The New York City Department of Environmental Protection will offer a limited supply of free driftwood from Ashokan Reservoir to artists and craftsmen Friday, Jan. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at a staging area on Beaverkill Road in Olivebridge, near the intersection with Route 28A. DEP staff will be on hand to answer questions and assist artists as needed.
Driftwood is a popular raw material that’s often used by artists for carvings, sculptures and even furniture.
The weathered wood is carried by the Esopus Creek into Ashokan Reservoir, where it regularly piles up in a portion of the reservoir’s west basin known as “Driftwood Cove.” Periodically, DEP removes the wood from the cove so it does not infringe on a nearby boat launch area used by fishermen. The wood will be given away on a first come, first served basis.
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