Staff Report
It was another great day for Andes outdoor recreation on Friday, August 30th with the official opening of the new Shavertown Trail. Its trailhead is located just off Route 30 on the Tremperskill side of the Shavertown Bridge, across from the new boat launch. The 5.3 mile round-trip trail is a moderate uphill climb for the first approximately ¾ mile. It then levels off and provides the wonderful bonus of a scenic outlook of the reservoir alongside a lovely pond with white and pink water lilies. The hiker can complete this 2.3 miles loop or continue on a further loop through the woods, perhaps identifying mushrooms, sighting wildlife and viewing the large rock outcroppings.
The trail on City-owned property represents a collaborative effort between The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Catskill Mountain Club. It was built and will be maintained by the Catskill Mountain Club. Andes’ Steve Berg is president, and Ann Roberti, recognized by all as the firecracker who led this venture, is a Board member. Their leadership and coordination with the Town and DEP surely was critical to an Andes location being chosen and to the follow through that ensured its success.
Deputy Commissioner Paul Rush, who actually ran the trail with the group that hiked it immediately after the ceremony, spoke enthusiastically at the opening saying, “DEP hopes it can support local outdoor enthusiasts and the tourism economy by providing more access for hikers, fishermen, and others.” Steve Berg added that it has been shown that “a primary motivation for coming to the Catskills is interest in outdoor recreation, especially in organized group activities.”
Marty Donnelly, Town Supervisor, gave special thanks to Ann Roberti for leading the trail-building efforts on both the Shavertown Trail and the recently completed Andes Rail Trail and Bullet Hole Spur. She, in turn, thanked the volunteers for their commitment and hard work. They plotted and built the trails and installed markers and a beautiful sign made by Nick Verni. ~