For Release: Monday, October 20, 2008
Catskills Environment & Economy Summit
DEC Co-Hosts at Belleayre Mountain Ski Center Oct. 23
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is co-hosting the "Catskills Environment and Economy Day" along with the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, Open Space Institute, Watershed Agricultural Council, the Region 3 Forest Practice Board and the Catskill Landowners Association. The workshop will be held at the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center's Overlook Lodge from 8:30 am - 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23.
The event is part of the two-day Catskill Summit, which kicks off on Wednesday, Oct. 22, with the Catskills Local Government Day at Frost Valley YMCA and Conference Center in Claryville.
The Catskills Environment and Economy Day will focus on ways to balance a healthy environment while encouraging sustainable, community-based, natural resource dependent economies. The morning session will focus on the status of the environment in the Catskills and will include presentations and discussions about the many environmental issues facing the region including climate change, acid rain and invasive species. The afternoon session will focus on ways to foster sustainable, community-based natural resource dependent economies.
"This year's two-day Catskill Summit we will give participants an opportunity to discuss the overall health of the Catskill environment and identify important issues that we can work on together," said DEC Region 3 Director Willie Janeway.
"Recognizing the connection between a healthy environment and a healthy local economy is key to maintaining community character and enhancing the economy in the Catskills," said DEC Region 4 Director Gene Kelly.
Contact Renee O'Connor at 845-256-3094, or by e-mail at rmoconno@gw.dec.state.ny.us to pre-register for the workshop.
