NARROWSBURG – The anticipated letter of recommendations from the National Park Service (NPS) regarding the Barryville-based Camp FIMFO project was a point of discussion at the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) meeting Thursday night.

The progress for the project was previously set on pause while the NPS completed its survey, with the project’s moving forward hinging on the environmental report and possible following recommendations from the NPS. The findings that were noted by the NPS’ report sparked discussion from the UDC on what the next step should be, as some felt on the council they should be shared with the UDC’s Project Review Committee before they go before the other entities.

NPS representative Lindsey Kurnath addressed the UDC, stating that the park service originally suggested a collective meeting between the council, the park service, the Town of Highland, and Camp FIMFO leadership.

There were frustrations felt from Town of Hancock representative, Fred Peckham, who noted his feelings that the NPS has not been forthcoming with all of its information on the project, as well as stating that the order of command between the parties involved has become skewed. 

Peckham also noted that the NPS should not be corresponding directly with the applicant, to which Kurnath agreed in saying that she has felt uncomfortable in speaking directly to the applicant since she took on the project in her current capacity.

Some members argued that the specific problems should be brought before the Project Review Committee prior to moving forward. Because of this, the UDC moved and passed a resolution to request that the NPS present their findings to the Project Review Committee at an emergency meeting on Tuesday, June 13.

Kurnath noted on Monday, June 5 that the NPS is considering the request.  

Camp FIMFO

Camp Fun is More Fun Outside (FIMFO) is a proposed $44.9 million project  by Northgate Resorts intended to be installed in the former Kittatinny Canoes location in the Town of Highland.

Camp FIMFO currently has two operational facilities in Texas, located in New Braunfels and Waco. There are plans to open two more locations.

It was previously reported by the Democrat that the project expects to create roughly 89 full-time jobs, and total around $2.5 million in wages.

Ramie’s Report

UDC Executive Director Laurie Ramie reported to the council that the Callicoon, NY-Damascus, Pa. connecting bridge has received attention from the New York-Pennsylvania Joint Interstate Bridge Commission – which approved a major rehabilitation project proposal for the 60s-era bridge.

Additionally, the Skinner’s Fall bridge, which has been closed to the public since 2019, has been earmarked to receive another $1 million to continue studying alternative courses of action for the bridge.

Gratitude was also expressed by Ramie for the support regarding the 2023 Upper Delaware Litter Sweep.

According to the Executive Director, the event raised $6,250 and had $3,935 of expenses, leaving $2,315 as seed money for next year’s sweep.

More information regarding all of these projects can be found on the UDC’s website, www.upperdelawarecouncil.org.