Expanded Boating Season On NYC's Upstate Reservoirs Deemed A 'Success'

DEPOSIT, N.Y. (AP) - The expanded boating season on New York City's upstate reservoirs is being called a success.

City environmental officials this summer began allowing small boats on the Neversink, Pepacton, Schoharie, and Cannonsville reservoirs as long as the boats were steam cleaned to protect the drinking water.

The city Department of Environmental Protection says tags were issued to 983 boats this summer, including 697 kayaks and 241 canoes. Almost half the tags were issued to people who live outside the upstate watershed.

The expanded boating access followed a three-year pilot program on the Cannonsville Reservoir. Before 2009, only metal rowboats were allowed on the reservoir and only for fishing.

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