LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Catskill Mountain Club upon the occasion
of its designation for special recognition by the Central Catskills
Chamber of Commerce on May 21, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality of
life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by the
availability of exceptional recreational clubs and activities offered
throughout communities across this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Catskill Mountain Club upon the occasion of its designation for special
recognition by the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce, to be cele-
brated at its annual awards dinner on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at Hanah
Country Club and Resort in Margaretville, New York; and
WHEREAS, The idea of the Catskill Mountain Club was developed in 2003
when a few employees of the Catskill Center decided the region needed
its own club to promote non-motorized outdoor recreation for all age
groups and abilities; and
WHEREAS, Catskill Mountain Club was officially launched in 2004, by an
all-volunteer board of directors; 14 members now serve on the board, and
several are officers and directors of other regional outdoor organiza-
tions, including Finger Lakes Trail Conference, The Catskill 3500 Club,
and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference; and
WHEREAS, After a decade of serving the community, Catskill Mountain
Club has grown from a small, dedicated group of hikers, to a non-profit
corporation with more than 800 participants; the club has become the
area's premiere source of organized group hiking, paddling, skiing,
biking, trail stewardship and family outdoor educational events in the
Catskill Park and region; and
WHEREAS, Catskill Mountain Club's mission is to not only build and
preserve trails and waterways, but to improve the local community as
well; two trails were built in the Town of Andes, and two more trails
are planned for 2014 on New York City Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) land; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the club has been leading group paddles on the
Pepacton and Cannonsville Reservoirs, both opened by the DEP within the
past few years; and
WHEREAS, Catskill Mountain Club has joined with other local groups to
create the Catskill Park Coalition, formed to educate the state on the
Catskill region's needs for support; with a growth in recreational usage
by residents and visitors, the coalition is dedicated to promoting a
strong infrastructure and appropriate DEC staffing to ensure its contin-
ued success; and
WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, Catskill Moun-
tain Club may take just pride in its purposeful growth, as it looks
forward to continuing to serve the recreational and sporting needs of
the community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Catskill Mountain Club upon the occasion of its designation for
special recognition by the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Catskill Mountain Club.