Dear Town of Highland Planning Board,

Please accept the following written public comment in support of a finding that the applicant’s DEIS is complete and in support of the project. RV Campgrounds, like Camp Kittatinny, are an essential part of the fabric and character of the Upper Delaware Scenic River. Camp Kittatinny has an 80-year history of providing wholesome family and recreational camping to generations of visitors to this segment of the river. The plans for Camp Fimfo build upon this proud tradition and provide much needed upgrades to the camp’s essential infrastructure and environmental systems (including septic, water, storm water collection, electric and better road access to visitors and first responders), ensuring that this vital economic engine – and the Town of Eldred – continues to flourish for another 80 years.

Over the last 4 years, while submitting its proposed improvements to an exhaustive review by the Town, the County, the NY Department of Environmental Conservation, NY Department of Health, NY Department of Transportation, the Upper Delaware Council, the National Park Service and other entities, the Applicant has demonstrated its ability to harmonize with the local community by successfully operating the existing Camp Kittatinny RV Campground. In the 4 years since the Applicant took over operations at Camp Kittatinny, the Applicant has demonstrated its professionalism and commitment to the environment and the community by:

• employing scores of local employees (including local high school students);

• hosting more than 80,000 campers – all while reducing noise complaints and emergency response calls;

• removing more than 16 tons of trash from the Delaware River through its annual River Cleanup Program;

• providing complimentary training to the National Canoe Safety Patrol as well as launch access to the National Park Service and local EMS for river rescue

• operations;

• donating 150 dive suits to local EMS/river rescue teams;

• provided financial and other support to the local food pantry and Town of Eldred Little League.

I am confident that the proposed plans adequately balance the need for modernization of this existing RV Campground with the need to maintain the rural and rustic look and feel of Camp Kittatinny by maintaining and expanding landscaping and natural screening and vegetation and using a neutral earth tone palette to ensure that new infrastructure blends with the natural surroundings.

LETS GO CAMP FIMO – GET IT BUILT!