On June 5, 2024, local and regional activists gathered in Narrowsburg, NY to tell the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) that proposed developments happening in this reach of the river are not just unwanted, but are actually unsafe. But you wouldn’t have known that by the River Reporter article on this meeting published on June 5 titled “Where Will They Stay,” because despite testimony about damaging projects the article didn’t reflect what was said by speakers, particularly about Camp FIMFO.

I spoke in my position with Delaware Riverkeeper Network but also as a local landowner in the Upper Delaware, beginning my comment by reminding the Commissioners about the powerful statements and analysis made by the National Park Service that Camp FIMFO does not comply with the River Management Plan of the Upper Delaware River Corridor. This reach of the River is designated as Wild & Scenic, and is held to an especially high standard of protection because of the amazing character it holds in its natural state, hence why the National Park Service has described these reaches of the River as a national treasure.

Mike Edison, a local community member, shared his concern for the entire river because of Camp FIMFO. Mike made a powerful statement: “We know that we have seen more than one 100-year flood in our lifetimes.” He asked, “What is the next big flood, what is the next big storm, going to look like? How do you redefine a 100-year storm if they are happening every 10 or 20 years?”

Anie Stanley was another Catskills community member who came to speak to the DRBC about the problems with Camp FIMFO, saying “There has never been a large corporate resort on the Delaware River for a reason. Why would we have one now?” Anie stressed that the majority of community members have major concerns, ranging from the impact on water resources “taxing local aquifers, residents’ wells, the impact on traffic on the Scenic Route 97, and the impact on wildlife.”

The River Reporter’s article on Camp FIMFO not only lacked in reporting these community concerns and facts, but painted the “need” for Camp FIMFO only by those who would economically or politically gain from it. The River Reporter quoted such individuals, saying “Campers are getting more affluent and attached to creature comforts,” and that “guests just don’t want to sleep on the ground anymore.” 

It is not a battle of forcing people to sleep in tents, but a battle of what is right for the River and what is safe in the wake of the dangers of the climate crisis—and Camp FIMFO is not that. 

Camp FIMFO plans to pack in 283 new and permanent RV cabin structures, all of which will have bathrooms in them. The River Reporter reported that local camping experts said the new septic system planned to be installed “will improve the environment.” This proposal includes the addition of 16 new septic systems. The National Park Service points out in their Substantial Conformance Review that these systems will discharge into the groundwater with a “five-fold increase… of wastewater.” This could result in pollution and negative impacts to the River and its tributaries.

The National Park Service has found Camp FIMFO’s proposal does not “maintain or conserve the essential character of the corridor” and that the proposal fundamentally “intensifies the land use in the campground, failing to maintain the traditional use of a transient campground by installing dwelling units.”

The Upper Delaware River corridor is designated Wild and Scenic because it is a host to such unique and beautiful nature and activities that are accessible to all. It is a place that allows for people of all backgrounds to come and enjoy everything our nature has to offer. People are not opposed to Camp FIMFO because there is a desire to force people to sleep in a tent or to remove “creature comforts.” The opposition is because Camp FIMFO is fundamentally wrong and factually harmful to the Delaware River and its local communities as it is and in the wake of the environmental dangers of the climate crisis.

Anneke van Rossum is the current advocacy and policy coordinator with the Delaware Riverkeeper Network.

Sources: 

River Reporter article: https://riverreporter.com/stories/where-will-they-stay,151602 

“The National Park Service points out in their Substantial Conformance Review that these systems will discharge into the groundwater with a ‘with a five-fold increase… of wastewater. This could result in pollution and negative impacts to the River and its tributaries.’”

Town of Highland, special use permit from Northgate Resorts for Camp FIMFO, Significant Project Substantial Conformance Review by the National Park Service dated June 26, 2023. Page 23.

https://www.knowfimfo.com/s/NPS-Substantional-Conformance-Review-FIMFO-06262023.pdf 

 “The National Park Service has found Camp FIMFO’s proposal does not ‘maintain or conserve the essential character of the corridor’ and that the proposal fundamentally ‘intensifies the land use in the campground, failing to maintain the traditional use of a transient campground by installing dwelling units.’”

Town of Highland, Special Use Permit from Northgate Resorts for Camp FIMFO, Significant Project Substantial Conformance Review by the National Park Service dated June 26, 2023. Page 28.

https://www.knowfimfo.com/s/NPS-Substantional-Conformance-Review-FIMFO-06262023.pdf