Julia Reischel reports in the Watershed Post recreational boats are now allowed on the Pepacton, the Schoharie and the Neversink reservoirs. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection, which runs the reservoirs, held three separate opening ceremonies at the three city-owned lakes in the Catskills. Before this week, only metal rowboats were allowed and boaters were required to have proper fishing licenses. The new rules open the waters to canoes, kayaks, sculls and small sailboats. Reischel writes "the most glorious waterscapes of the Catskills have been off-limits for generations." The region is the home to most of New York City's drinking water supply, which is stored in six man-made reservoirs built during the last century. To build the reservoirs, entire towns were wiped off the map, their residents relocated and their streets flooded. To learn more about where to get a boat, where to launch and how to comply with DEP rules and regulations go to the department's Web site. Read the full story online at the Watershed Post.