But village worries about use of area
With all the rain the Hudson Valley has had this summer, village officials are very pleased to report that the Bog Meadow Reservoir, which provides water for both Highland Falls and Fort Montgomery, is “totally in good shape”.
Those were the words of Mayor Joe D’Onofrio this week as he said that Bog Meadow is very full and the village is often not even having to tap into that water because they also have overflow to be used from the Glycerin Hollow Reservoir.
Village Trustee Gary Phillips gave even more detail Monday evening, saying the reservoir is over 90 percent full.
Residents will remember that it was just about a year ago when village Water Department officials starting getting nervous about quickly lowering levels in the reservoir. While there was significantly less rain in the region last year there were also several large leaks that were detected that were pulling great quantities of water from the overall system. Those leaks were repaired, there was enough rain in the fall and winter and snow over the winter to help fill the reservoir, and all is well again.
But …
Village officials are concerned about two things right now. One is the fact that the recent heavy rains have washed away some of the dirt roadway leading to the reservoir.
“We have some millings from the Main St. repaving that we will be using this week to repair that road,” D’Onofrio said.
Second, he’s had reports from the volunteer “wardens” who keep an eye on the reservoir that people are doing things in that private area that they are not allowed to do — like swimming in the reservoir, and lighting camp fires along its shores.
“That’s our drinking supply, and while we do allow people to take kayaks — but not motorized boats — out in it, and those with fishing licenses can fish there,” he said, “there is no swimming allowed.”
Additionally, no fire arms or bow & arrows are allowed, nor is any type of target practice or hunting allowed. No pets are allowed nor overnight camping. Garbage must be removed when leaving the area.
He said that village and town police have been asked to occasionally patrol in that area, and, as noted, there are volunteers who monitor the area.
The mayor added that while the access road to the reservoir is locked, there are those who leave it open for others to use. That isn’t allowed either — Highland Falls and Fort Montgomery residents can obtain a key at Village Hall, with a valid fishing license and proof of residency.
Those keys are not transferable.
“It’s gaining in popularity,” D’Onofrio noted, “and people do hike in, from the Round Pond area and the Cornwall side. We really need to remind all who use it to please follow the rules … we need to protect our water.”
And back to that water for a minute. D’Onofrio says that part of the reason the reservoir was able to rebound so nicely from last year’s very low level is because community residents were very conscientious about conserving water when asked.
“While we don’t have to be careful right now, we still should be,” he said. “Water conservation is all of our responsibility. Look at what’s going on in California right now. Water is a most precious resource.”
