The Daily Freeman is reporting two areas of the Ashokan Reservoir will be closed during the months of August and September to allow experts to design upgrades to the dam and dikes that form the reservoir, according to a statement released by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. The work will focus on gathering soil, bedrock and structural information required for the engineering and design of upgrades at several structures around the reservoir. From Mon., Aug. 23 until Tue., Aug. 31, a portion of the Ashokan Promenade, a paved walkway atop the Olivebridge Dam, West Dike and Middle Dike, will be closed. The path will reopen for the weekend and visitors are encouraged to access the promenade from the Fying Pan parking area off Route 28A, or use the Ashokan Rail Trail or Ashokan Quarry Trail. Portions of the 11.5-mile long Ashokan Rail Trail will also close temporarily and a small portion of the parking lot at the Woodstock Dike Trailhead will be closed to accommodate a drill rig that will collect rock and soil samples. The portion of the Ashokan Rail Trail at Glenford Dike will be closed September 13 through 24. While Glenford Dike is closed, visitors are encouraged to use the Ashokan Station Trailhead and the Boiceville Bridge Trailhead to access sections of the trail that will remain open Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.