FORESTBURGH, NY — The website of Advance Skills Training Institute (ASTI) shows people engaged in whitewater rafting, military training, motocross racing and many other types of outdoor activities. ASTI is seeking a special-use permit to open what it calls an outdoor recreational facility on about 300 acres on Route 52 and Tannery Road in Forestburgh.

Law enforcement officials think this is a good idea, and several of them, including the police chiefs of Liberty and Monticello and the Sullivan County Sheriff have written letters of support, which are included in the application documents on the town’s website, www.forestburgh.net.

The application says, “The project site was previously used for outdoor recreational purposes and has an existing 18-hole golf course with clubhouse. ASTI intends to continue to use the property for outdoor recreational purposes and proposes to develop the following project elements: (1) a high-ropes I obstacle training course; (2) a target shooting range; and (3) a recreational sporting course for driving training.”

It further says, “the project would benefit families, emergency services and law enforcement by providing a world-class facility that will promote recreation opportunities and benefit the local economy.”

The application notes that before a special-use permit is granted, a project must “be in harmony with the purposes, goals, objectives and standards of the town master plan.” A group of about 300 residents calling themselves Forestburgh United doesn’t agree that the project would be in harmony with the town’s master plan, and the residents have contacted various media outlets because they don’t believe the elected officials in the town are getting the message they are sending.

The first listed goal in the town’s master plan, created with the help of Shepstone Management Corporation in in 2006, is to “Preserve the peace and tranquility of Forestburgh life so that residents may continue to enjoy their land and their quality of life.” But that might clash with the fourth goal of the master plan, which is to “Provide for the properly regulated and soundly built development of housing, business and community facilities within the town to meet the needs of residents in a balanced manner.”

A press release sent to various media outlets says the people trying to build the facility are former members of the Navy SEALS, and that, “Forestburgh residents are on a mission to stop these highly decorated Navy SEAL veterans from building their dream.”