Government

NYS DEC Announces 2024 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge

Published

3 years ago

December 20, 2023

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the 2024 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge to highlight the world-class tourism destinations and recreational opportunities in the Catskill Park. Launched in 2019, the Challenge draws participants from every region of New York, as well as 11 other states and countries, including Canada.

“To introduce more New Yorkers and visitors to this awe-inspiring experience, DEC is renewing the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge for 2024 to highlight the spectacular vistas found in this majestic park,” said Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Over the past five years, the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge has drawn thousands of outdoor enthusiasts to the unparalleled experience of viewing the natural wonders of the Catskill Mountains from one of the park’s historic fire towers. The Fire Tower Challenge is introducing the next generation of environmental stewards to the Catskills, helping keep this tradition alive for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.”

For nearly a century, observers watched the forests of New York State, including the Catskill and Adirondack Forest Preserve, from more than 100 fire towers perched atop the highest peaks, to search for dangerous, telltale signs of forest fires. This Catskills Fire Tower Challenge highlights the park’s remaining public fire towers.

The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge encourages experienced hikers to visit the region’s remaining fire towers located on Balsam Lake Mountain (Hardenburgh), Hunter Mountain (Hunter), Overlook Mountain (Woodstock), Red Hill Mountain (Denning), and Tremper Mountain (Shandaken), as well as the newest and sixth fire tower opened in fall 2019. The 80-foot-tall Upper Esopus Fire Tower is located at the Catskills Visitor Center in Mt. Tremper and provides an opportunity for visitors who may not otherwise be able to undertake more challenging hikes to experience a fire tower on the high peaks in the Catskills.

Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center, said, “The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge offers new visitors an ideal introduction to hiking and outdoor recreation within the Catskill Park. By providing a specific set of goals, simplifying the decision-making process, and fostering a built-in sense of accomplishment, new hikers are rewarded with more than just great views. The Challenge allows new hikers to build their skills and confidence across a variety of trails, while bringing them into contact with the Catskill Center’s knowledgeable Catskills Stewards and Fire Tower Project volunteers, who are ready to share valuable information about the Park, the historic significance of the fire towers, and tips for recreating responsibly. The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge is an opportunity to break down barriers to the outdoors and invite new visitors to discover all that the Catskill Park has to offer.”

For more information about the Catskills and to experience the easiest to reach fire tower in the region, visit the Catskills Visitor Center on Route 28 in the heart of the Catskill Park. Grounds are open to the public every day during daylight hours. Situated on 60 acres of forest, fields and wetlands, the Catskills Visitor Center offers a visitor information center, gift shop, 1.5 miles of peaceful nature trails (including ADA-accessible trails), picnic areas, a covered pavilion, wildlife viewing, Esopus Creek access, and much more. Visitors can connect with staff and find valuable information, maps, and advice about all the activities available in the 700,000-acre forest preserve.

Ross D. Levi, Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism, said, “The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge offers a unique way to explore and experience the great outdoors in this picturesque region. Climbing up a fire tower for a bird’s eye view is an unforgettable adventure, and I LOVE NY encourages residents and visitors alike to join the challenge and discover another reason it’s so easy to love New York State.”

To participate in the challenge, hikers must hike to all six DEC-owned fire towers in the Catskills between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024. Once completed, participants submit a log of their completed hikes along with a favorite photo to CatskillsChallenge@dec.ny.gov, or via mail. Entries must be postmarked by Jan. 6, 2025. Full details can be found at the 2024 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge page.

All participants who complete the challenge will receive a letter and a commemorative Catskills Fire Tower Challenge patch designed with the 2024 completion year. The first 1,000 finishers will also receive a one-year subscription to DEC’s Conservationist magazine. Again this year, finishers who completed the challenge multiple times will receive an additional commemorative Catskills Fire Tower Challenge prize. Upon completion, finishers will be able to download a customizable certificate and will be eligible to win prizes after the challenge period is closed. Finishers will be entered into a grand prize drawing. To promote responsible recreation, DEC will offer a bonus prize entry to finishers who also submit a photo of themselves practicing Leave No Trace^TM while participating in the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge (e.g., picking up litter, carrying out, planning and preparing for their hikes, staying on the trail).

The 2023 challenge, which continues through the end of the year, has drawn more than 450 finishers to date. With DEC giving participants a full year to complete the challenge, hikers can take their time. Hikers who would like to get a jump start on the Challenge for the new year can complete their first fire tower of the Challenge as part of a guided First Day Hike. The Catskill Center, in partnership with DEC, will host a guided fire tower hike on Jan. 1, 2024, at the Upper Esopus Fire Tower. Space is limited and preregistration is required for the hike. For additional details and to register, visit the First Day Hikes 2024 page.

Government

Rockland County HEAP 2026-2027: Applications Open November 2

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With winter approaching and heating costs putting pressure on household budgets, Rockland County residents will be able to apply for financial assistance through the 2026–2027 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

The Rockland County Department of Social Services announced that applications for Regular HEAP benefits will open Monday, November 2, 2026. The federally funded program helps eligible low-income households pay their home heating bills.

Residents do not need to have a heating emergency or receive a utility shutoff notice to apply. County officials are encouraging eligible households to submit applications early.

“With high heating costs putting pressure on household budgets, HEAP can help eligible low-income households, including older adults, people with disabilities, and families with young children, keep their heat on and stay warm this winter,” said Pat Frawley, Rockland County Commissioner of Social Services.

How Much Heating Assistance Is Available?

For the 2026–2027 heating season, base Regular HEAP benefits for eligible households that pay directly for heating include:

$400 for households using natural gas or electricity.
$990 for households using oil or propane.

Additional benefits may be available depending on household income and whether the household includes a child under age six, an adult 60 or older, or someone with a disability.

Both homeowners and renters may qualify, including some residents whose heating costs are included in their rent. Benefits are generally paid directly to the household’s heating supplier.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on:

Household income and family size.
The type of heating fuel used.
Whether the household includes a young child, older adult or person with a disability.

Households with active Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance (TA) cases may not need to file a separate Regular HEAP application.

How to Apply

Starting November 2, residents can apply through the following options:

Online: myBenefits.ny.gov
In person or by mail: Rockland County Department of Social Services, 50 Sanatorium Road, Building L, Pomona, NY 10970.
By phone: Call 845-364-3486 to see if you qualify for a telephone application.
By email: RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us
By fax: 845-364-3130.

Residents applying by mail, email, fax or in person must submit a completed and signed application along with the required supporting documents.

Emergency Heating Assistance Begins in January

Additional assistance will become available January 4, 2027, when Emergency HEAP opens for eligible households facing a heating crisis, such as a utility shutoff or a shortage of heating fuel.

Emergency applications cannot be submitted online through myBenefits. Residents must contact the HEAP Unit for assistance.

Homeowners may also qualify for help repairing or replacing heating equipment through the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program, as well as assistance through the Clean and Tune program. Both programs opened October 1, 2026.

Where to Get More Information

For questions about eligibility, applications or available heating assistance, contact the Rockland County HEAP Unit:

Phone: 845-364-3486
Email: RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us
Fax: 845-364-3130

HEAP benefits are subject to available funding. Residents are encouraged to apply early.

Government

Rockland County Warming Center Opens November 1 for Winter

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

As colder weather approaches, Rockland County is preparing to provide shelter and essential services to residents experiencing homelessness with the reopening of its Warming Center on November 1.

County Executive Ed Day and Social Services Commissioner Patrick Frawley announced that the Rockland County Warming Center, located at the Dr. Robert L. Yeager Health Center in Pomona, will begin its winter season at 5 p.m. Sunday, November 1.

Operated by the Rockland County Department of Social Services (DSS), the facility can accommodate up to 75 homeless single adults each night, providing a warm and safe place to stay during the cold winter months.

The center will generally operate overnight, allowing guests to stay through the following morning. During periods when temperatures, including wind chill, fall below 32 degrees, the facility will also remain open during daytime hours.

Beyond providing a warm and safe place to rest, the Warming Center will offer guests access to essential services, including hot meals, showers and laundry facilities. On-site staff will also help individuals apply for public assistance benefits, explore job placement opportunities, obtain housing referrals and connect with other supportive services.

Transportation Available From Four Rockland Communities

Transportation to the Warming Center will be available from designated pickup locations in Nyack, Haverstraw, Spring Valley and Pomona.

The transportation schedule is as follows:

Nyack: 7 p.m. at Broadway and Burd Street, in front of First Reformed Church of Nyack.
Haverstraw: 7:30 p.m. from the commuter parking lot across from Village Hall.
Spring Valley: 5:30 p.m., 6:10 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. at the Spring Valley Bus and Train Station.
Pomona: 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Building L bus shelter on the Health Center campus.

County officials encourage residents who may need assistance, as well as those seeking information for someone experiencing homelessness, to contact the Department of Social Services.

For additional information about the Warming Center and available services, call the Rockland County Department of Social Services at (845) 364-2332 or (845) 608-6670.

Rockland County also operates an Emergency Family Shelter specifically for children and families. You can contact the Rockland County DSS or call their Rockland County Warming Center information line at (845) 364-2332.