To the editor:

To Steven Guglielmi, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation:

My wife and I support the preservation of the Debar Pond Lodge. Here is an idea that might make it an active asset instead of a liability for New York state. Lease it out to a lodging company or independent operator who would once again operate it as a lodge/resort.

The COVID pandemic and riots in cities have once again made upstate New York a travel destination, and a rustic lodge in the Adirondack style would be a solid destination. One use might be a destination wedding location! This type of travel destination has become a successful industry in the Catskills of western Sullivan County, where we live.

Use as a winter destination, having winter activities such as snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails would add to its year-round capabilities.

DEC, do NOT get stuck on summer-only tourism! The key to success is year-round tourism, which has been proven by the influx of tourists this year well into the late fall! The whole key to making it a year-round destination will be the creativity of the operator.

Where better to have a social-distancing destination than the remoteness of the North Country of New York state! COVID-19 has given New York state lemons. So let’s make some lemonade!

Marcel and June Carrier

Callicoon and Star Lake