PORT JERVIS—Port Jervis’ watershed and reservoirs have been mostly hidden behind no trespassing signs, gates, and private roads for decades, keeping the roughly 2,000 acres north of the city in pristine condition.
A few years ago, Mayor Kelly Decker and Recreation Director John Faggione started talking about opening up the land to hikers, bikers, and non-motorized vehicles. Just last year, a new trail system started taking shape in the watershed area and Faggione estimates about seven of the roughly 25 miles have already been cleared.
“Our goal is to get people into Port Jervis and then from Port Jervis to hit the trails,” Faggione said.
Some of the trails are access roads that already exist, but some will need to be made from scratch, which is where Dejay Birtch comes in.
Birtch is a mountain biker who grew up in Port Jervis and now lives in Arizona. He said it has been a lifelong dream of his to see trails in the watershed, and was happy to offer his expertise in trail-making when approached.
