Welcome to the First Annual CAT race

We're working hard to prepare an amazing race along and on the Cannonsville Reservoir and hope you join in. Our Cannonsville Adventure Triathlon will feature a 6.3 mile run, followed by a 7-8 mile paddle (we're still working on that leg), finishing with a 12 mile bike ride. There will be individual and team registrations.  The event will be held Sunday, June 5th, with a pre-race meeting at 8am in Deposit. The race will start at 10am at the west end of the reservoir by the Roods Creek landing. The boating leg will start and end at the Patterson landing. The finish will be in front of the Hancock House Hotel and will be followed by festivities and an awards ceremony.

As you may know, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) has opened up the Cannonsville Reservoir to recreational boating (canoe, kayak, and sailboat) for the last two years under a three year Pilot Boating Program. Boats are required to be steam cleaned and permitted (permits last no longer than a week). The Catskill Watershed Corporation paid for the boat cleaning, and provided funds for an independent consultant study, porta-johns, and other program expenses during the first two years. Going forward in 2011, boaters will be required to pay for their own boat cleaning. There are 5 area boat cleaning businesses that wrap the reservoir from Downsville to Deposit, to Walton and then Sidney Center. There were 9 launch sites that were created - all outfitted with parking areas and port-a-johns. Last year over 400 people took advantage of this amazing outdoor resource.  The waters, while flat, do have currents and provide a great boating experience.  Bald eagles nest along the eastern portion of the reservoir and can often be seen scouting the waters for fish.  Eagle nesting areas (eastern most part) are off limits to paddlers during the nesting season (ends Sept 1st).

This race will be a coordinated effort between Delaware County, the town and village of Hancock, local and state highway departments, local law enforcement offices, NYC DEP, CWC, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the Hancock and Deposit chambers. Funding for this first race is being provided by the Catskill Watershed Corporation.  For more information please contact Mary Beth Silano at msilano@delawarecounty.org.