Updated rules are released for fishing, boating and hiking across 137,000 acres of the state including areas of Delaware and Schoharie Counties. The regulations are implemented by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection which manages the watersheds in those two counties.

One of the new rules states:

"All persons 16 years of age and older must complete an application for and receive, maintain and carry a valid Access Permit in order to access Hiking Areas, Fishing Areas, Hunting Areas and Recreational Boating Areas for recreational purposes as defined in these rules. Entry onto City Property, other than Public Access Areas and Designated Use Areas, without a valid Access Permit, Guest Pass, or without appropriate accompaniment as described herein, is prohibited and shall be considered a trespass.  The Access Permit application shall be available for download or completion on the NYCDEP website for pick-up at NYCDEP facilities in New York City, NYCDEP offices throughout the Watershed and such other locations as indicated on the NYCDEP website. No application fee is required. "

Officials say the goal is to improve recreational access around reservoirs and the watershed lands that surround them. The new rules go into effect on June 30, 2019.

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