ELLENVILLE � After all the research, the meetings, and public input, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation, along with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, has finally adopted the Minnewaska State Park Preserve Master Plan.

Coming at a time of extreme financial strain in New York State, few expected much from the plan in terms of expensive enhancements. However, because the plan does look forward for the next ten to fifteen years there are some interesting possibilities. As a recent press release states, "Factors such as the availability of funding, the need to invest in rehabilitation of existing park infrastructure and other pressing needs in the entire state parks system will influence the sequence and timing of the improvements."

Some of the most important highlights from the plan include:

• Implementing ridgewide efforts focused on fire management, deer impacts on biodiversity and invasive species control;
• Developing a climbing management plan to indicate additional areas suitable for rock climbing;
• Creating a looped single track mountain bike trail system and enhancing the existing roads for hiking and horseback riding; and,
• Reusing the former Phillips House as the preserve office and visitor center, and improving parking lot designs.

Eric Humphrey, Park Manager at Minnewaska, said that in addition to those highlights there was another point that would be of interest in Ellenville.

"We submitted a grant proposal along with the Nature Conservancy for federal money, under forest fire control, and that produced some money, about $100,000 to go into road improvements on the Smiley Road," Humphrey said. "We expect that to be done within the next year, perhaps two."

Naturally, Jeff Kaplan, Mayor of Ellenville was happy to hear this news.

"I am ecstatic to hear that," he said. "Right now our focus is on the Rails to Trails, which passes right by the Berme Road Park and the entrance to the Smiley Road. We would clearly want to take a look at that, and see what we could do, if there was cooperation from the state."

Humphrey, naturally, placed that news within his larger concerns.

"One of my biggest priorities is to restore the 35 miles of historic carriage roads in Minnewaska Park," he said. "The Smiley Road serves multiple functions, search and rescue, forest fire control as well as possible access."

Regarding the Berme Road Park entrance to Smiley Road, Humphrey said, "The entrance there is basically adequate. We have a kiosk there now. With this plan we tried to make a realistic document, not an idealistic one. We focused on sustainability, and rehabilitation of existing structures, and we're projecting this out over the next ten to fifteen years."

Humphrey added, "We hope to use the former Phillips House as a visitor center and office complex, and we would like to have a complete restroom facility, with proper septic system, for visitors."

State Parks Commissioner, Carol Ash, said, "People visit parks for many different reasons, and providing opportunities for all requires a delicate balance, especially at a popular and ecologically sensitive park like Minnewaska. The updated Master Plan will provide new opportunities for diverse recreational users, while maintaining the high level of stewardship necessary for the magnificent Shawangunk Mountain park preserve."

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 178 state parks and 35 historic sites. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call (518) 474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com.