Inside


this Issue • P 1-2 Hurricane Irene


• P 2 Yellow Perch


• P 3 Outdoors While Indoors: Catskill Peak Experiences


• P 3-4 Reid Bauer • P 4 Fishing Signs • P 4 Hunting Camp


• P 5 Highlight Hike: HIgh Falls • P 6 Floating Islands • P 7 Maple Syrup


• P 8 Wildlife Spotlight: Luna Moth


Upcoming Events


» Nov 5


7:00 p.m Free Astronomy Workshop


» Nov 18-23 Hunting Camp


» DEC 10


1:00 p.m. Free GeoCaching Hike


» JaN 8


1 p.m. Free Cross Country Ski Hike


» FEB 12 1 p.m. Free Snowshoe Hike


» MAR 10 1 p.m. Free


Maple Sugar Hike


The Forester Frost Valley YMCA Natural Resources Department V OL UME 4 ISSUE 2


Hurricane Irene Slams Frost Valley


On Sunday, August 28th, Hurricane Irene swept its way up the East Coast of the U.S. While most major cities and towns were spared from any substantial damage, the Catskills were not so lucky. Frost Valley received 8¾ inches of rain in about 24 hours, which fell on top of already-saturated ground. Rivers and creeks swelled beyond their banks, flooding most of the low-lying areas of our property. On the day of the storm, the west branch of the Neversink River, which normally flows at 100 – 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) reached an unbelievable 20,000 cfs, according to the United States Geologic Survey.


F A LL 2011


Above: Biscuit Brook carved out a new route and took Pigeon Lodge with it.


Left: Frost Valley Road sustained major damage.


Frost Valley’s most visible damage was to our roads and infrastructure. Many roads and bridges were damaged or destroyed and Pigeon Brook Lodge, an 83-year old building, was washed away. The storm also damaged many areas of property that will be of interest to Natural Resource Members. For Fly Fishing Members, the most significant change will be the reshaping of many sections of the Neversink and its tributaries. Among the most dramatic was Biscuit Brook, which carved itself a new path around the existing log-plank weir by Pigeon Lodge.


For hunters and trail-use members, the changes of note mostly involve damage to our trail system. The list on the following page compiles the most significant issues that will be of concern to users of our trail network. Be aware that some items on this list may be repaired by the start of hunting season. For updated trail conditions or specific questions, contact the Natural Resources Department directly.


story continued on page 2 Biscuit Brook during the flood.


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