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“We have a unique opportunity to create a world-class tourism destination, directly impact public health, and

improve the overall quality of life in our region.”

-Ulster County Executive Michael P. Hein

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Project Goals:

Connect City of Kingston neighborhoods to open spaces (Ashokan Reservoir) Increase tourism to Ulster County and Hudson Valley region Encourage outdoor recreation & promote healthy lifestyles Expand non-motorized transportation alternatives Create links to the Hurley Rail Trail & Wallkill Valley Rail Trail

Project Vision:

Develop a multi-use recreational trail from Kingston to and along the Ashokan Reservoir that will link the Hudson River and Walkway over the Hudson to the Catskill Park and create a world-class tourism destination.

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Background and Brief History:

Railroad chartered and construction started (1866) Railroad line extended from Kingston to Oneonta (1900) U&D Railroad carries 676,000 to Catskill resorts (1913) Last commercial passenger train leaves Kingston (1976) Ulster County purchases 38.6 miles of U&D corridor--

City of Kingston to Delaware County border (1979) County signs 25-year lease with Catskill Mountain Railroad

Company (1991) for tourism railroad operations Planning Study considers feasibility of rail trail (2006) County Executive Michael Hein proposes development of

Catskill Mountain Rail Trail (2012) from City of Kingston to the Ashokan Reservoir and west into the Catskills

Governor Andrew Cuomo includes $2 million for rail trail in 2013-2014 Executive New York State Budget (2013)

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Future Linkages to Regional Trails and Tourism Attractions:

Historic City of Kingston & Hudson River

O&W Trail/ Hurley Rail Trail Wallkill Valley Rail Trail &

Rosendale Trestle Belleayre Mountain Trails Pine Hill Lake Day Use Area Walkway over the Hudson &

Dutchess County Trails

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Connecting midtown Kingston neighborhoods

to the Ashokan Reservoir and Catskill Park

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Trail Section from midtown Kingston to Route 209

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Trail Section from midtown Kingston to Route 209

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Trail Section from Route 209 to Ashokan Reservoir

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Ulster County Support for Trail Development:

2006: Trail Feasibility Study for U&D Corridor 2007: Ulster County Open Space Plan highlights goals to link County’s rail trails and connect neighborhoods with open spaces 2008: County Non-Motorized Plan cites U&D trail project2010: Long Range Transportation Plan includes U&D project as future public multi-use trail 2012: Ulster County Trails Advisory Committee supports rail trail proposal announced by County Executive Michael Hein

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Trail Development Steps & Issues:

Resolve Outstanding Legal Issues Contractual issues with Catskill Mountain Railroad (CMRR) Rail banking & protection of corridor right-of-way

Clarify Strategy for Project Development County or non-profit lead-- State agency involvement Funding sources for planning and construction Agreements with NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP)

Address Constraints and Challenges in Corridor Crossings of Esopus Creek and roadways, e.g. Route 209 Drainage improvements & replacement of damaged embankments Examine dual use feasibility

Determine Long-Term Operations and Maintenance Model Public/ non-profit/ hybrid model Partnerships with businesses and State agencies (e.g., ORDA)

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How You Can Help:

Voice your support for the trail proposal Offer technical assistance and guidance for project Identify existing and anticipated funding sources Consider potential roles in development and future

maintenance of rail trail sections Assist with required permits and approvals Support marketing and promotion of the rail trail Facilitate and assist in connecting Catskill Mountain

Rail Trail to other County and regional trails

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Potential Project Partners:

National Park Service • NYS Empire State Development NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation

NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation NYS Dept of Transportation • Olympic Regional Development Authority

New York City Department of Environmental ProtectionHudson River Valley Greenway • Rails-to Trails Conservancy

City of Kingston • Kingston Land Trust • Open Space Institute Catskill Mountainkeeper • Woodstock Land Conservancy

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference • Catskill Watershed Corporation

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Thank You for Your Support!!

Ulster County Executive Michael P. Hein244 Fair Street, PO Box 1800

Kingston, NY 12402(845) 340-3800

For additional information, please contact Chris White at (845) 340-3338 or cwhi@co.ulster.ny.us