To the editor:

For the past twenty plus years, under the leadership of long-time Swan Lake resident Nancy Levine, many residents and volunteers have put in countless hours to beautify and improve the Hamlet of Swan Lake with: the Renaissance Parks; Solar Lighting Lamps; the Museum; the Stone Castle feature; the Borscht Belt Plaque; plus numerous benches and flower displays for the public and passers-by to enjoy.

The Catskill Clean Water Fund, established by Swan Lake resident Paul Edelstein, was created in Swan Lake to successfully eradicate the invasive chestnut weed for the last ten years.

This continued effort has kept the waters clear for aquatic life to flourish. The surrounding streams and waters of Swan Lake are under the authorities of the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) as well as the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). 

The fishing community keeps returning to Swan Lake year after year, including ice fishing competitions in the winter.

The wildlife habitat surrounding Swan Lake and adjacent wetlands rely on clean water for their drinking and food supply. 

Bird watching groups come to Swan Lake hoping to catch sight of the resident American Bald Eagles that nest here. The New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) raptor specialists tag the eaglets of Swan Lake after hatching each spring.

The Wolverine Hunting Club is still active on Kelly Bridge Road adjacent to Swan Lake. The horses still graze in pastures on Kelly Bridge Road. Agricultural enterprises still operate on Route 55 in view of Swan Lake.

So the citizens that have come out in force to Town Board meetings over the last seven months have first hand knowledge and do understand the value of preserving our natural and recreational resources in this area of exceptional beauty at Swan Lake.

We must all continue to do everything in our power to preserve and protect this beautiful environmental and recreational treasure from rampant over-development so future generations can also enjoy the magnificent natural wonders of Swan Lake.”

Cora Edwards

Swan Lake