TRR photo by David Hulse (Click for larger image)

Controversial access opens

MONGAUP — After years of argument and dissent, a New York State Department of Transportation highway electronic sign last week was marking the entrance for a new boating access and parking area at the confluence of the Mongaup and Delaware Rivers in Lumberland.

The access area, which was not foreseen in the Upper Delaware River management plan has been called unsafe, for its proximity to the Mongaup Wave, and a further intrusion on the undeveloped Mongaup area.

Deerpark Upper Delaware Council delegate Phil Chase last month threatened officials with future legal action, saying he planned to be in touch with the family of the first drowning victim launched from the site.

Supporters say the access eliminates a traffic safety problem at a nearby unauthorized access.

A state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) construction crew recently completed the new area, which will be managed jointly by DEC and the National Park Service.