TUSTEN - The Town of Tusten invites community members to participate in an Open House as part of the Town of Tusten Natural Resources Inventory, Open Space and Recreation Plan planning process. The Open House is scheduled for Thursday, August 1st, from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at the Town Hall, 210 Bridge St, Narrowsburg. A brief presentation will be held at 7:00 and 7:45pm. Attendees can drop in any time during the event.

The Town of Tusten has undertaken an effort to develop a Town-wide Natural Resources Inventory (NRI), Open Space and Recreation Plan. The NRI will identify key environmental and open space resources within the Town including wetlands, wildlife habitats, flood zones, forests and more. The Open Space and Recreation Plan will identify priorities for protection and create a foundation for future implementation of conservation projects.

The purpose of the event is to introduce the project, share draft mapping and collect public input on open space priorities. The public will have an opportunity to learn about process, view draft mapping and provide feedback through a series of stations. Town staff, Town Conservation Advisory Council members, and consultant team members will be on hand to answer questions. The information gathered from this activity will help to inform the Open Space and Recreation Plan. All community members are encouraged to participate!

Deputy Supervisor and chair of the Conservation Advisory Council, Jane Luchsinger says, “When asked during the Comprehensive Plan survey, “Why do you live in the Town of Tusten?”, the number 2 reason was because of the “open space and scenery”. We are pleased to undertake this project which looks ahead to protect what is important to Tusten residents.”

The Natural Resources Inventory (NRI), Open Space and Recreation Plan is being developed by the Town of Tusten and guided by the Town’s Conservation Advisory Council (CAC). This project is supported with funding provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation – Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund 2023 and the Upper Delaware Council. The process is being facilitated by Town staff with technical assistance from MJ Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C.

Public engagement is a key component of the project and fundamental to the implementation and success of the plan. Please visit the project website at www.TustenOpenSpaceRecreation.com to stay up to date on the project and share your thoughts and ideas.