In June 2008 the DEC conducted an investigation and verified the presence of a highly evasive species of fish, Northern Snakehead, in the Ridgebury Lake, Catlin Creek, Valentine and Hyde Pond. This fish is an aggressive predator and extremely likely to have caused significant irreversible impacts. If left unchecked it could establish itself through the contiguous US and disrupt recreational fisheries, harm native fish population and ecosystems.

Therefore, the DEC took immediate action and on August 5, 2008 eradicated the entire fish population. They removed over 8 ton of dead fish and over 220 Northern Snakehead Fish. When the eradication process was complete, they were only able to release 461 native fish back into the Ridgebury Lake.

While the DEC remains committed to helping the restocking efforts, they are having difficulty obtaining the funding needed. Therefore, letters requesting donations were sent to various businesses. We have received generous contributions from Orange & Rockland Utilities, Orange County Trust Co., Dick's Conrete, Horizons at Wawayanda, McGoey, Hauser & Edsall Consulting Engineers, Panattoni Construction Corp. and M&T Bank.

With these generous donations we were able to start the restocking process. On April 14, 2009 Supervisor John Razzano and Laura Slowik released 11,000 Golden Shinners in the Ridgebury Lake. This is the first stage in the restocking effort by rebuilding the food supply chain. We anticipate a larger restocking effort in the next few weeks and again the fall. Bass, Crappies, and Blue Gills will be introduced.

Thank you to all of the companies who have donated to the restocking effort.

Below are images of the fishes being released:

Photo 1,  Photo 2,  Photo 3,  Photo 4,  Photo 5

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Please be advised that on Monday, February 23, 2009, the Town of Wawayanda, Orange County, New York, Planning Board formally   determined by a resolution pursuant to 6 NYCRR 617.9(a)(2) that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement prepared by CPV Valley, LLC and its consultants is complete and accepted as adequate with respect to its scope and content for the purpose of commencing public review.

At its April 22, 2009 regular meeting, the Town of Wawayanda Planning Board voted to extend the public comment period on the CPV Valley Energy Cener Draft Environmental Impact Statement through Thursday, May 14, 2009. Comments may be sent to the Town of Wawayanda Planning Board, attn: Ms. Ann Yates, Chairperson, 80 Ridgebury Hill Road, PO Box 296, Slate Hill, New York 10973. 

To view the DEIS click the following link:   http://cpvvalley.com/impact-study.shtml . A copy of the Draft Envornmental Impact Statement may also be reviewed at the following locations:

Town of Wawayanda Town Hall - 80 Ridgebury Hill Road, Slate Hill, NY 10973

City of Middletown - 16 James Street, Middletown, NY 10940

Wallkill Town Hall - 99 Tower Drive, Building A and B, Middletown, NY 10941

Goshen Lubrary and Historical Society - 203 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10924

Middletown Thrall Library - 11-19 Depot Street, Middletown, NY 10941

For additional information contact: Ann Yates, Chair; Town of Wawayanda Planning Board, 80 Ridgebury Hill Rd., Slate Hill, NY 10973, Telephone 845-355-5712