CLA POSITION ON GAS DRILLING SUPPLEMENTALGENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

CLA continues to monitor technological, legislative and environmental developments in natural gas drilling, recognizing current growing national and regional interest in this energy source. We are also closely watching energy companies' leasing strategies and stand ready to support landowner rights whenever possible. Our goal is to keep property owners well informed on important developments and to represent their best interests at all times within the mandates of our mission.

CLA POSITION ON DEVELOPMENT

The Catskill Landowners Association opposes residential and resort development on ridgelines and slopes that would dramatically impair aesthetic values of the Catskills.

CLA POSITION ON HAMLET EXTENSION

The Catskill Landowners Association is concerned with landowners’ rights and their protection.

Some town supervisors have proposed to extend the territory covered by their hamlets in order to prevent further land acquisition by the City of New York (either in fee or through conservation easement) within the watershed. Arbitrary hamlet extension by town boards and supervisors, without the prior approval of all landowners affected thereby, is an assault on landowning rights that is contrary to law and equity.

The CLA views hamlet extension as a possible arbitrary abrogation of the right of landowners located in these hamlets to sell their land to any willing buyer, be it NYC or anyone else.

Consequently, CLA would encourage all town supervisors and Councils contemplating a Hamlet extension to not pass any such measure without consulting all landowners within the proposed extension and to seek the express approval of these landowners to relinquish their right to sell their property to any other bona fide acquirer, NYC included.

CLA will provide amicus brief support to landowners opposing such arbitray measure in a court of law.