Save Tillson Lake

Dear Editor: News arrived recently that the Palisades Interstate Park Commission intends to “dewater” Tillson Lake, a lake that has been in the Gardiner/Wallkill, N.Y., community since 1930 (minus vengeful draining in 1983).

The dam is evidently in need of repair and, rather than find the money to fix it, there is an intention to alter the Minnewaska State Park Preserve Master Plan that requires the park to take care of the dam. The community wants the park to observe its mandate to take care of the lake, including the dam.

In Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2019 budget, it appears there is money to be had. His budget supports state Department of Environmental Conservation capital projects through New York Works. Here is the quote:

“The budget includes $40 million for [the Department of Environmental Conservation] to address a variety of capital needs to improve access to state lands, rehabilitate campgrounds, and upgrade its recreational facilities, all as part of the Adventure NY program. This funding will also provide for health and safety repairs to state infrastructure, including dams.”

That’s more than enough money to repair Tillson Lake’s dam. Has the commission and/ or Minnewaska State Preserve done due diligence to acquire the money? Can the Department of Environmental Conservation be called upon to stand by our community to protect this valued resource? Will the governor stand by his commitment to support open space, encourage outdoor activities and develop tourism?

It is vital that all concerned phone or write Cuomo, state Sen. John Bonacic, R-Mount Hope, Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, D-Kingston, (or Assemblyman Brian Miller, R-New Hartford, for those living in Shawangunk) and county Legislator Tracy Bartels, of Gardiner, as well as U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both Democrats, and U.S. Rep. John Faso, R-Kinderhook.

Insist that Tillson Lake’s dam be repaired in order to keep it the treasured resource that it is.

Doris Chorny, Gardiner