February, 2026

The Mend

Environmental concerns raised over runoff from proposed warehouse

By Bennett Baumer

A proposed trucking and warehouse development near the fabled Neversink River is being contested by a group of conservation and environmental groups. The development would cover 390 acres along Heiden Road in the town of Thompson, New York. The development would include truck access roads, paved parking areas, on-site wells and septic systems, and stormwater management features in an area equivalent to 25 football fields.

The proposed warehouse site off Exit 107 on Route 17 abuts the Neversink River, famous in fly fishing lore and boasting native brook trout as well as rainbow and brown trout. Multiple environmental and community groups warn the proposed warehouse development could increase water and air pollution due to diesel truck traffic, runoff, and sedimentation. The proposed warehouse development is currently under environmental review.  

The Town of Thompson is the lead agency reviewing the proposed warehouse project. Under New York’s State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), the town made a “positive declaration” in October 2025, meaning that the proposed site could significantly impact the environment. In December, the town advanced the development’s scoping document, the details of which trigger further analysis via a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) around runoff, wastewater, and other potential impacts.

The DEIS is due later this spring. However, members of Trout Unlimited, Catskill Mountainkeeper, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and Theodore Gordon Flyfishers have already been vocal about the potential impacts to the watershed.

“There are no specific plans to deal with runoff or any other environmental concerns,” said Joel Sperber, NYC Trout Unlimited chapter member and Neversink River Unique Area fisher. “The development will bring jobs and tax revenue to the town but will have significant and long-lasting damage to the river and fishery.”

Kroeger USA, LLC is listed as the site’s developer, but according to the Sullivan County Democrat, the developer has not yet signed a leasing agreement with a tenant for the 1.5 million-square-foot facility. Regardless of the ultimate occupant, the potential for dirty runoff into the Neversink—a Class B protected trout stream—and further downstream into the New York City watershed alarms Trout Unlimited and other like-minded groups.

“The best plan is to continue building support both in fisherfolk and beyond, strengthening existing partnerships through collaboration, and hopefully continue to spread the word to affected area communities,” said Corey Escoto, a Theodore Gordon Flyfishers board member.  “I think we need to come into spring hot, capture some public attention, and really blow this issue up even more.”

On February 26, Theodore Gordon Flyfishers will host an event in Manhattan to raise awareness of the environmental threats of the Neversink proposal and another proposed development along Rondout Creek.

Rod and Reel Report

Despite being entranced by nearly every aspect of fly fishing, tying my own flies remained unexplored territory until a few weeks ago. One Saturday in early February I braved the assertive wind chill to attend an intro fly tying class at Orvis. The class was taught by none other than Brian Sheppard, a pro fly tyer, licensed guide, and NYC TU board member.

My fellow students and I huddled around a table, learning how to secure a hook in the vise, carefully hold marabou feathers, and wrap thread with just the right amount of pressure. At times I felt I was not cut out for even the 101 material, but Brian is a patient teacher and I’m pleased to report I came away with a woolly bugger that a trout may someday at least consider.

The 101 classes only run through February, but Orvis has more advanced tying classes and other activities planned for the spring. Follow them on Instagram to stay up on the latest.

- Jason Rintz, NYC TU chapter member

Upcoming Events

Gone Fishin'

Reminder: Annual fishing trips in the works
If you haven’t already, mark your calendars for NYC TU’s annual fishing excursions. We’ll head upstate to the Beaverkill and Willowemoc in early June, and later this summer we’ll journey to Connecticut to camp and fish on the Farmington River. Ticket information coming soon.

Fellow Anglers

Reminder: TU Northeast Regional Rendezvous
The TU Northeast Regional Rendezvous will be held April 10-12 at Roscoe Mountain Club in Roscoe, NY. The gathering features TU leaders, conservation partners, and anglers from all across the region. It’s not too late to reserve your spot for workshops, networking, and activities to connect with fellow anglers. Book your ticket today

Explore the art of fly tying in Midtown
Orvis has been offering a free fly tying 101 class every Saturday in February. Ever wondered what goes into creating the perfect fly? This is the perfect chance to learn. The class is a hands-on, two-hour session led by Orvis’s expert in-store instructors. Sign up below to reserve your seat for the last session of the month.

ℹ️ What: Fly tying 101 class
📅 When: Saturday, February 28, 11am-1pm
📍 Where: Orvis, 489 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017
Learn more

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