WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST?
Once in awhile I get a chance to visit a spot near Sparrowbush, NY. It’s actually in Orange County, but near the Sullivan County border on the Mongaup River. Eagle Creek Renewable Energy manages the Rio Reservoir there for making hyrdroelectic power. Upstream of its office though is something you don’t see every day. A waterpipe runs along the small stream near the road for miles; It’s made of wooden staves and smells of creosote. The pipe is so large that a kid could ride a big wheel inside of it. I have read that these types of pipes were more common in the 19th Century. Perhaps this is a remnant of the power company’s infrastructure back in the day but am unsure. There is no ubiquitous historical sign describing this wooden pipe like there seems for other things far less interesting (to me). In any case, it’s pretty cool to see.
May the Forest Be with You,
Ryan Trapani
Director of Forest Services
Catskill Forest Association