Hunting and Fishing Season Licenses are now sale. Licenses can be purchases at the Town Clerks Office during regular business hours and on the first and last Saturday of the month from 10Am to 12pm. For more information please contact the Town Clerks Office at 518-789-3300 Ext 603
Announcements
Draft Comprehensive Plan and Appendices 10-17-2019 Final
April 27, 2019 Comprehensive Plan Presentation
Comprehensive Plan Meeting 3-26-2019, 6PM, Village Hall
Harlem Valley Rail Trail Extension Construction Underway
Harlem Valley Rail Trail Extension Construction Underway
Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro announced construction work is now underway on the eagerly anticipated fourth and final phase of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail (HVRT). The project extends the HVRT with an 8-mile segment between Millerton in northeastern Dutchess County and Ancram in southeastern Columbia County. Preliminary construction, including tree clearing, began late last week. The full project is expected to be complete by October 2020.
The project begins at Main Street (Route 44) in the Village of Millerton and will follow the former Harlem Valley Rail Line right-of-way in the Town of Northeast to end at Under Mountain Road in the Town of Ancram. When complete, there will be 23 miles of continuous trail from the Wassaic Train Station in Amenia to the Copake Falls area of the Taconic State Park in Columbia County. County Executive Molinaro said, “We are thrilled to have construction of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail extension underway as part of our ambitious park plans this year. The HVRT project has faced many challenges along the way, but we finally have a construction plan that is both fiscally and environmentally responsible thanks to the cooperation, dedication and determination of our design team and all our partners. The HVRT has been a destination trail for years and a wonderful way for residents and visitors explore the natural beauty of northeastern Dutchess County. This new 8-mile connection will enhance the trail’s appeal and encourage even greater use for years to come.” 
Funding for the final phase of the project was approved in October 2018 by the Dutchess County Legislature. Total project costs are estimated at $14.7 million, with $9.365 million federally funded. Dutchess County will pay the local share of work within Dutchess County and Columbia County and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation have agreed to fund the local share of the Columbia County portion of the project. Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver said, “The Harlem Valley Rail Trail is a wonderful place to exercise, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. This extension into Columbia County is a great addition to our network of award-winning parks and is a significant improvement to the quality of life for County residents and visitors.” The new trail section borders environmentally sensitive areas at various sections and requires the installation of approximately 4,100 feet of elevated boardwalks. Additionally, six structurally deficient bridges within the corridor will be rehabilitated. Trail crossings will be constructed at intersections with Main Street (Route 44), Beilke-State Line Road, Rudd Pond Road, White House Crossing Road and Under Mountain Road. The project’s design team, comprised of engineering staff from Dutchess County’s Department of Public Works (DPW), and consulting firm Clough Harbour & Associates, has worked closely with multiple partners, including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Army Corps of Engineers, to overcome numerous economic and environmental challenges, including rising construction costs and permitting issues due to the native wetlands and endangered species in the area. DPW Commissioner Robert Balkind said, “This is a major project, with significant design work that includes rehabilitating multiple bridges, as well as constructing boardwalks through wetland areas to protect wildlife habitats and preserve the area’s natural beauty. It is exciting to get this project underway and enhance this wonderful County asset for all to enjoy.” The HVRT Phase IV connection project is one of several Dutchess County park initiatives recently highlighted in County Executive Molinaro’s 2019 State of the County Address. Other projects include the acquisition of more 230 acres in East Fishkill for the future Lake Walton Preserve; new additions to Quiet Cove Riverfront Park, including a new river deck and kayak launch; as well as a study to explore the feasibility of a pedestrian/bike trail and trolley operation on the idle Beacon Line in the City of Beacon into the Town of Fishkill. For information on Dutchess County’s award-winning parks, including the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, visit dutchessny.gov/parks.
Funding for the final phase of the project was approved in October 2018 by the Dutchess County Legislature. Total project costs are estimated at $14.7 million, with $9.365 million federally funded. Dutchess County will pay the local share of work within Dutchess County and Columbia County and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation have agreed to fund the local share of the Columbia County portion of the project. Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver said, “The Harlem Valley Rail Trail is a wonderful place to exercise, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. This extension into Columbia County is a great addition to our network of award-winning parks and is a significant improvement to the quality of life for County residents and visitors.” The new trail section borders environmentally sensitive areas at various sections and requires the installation of approximately 4,100 feet of elevated boardwalks. Additionally, six structurally deficient bridges within the corridor will be rehabilitated. Trail crossings will be constructed at intersections with Main Street (Route 44), Beilke-State Line Road, Rudd Pond Road, White House Crossing Road and Under Mountain Road. The project’s design team, comprised of engineering staff from Dutchess County’s Department of Public Works (DPW), and consulting firm Clough Harbour & Associates, has worked closely with multiple partners, including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Army Corps of Engineers, to overcome numerous economic and environmental challenges, including rising construction costs and permitting issues due to the native wetlands and endangered species in the area. DPW Commissioner Robert Balkind said, “This is a major project, with significant design work that includes rehabilitating multiple bridges, as well as constructing boardwalks through wetland areas to protect wildlife habitats and preserve the area’s natural beauty. It is exciting to get this project underway and enhance this wonderful County asset for all to enjoy.” The HVRT Phase IV connection project is one of several Dutchess County park initiatives recently highlighted in County Executive Molinaro’s 2019 State of the County Address. Other projects include the acquisition of more 230 acres in East Fishkill for the future Lake Walton Preserve; new additions to Quiet Cove Riverfront Park, including a new river deck and kayak launch; as well as a study to explore the feasibility of a pedestrian/bike trail and trolley operation on the idle Beacon Line in the City of Beacon into the Town of Fishkill. For information on Dutchess County’s award-winning parks, including the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, visit dutchessny.gov/parks. NYS DEC Burn Ban March 16, 2019-May 14, 2019
DEC Announces Brush Burning Prohibited in New York State March 16 through May 14
Burn Ban Decreases Wildfire Risks and Protects Lives and Property
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminds residents that with spring approaching conditions for wildfires will become heightened and residential brush burning is prohibited March 16 through May 14 across New York State.
“While many people associate wildfires with the western United States, the start of spring weather and the potential for dry conditions increases the risk for wildfires in New York,” Commissioner Seggos said. “New York prohibits residential burning during the coming high-risk fire season to reduce wildfires and protect people, property, and natural resources. The ban has been extremely effective in reducing the number of wildfires, and we’re encouraging New Yorkers to put safety first.”
Even though much of the state is currently blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise.
DEC posts daily a fire danger rating map and forecast during fire season on its website and on the NY Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App available on DEC’s website. Currently, wildfire conditions in the state are low risk.
Historically, open burning of debris is the largest single cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures are warmer and the past fall’s debris, dead grass, and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily and be further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.
New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. State regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires in New York occur. Since the ban was established, the eight-year annual average number of spring fires decreased by 42.6 percent, from 2,649 in 2009, to 1,521 in 2018.
Campfires using charcoal or untreated wood are allowed, but people should never leave such fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round.
Wildfires can be deadly and destructive, and the national annual cost of their consequences can range anywhere from $71.1 to $347.8 billion, according to recent study by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Last year’s Camp Fire in northern California destroyed the city of Paradise and killed more than 80 people, making it the nation’s deadliest wildfire in more than a century. This year, the USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, and the Ad Council are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the launch of the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign, the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history.
“Smokey Bear has educated generations of Americans about their role in preventing wildfires,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Smokey’s words are still an urgent and relevant reminder for all of us to follow-‘Remember, only YOU can prevent forest fires.”
Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack and Catskill parks, are designated “fire towns.” Open burning is prohibited year-round in these municipalities unless an individual or group has a written permit from DEC. To find out whether a municipality is designated a “fire town” or to obtain a permit, contact the appropriate DEC regional office. A list of regional offices is available on DEC’s website.
Violators of the state’s open burning regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report environmental law violations call 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332), or report online on DEC’s website.
