Conserving forested land surrounding the Port Jervis watershed will help maintain the quality of drinking water for city residents. Similarly, conserving riparian areas along the Neversink-Basher Kill corridor can also ensure the quality of groundwater supplies. The Neversink – Basherkill Aquifer, the Town of Deerpark’s largest aquifer, is recharged through the infiltration of water from the Neversink River, Basher Kill, and precipitation from the surface.
Goals
Protecting Drinking Water Quality
Rio Reservoir • Photo by Kevin Kreischer
Boehmler Pond • Photo by Mike Ward
Flood Mitigation
Protecting large tracts of forest, floodplains, and river corridors upstream from residential areas can help mitigate risks associated with flooding, stormwater and mountain runoff, and erosion, which can be hazardous to human health, private property, and infrastructure.
Maintaining Biodiversity
Supporting diverse populations of plant and animal life, including endangered and at-risk species, can be achieved by protecting vital habitat and migration routes. The potential for establishing permanent conservation connectivity between the Port Jervis Watershed Park, Mongaup Valley Wildlife Management Area, Neversink Unique Area, and Bashakill Wildlife Management Area would ultimately sustain this wilderness region for generations to come.
Fisher • Photo by Wayne Decker
Supporting Recreation & Sporting Traditions
Land conservation enhances outdoor recreation and promotes sound and healthy populations of fish and game. Securing hunting and fishing opportunities for future generations is dependent upon the lands and waters that species like whitetail deer, black bear, ruffed grouse, and turkey require in order to thrive.
Port Jervis: Portal to the Last Wilderness
Protecting land important for water quality and recreation around the City of Port Jervis and Town of Deerpark will enhance Port’s stature as the region’s premier destination for outdoor recreation by showcasing the bountiful, natural assets that surround the city.
More than just the Watershed Park
Given its proximity to the Delaware River, Mongaup Valley Wildlife Management Area, Neversink Unique Area, and Bashakill Wildlife Management Area, the City of Port Jervis is truly the portal to the last, great wilderness of Orange County.
As such, Port Jervis has the potential to benefit greatly from the untapped marketing, branding, and tourism value brought upon by outdoor recreation, a proven driver of sustainable, economic development. The Watershed Park, in combination with the majestic, natural assets nearby, can help transform day-trip visits into revenue-generating weekend stays.
Port Jervis • Photo by Mike Ward