Beware

It has come to my attention that two houses have been broken into in Woodland Valley in the past couple of weeks. Both of the break-ins have been mid-valley. I don't have a lot of other information at this point but would advise everyone to make sure their houses are locked securely when they leave.

Also, if you see anything suspicious remember not to try and investigate yourself but to immediately call the Shandaken Police Department.

Frank Mele To Be Honored

For the many fisherman here in WV here is a press release from Library Director Liz Potter for an upcoming event at the Phoenicia Library. Check it out!

Frank Mele to be Honored at Phoenicia Library

Phoenicia Library, 48 Main Street, Phoenicia, NY  845.688.7811  Program is free.

Saturday, March 19th, 12:30 - 2:30

Bethia Waterman, bethia.waterman@gmail.com    845-254-4116

The Jerry Bartlett Memorial Angling Collection kicks off its 20^th birthday celebration with a “Fishing Fever Forum” panel discussion devoted to legendary fly fisherman Frank Mele on March 19, from 12.30 to 2.30 at the Phoenicia Library. Panelists sharing stories about Frank Mele on March 19 include Frank’s son Andy Mele;  DEC biologist Tony Bonavist; John Hoeko, owner of Fur, Feathers and Steel in Fleishmanns; and author/angler Roger Menard.

An accomplished violinist, author, conservationist and fly fisherman, Frank made his home in Woodstock close to the Catskill streams he loved. Outraged at the fish kills downstream from New York City reservoirs during hot summers, in 1973 he formed Catskill Waters, a coalition of local anglers that worked tirelessly to increase downstream reservoir releases. His efforts resulted in passage of the water release legislation in 1975.

Frank’s novel, Polpetto, was published in 1973 and his last complete work, Small in the Eye of the River, was released in 1985. This little book of short stories examines the philosophical aspects of fly fishing and is already a classic in angling literature.

The Fishing Fever Forums continue with three more panels in coming months.

April 16, 2016 – Art Flick, Author, Fly Tyer and Conservationist
May 14, 2016 – DEC Catskill Fisheries Tales from Active and Retired DEC Folks
July 23, 2016 – On the River with Authors, Guides and Catskill Characters

For more information, see www.phoenicialibrary.org or www.catskillanglingcollection.org. This event is made possible with funds from the Catskill Watershed Corporation in partnership with New York City DEP.  The library, located at 48 Main Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464. is fully accessible. 

Attached is a color image of the program 

--

Elizabeth Potter

Director, Phoenicia Library
(845) 688-7811

Big Rains

We had a lot of rain in the last couple of days (thank God it wasn't snow I would still be shoveling!). The worst of it came late yesterday afternoon into last night. It was torrential at times with thunder and lightening.

The Esopus rose over 12 feet in the wee hours of this morning. Flood stage is 11ft but in Phoenicia the real problems usually start around 16 feet. Thank God the creek didn't go anywhere near that mark.

The Woodland Valley Creek went up around 7.5 feet and is running very brown (as is the Esopus). I get automated emails from the USGS gage at Woodland Valley when this creek gets high. For those of you who would like to see the WV USGS gage (for stream height scroll down) for yourselves you can go to: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?0136230002 and check it out.

The storm is passing at this point but it was a crazy one and I am DEEPLY grateful to the powers that be that it was rain and not snow.

Dog Park In Shandaken

With the beautiful weather we are having today some of you may be looking for a place you can run your fur babies off-leash. If you don't know about it already, there is a great dog park and agility center in Shandaken. It is up on Rt 42 at Glen Brook Park. There are different areas for large and small dogs and benches for you to sit and watch the activity. There are also ramps and other things to practice agility training if your dog seems inclined. So while we have this interlude of mild temperatures get out there with your furry friends. It will help both of you beat your cabin fever!

New Shandaken Newsletter

Town Clerk, Joyce Grant, has started a new newsletter for Shandaken. It is called the Shandaken Quarterly. The first issue (Winter 2015-2016) is available at local establishments all through the town. It has a lot of general information about the area as well as some special event dates and times. Look for it when you go out. And if you have something you want Joyce to include in the next issue give her a call at 845-688-5004 or drop by to see her at town hall.

Cold, Then Snow, Then Rain - (All With Wind)

The wind began to switch, the house to pitch, and suddenly the hinges started to unhitch, just then……….ok, maybe there were no tornadoes, flying houses or munchkins but the weather up here has been wild.

Over the weekend the temperatures were sub-zero for a couple of nights in a row (-14 on Saturday night and -4 on Sunday night according to my thermometer). Then yesterday it snowed, first lightly in the afternoon then more heavily in the evening. The accumulation was about 4-5 inches by late last night. However the snow changed to rain sometime during the night and melted everything on the ground by morning.

Today it rained like crazy. The creek is running quite high and brown. And the winds have been blustery throughout all of these changes. There are many, many twigs and branches down along Woodland Valley Road so be careful if you have to drive.

Right now the temperatures are well above freezing but I am not sure how long they will stay that way. Be careful driving and of puddles in your driveway or walkways when you exit your car. They may freeze up overnight and create slippery, hazardous walking conditions.

Burroughs' Butter Biscuits

Recently Woodland Valley resident Paul Misko dropped me some of his newest confections, the delicious Burroughs' Butter Biscuits. Here is what Paul had to say about them. 

John Burroughs, c. 1837-1921, hiked and fished throughout the Catskills, and became America's leading naturalist. His writings encouraged many to follow in his footsteps, and some were led into one of his favorite places...Woodland Valley. He visited here many times over the years to hike, camp, and fish.  He later tried to buy some land in this valley, and encouraged his friend President Theodore Roosevelt to build a place here as well.

     Read his essay, "Heart of the Southern Catskills", and you will see that there were many times when he could have really used some..

Burroughs' Butter Biscuits.

They can be purchased at "The Nest Egg" in Phoenicia.

- Paul 

New Snow

The valley saw some snow overnight but the accumulation is minor, maybe 2 inches at the most. The ground was bare when we got the snow so there is no underlying snow pack. We are expecting some intermittent flurries over the next couple of days and I will keep you posted on any significant buildup.

The town plow trucks have been by to sand and salt the road so driving should be fine. And just to remind anyone who needs it there is a free sand/salt mix for your driveway in back of town hall for all residents. You just need a bucket and shovel to collect it. But if you have an icing problem in your driveway it is a great resource.

Stay warm!

The Latest Higley Farm Stand News

For those of you who have been following the Town of Shandaken's legal struggles with the Higley Farm Stand in Mt Tremper there has been some recent news. State Supreme court justice Mary Work has fined the Higleys $126,200 for ignoring zoning rules and illegally operating a farm stand in the town.

If you would like to read more about this decision you can go to: http://www.dailyfreeman.com/general-news/20160203/owners-of-embattled-shandaken-farm-stand-fined-126200