Highland Reviews Environmental Report for $40M Camp FIMFO Project

In the Town of Highland, a years-long debate over the proposed Camp Fimfo resort-style campground is approaching a critical juncture. The local planning board is now reviewing a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) that could determine the future of the $40 million redevelopment project.River Reporter journalist Liam Mayo, who has followed the project since its inception, joined Radio Catskill to break down the latest developments and what’s at stake for the local community.From Rustic to ResortThe Camp Fimfo proposal would dramatically transform the existing Kittatinny Campground in Barryville—historically a traditional tenting site on the Delaware River—into a modern “glamping” destination under national developer Northgate Resorts.“They’re proposing to invest over $40 million into structural upgrades and rebranding the campground under their Camp Fimfo chain,” Mayo explained. “That includes updating sewer systems but also changing the fundamental character of the site—from rustic camping to high-end cabins and stationary RVs.”That shift has raised concerns among residents who fear the scale and style of the project could overwhelm the quiet rural character of Highland.Concerns Over Safety, Services, and TaxesAs part of the environmental review process, developers submitted a nearly 400-page FEIS responding to a wide range of concerns from community members, government agencies, and environmental advocates. The planning board is now reviewing the document in sections during a series of public workshop meetings.At the heart of community opposition are concerns about environmental risks, emergency preparedness, and local infrastructure. “People are worried that the increased number of visitors will strain local emergency services,” said Mayo. In response, the project team has offered a $25,000 annual payment to support local EMS operations and agreed not to pursue a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement, which had previously stirred controversy.Highland EMS is pushing for more—requesting a 3% annual increase in support, structured staff training, and a detailed emergency management plan.Projected Visitors Under ScrutinyAnother unresolved issue is how the number of future visitors has been calculated. The planning board flagged inconsistencies in the developer’s estimates, suggesting that the comparison to past campground usage patterns may not reflect the reality of a luxury “glamping” site.“The board raised concerns that just because there are fewer campsites now doesn’t mean there will be fewer visitors,” Mayo said. “The use patterns are likely to change, and they want a clearer picture of the actual impact on traffic, services, and land use.”What’s Next?The planning board has not set a strict timeline for completing its review, but officials say the process will likely conclude within a few months. While no final decision has been made, Mayo believes the board is trending toward a conditional approval—one that would require developers to adhere to all mitigation measures outlined in the FEIS.“Everything from noise and traffic to septic systems and land use would be covered,” he said. “If approved, this document becomes a legally binding agreement outlining how those impacts must be managed.”A Test Case for the Future of Camping?Beyond Highland, the Camp Fimfo proposal may serve as a bellwether for the broader region. As interest in high-comfort outdoor accommodations grows, communities up and down the Delaware River are watching to see whether this type of development proves sustainable—or disruptive.“This could mark a shift in what camping means in the Upper Delaware,” Mayo said. “If successful, it might change not just the local economy, but the identity of the area.”The FEIS is publicly available on the Town of Highland website. Planning board workshops continue this week, with the next session scheduled for Wednesday.For updates on this story and other regional news, follow The River Reporter.