Award-winning project vandalized

MINISINK FORD, NY — Members of Highland Renaissance, the all-volunteer beautification group based in the Town of Highland, gathered in Minisink Ford recently to remove graffiti from the Eagle Observation Shelter sited on the Delaware River. Kevin Reish of the National Park Service discovered the vandalism on May 15.

The eagle site is a joint project of Highland Renaissance and The Eagle Institute. A Community Projects State Grant secured by New York State Senator John J. Bonacic and awarded by the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, Inc., with additional funding provided by Sullivan Renaissance, funded the creation of the educational site. The project recently received a Partnership Award from the Upper Delaware Council.

To date, Highland Renaissance volunteers have contributed more than 300 hours of work on construction, landscaping and maintenance at the site. Pictured from left are Richard Quinn, Carol Roig and Arnold Gruel, who were joined by John Back and Herb Wolff. Highland chief constable Mike Walton has asked anyone with information about the incident to contact his office at 845/557-3489. All calls will be kept confidential.