Don’t drain Tillson Lake

Dear Editor:

Don’t throw out the baby with the bath water, and don’t throw out Tillson Lake water either.

The Palisades Interstate Park Commission calls it “dewatering.” There are many reasons not to drain Tillson Lake in Gardiner. It’s the only public recreational lake in the southcentral part of Ulster County, and it’s the only handicappedaccessible lake in all of the Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Additionally, it is the only lake in the preserve in which you can fish and one of only two on which you can boat.

The idea that destroying the dam will restore a lush river is a misplaced fantasy. A section of the Palmaghatt River borders my property and in the summer barely runs for lack of water. There are no ripples, no fish.

By contrast, the lake has been in existence for 90 years and supports a rich ecosystem that includes ospreys, herons, frogs, ducks turtles, catfish, bass and trout. People come to the lake to fish, kayak, hike, photograph, picnic, relax and admire it.

New York agencies, including the Department of Environmental Conservation, on June 9 celebrated “Outdoors Day.” Given the plan afoot to destroy this outdoor treasure and the outdoor activities it promotes, they are being wildly hypocritical and need to be called on it.

Visit savetillsonlake.com to learn more and enjoy its beauty. Write or phone the listed agencies to tell them what you think.

Also, be sure to visit the lake to understand what we might lose. Doris Chorny, Gardiner