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April 30, 2016
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arts & leisure

‘Got a Minute? Let Me Tell You’

The Catskill Mountains were once an ancient plateau. Sitting atop layered rocks that were formed some 375 million years ago under a Devonian sea, the plateau has been gradually eroded by the down cutting action of glaciers and streams. Today's mountains and valleys are the result. During my walks I often think of this extraordinary geological adventure. The beautiful Delaware valley is the product of a story that has been unfolding for millions of years.

At one time the Catskills were covered by millions of acres of hemlock and pine. Logged unsustainably during the 18th and 19th centuries, the forests were gone by the early 20th century. That loss need not have been as enormous as it became. Having walked some hundreds of miles on the Delaware's banks, I think now of the following question: Shouldn't we pause and reflect before we proceed beyond the precipice with unsustainably exploiting our region's natural resources, including those underground?