Contributed photo This pooch will appear on the cover of the 2010 Sullivan County Travel Guide, and was unveiled at the annual meeting of the Sullivan County Visitors Association on December 2.

Tourism a Sullivan bright spot

Legislature gives show of support

By FRITZ MAYER

LIBERTY, NY—With county revenues dropping in most sectors, the tourism industry in Sullivan County remains a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy economic landscape.

According to figures from the Sullivan County Visitors Association (SCVA), tourism in the county provided some $40 million in state and local taxes, and employed some 4,600 people; tourists spent about $326 million in the county in 2008, which was 12 percent more than in 2007. This year’s figures won’t be ready for release until April, but Roberta Byron-Lockwood, president of the SCVA, told attendees at the group’s annual meeting and dinner at the Piccolo Paese restaurant in Liberty on December 2 that she’s hopeful that spending will be up by about one percent.

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State to lease more land

Gas tapped for PA budget shortfalls

By SANDY LONG

CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA—When hunters returned to their favorite sporting grounds in Sproul State Forest in Renovo recently, some were shocked to discover nearly a dozen new clearings for natural gas well pads. Over time, the outdoor sporting and recreation community can expect to see more such activity, as the state prepares to open an additional 31,967 acres of state forest for lease.

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Foie Gras battle continues

Serving compassionate carnivores

By FRITZ MAYER

MONTICELLO, NY—“If a politician is looking to make a name for himself, they come after us. If a chef is looking to make a name for himself, they come after our product.” That was Rick Bishop’s way of summing up the two extreme views of the duck liver produced by Hudson Valley Foie Gras (HVFG).

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Other stories in this issue:

• Gas at a Glance
• UDC cites drilling hazmat concerns
• Judge dismisses Barriger suit
• Mental health services cut
• Palmer opens new mega-store
• UDC discusses local bridges
• Wayne budget calls for small increase

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S