The Catskill Chronicle

To the Editor:

Greetings!

2010 has been an incredible year for the Catskills and for Catskill Mountainkeeper.

We never could have had the impact we did this year without the important support of people like you. On behalf of Catskill Mountainkeeper, I want to thank you for being there for us – and for standing up for the entire Catskills.

Events over the last couple of weeks in the battle over gas drilling has shown what grassroots organizations like Catskill Mountainkeeper can do against powerful deep-pocketed forces like the oil and gas industry. This week’s passage, by the New York State Assembly, of a Moratorium on hydraulic fracturing until May 15, 2011 is a major step for us.

But, and this is a huge but, our recent achievements are only one step in a very long and hard fight. We expect that our recent successes will trigger a strong reaction from the pro-gas interests. As this fight gets bigger and more intense, we will need to push back with everything we’ve got.

Whether it’s fighting unsafe gas drilling, working to manage land development, or promoting sustainable development, Catskill Mountainkeeper is on the ground in the Catskills, out there every day protecting, promoting and enhancing the region.

There is much more that has to be done in 2011 and beyond.  The Catskills is at a crossroads.  What we do right now and in the next few years will determine what our region will be like for decades to come. It is our choice whether we sensibly and strategically utilize our natural resources, natural beauty, close proximity to one of the largest economic markets in the world and develop the extensive talent pool we have or whether we choose to become a highly industrialized area at great health and environmental risk leading to declining quality of life, tourism and agriculture.

As you review your personal end of year giving, we hope you can find a way to make a gift to Catskill Mountainkeeper. It will be put to good use to address both the threats and opportunities that are defining the future of our region. If you have already given a gift this year, thank you and if you can make an additional contribution, it will be important to us in achieving our goals to protect the Catskill region and pursue sustainable smart growth.

You can make a contribution online here or if prefer you can mail a check to:
Catskill Mountainkeeper
P.O. Box 381
Youngsville, NY 12791

If you have any questions or opinions you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you at info@catskillmountainkeeper.org
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Best wishes for a joyous holiday season and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,

Ramsay Adams
Executive Director