Welcome to Episode 174 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! This week, we're joined by Tom Gravel, Senior Project Land Manager at the Open Space Institute, for an in-depth conversation about OSI’s recent massive 3,100-acre acquisition on Blue Hill in the southern Catskills. We dig into what this means for conservation, recreation, and the future of public access in the region. We also take a look at the development plans for the former Black Bear Lodge, a bizarre case of hikers getting lost while tripping on mushrooms and a recent rescue on Blackhead Mountain. Whether you're here for land conservation talk, trail safety, or the weird stories the mountains always seem to offer—this episode has something for you. Make sure to subscribe on your favorite platform, share the show, donate if you feel like it… or just keep tuning in. I'm just grateful you're here. And as always... VOLUNTEER!!!!

Links for the Podcast: https://linktr.ee/ISLCatskillsPodcast, Donate a coffee to support the show! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ITLCatskills, Like to be a sponsor or monthly supporter of the show? Go here! - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ITLCatskills/membership

Thanks to the sponsors of the show: Outdoor chronicles photography - https://www.outdoorchroniclesphotography.com/, Trailbound Project - https://www.trailboundproject.com/, Camp Catskill - https://campcatskill.co/, Another Summit - https://www.guardianrevival.org/programs/another-summit

Links: Open Space Institutes, Trust for public land, DEC seeks public comments for forest growing,

Volunteer Opportunities: Trailhead stewards for 3500 Club -https://www.catskill3500club.org/trailhead-stewardship, Catskills Trail Crew - https://www.nynjtc.org/trailcrew/catskills-trail-crew, NYNJTC Volunteering - https://www.nynjtc.org/catskills, Catskill Center - https://catskillcenter.org/, Catskill Mountain Club - https://catskillmountainclub.org/about-us/, Catskill Mountainkeeper - https://www.catskillmountainkeeper.org/, Bramley Mountain Fire Tower - https://bramleymountainfiretower.org/ 

Post Hike Brews and Bites - Sunshine Colony

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