NARROWSBURG, NY — The Tusten Town Council heard the impassioned plea of a local resident who expressed concern about issues at Cackletown Pond. The pond serves as a reservoir for Little Lake Erie and is also a Class 2 state-protected wetland.

A beaver dam within the pond was breached, possibly the result of backhoe activity. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) confirmed an illegal breach and placed a stop-work order. However, further investigation by the resident disclosed that the DEC had granted permits to trap and kill the beavers in the pond.

The breach caused the wetlands to dry up and has raised concerns about the availability of water that would be drawn by the fire department in case of emergency. It has also damaged the habitat of rehabilitated wood turtles that were returned to that environment.

In addition to the DEC, two council members and the state police were also contacted by the resident. The DEC said that because it couldn’t prove who had breached the dam, it could not issue any citations.

Council members noted that in addition to the beavers and turtles, the area is also the residence of timber rattlesnakes and eagles, both protected species, and agreed that most of the area was drained as a result of the breach. In response to the DEC’s statement about not being able to issue citations, Superintendent Carol Wingert noted that in the past, the DEC’s position has been that whatever happens on one’s property is the responsibility of the property owner unless the responsible party can be proven. The council voted to authorize Wingert to send a letter to the DEC urging action on this issue, citing environmental as well as safety concerns.

The council also passed a lengthy resolution urging the DEC to adopt a number of regulatory requirements focusing on air-quality concerns related to the increased build-out of natural gas infrastructure, including but not limited to pipelines and distribution networks and compressor stations. During the discussions preceding the vote, council noted that as New York State continues its efforts to “go green,” the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission supersedes these efforts and the desire of its citizens, such desire being demonstrated by the passage of local prohibitions of such build-outs.

Council also authorized the further advancement of contract negotiations with the New York Power Authority for the design of the town’s LED streetlights.

Addressing other business, Wingert noted that although the damage from the May 15 windstorm was equally devastating, the response time was significantly better than during the winter storms. She also noted that in 2012, a fund had been established through Catskill Hudson Bank to provide relief for victims of calamitous events. Known as the NY-PA Fire Victims Fund, the funds can be used to provide help for storm victims as well. Donations to the fund are tax-deductible.

The council also approved the annual firefighters’ parade on July 4 at 3 p.m.