Crossroads Ventures LLC wants to build one resort east of the Belleayre Ski Center in the Town of Shandaken, and the other west of the state-owned facility in the Town of Middletown, Delaware County. Overall, the project would feature two 18-hole championship golf courses, two hotels totaling 400 rooms and 351 time-share units.

The steep slopes in this area are covered with trees that help rainwater seep slowly into the ground. Much of the moisture collected in this forest is carried by the Esopus Creek to the Ashokan Reservoir, a major New York City water source. But if 573 acres of trees are gone, there's an increased risk of runoff, which can cause erosion.

State officials seem intent on keeping the resorts from using any toxic chemicals that could get into the groundwater. They should hold the developer to that. Many golf courses use powerful fungicides and pesticides to keep fairways lush and weed-free. But, according to documents filed with the DEC, Crossroads will be limited to compounds that pose little or no risk to plants and animals.

Certainly this project would provide a number of new jobs and tax revenues in an area that could use them. But it could also put further strain on the resources of these local communities -- police, fire and emergency, hospitals and the like -- and add to the traffic on nearby roadways.

Still, the DEC can't afford to overlook the bigger picture. Some other major projects may be coming soon to the general Catskill region -- most notably, American Indian casinos likely to draw huge crowds from the New York City area. Even if they're in separate communities, the combined effect of all this development would surely be significant.

Determining that effect is the official responsibility of the DEC. Holding state officials to that is the responsibility of the area's citizens.

Public hearings: Public hearings on the proposed Catskill golf resorts:

- Wednesday, 4 to 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Margaretville Central School, 415 Main St., Margaretville.

- Thursday, 4 to 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Onteora Junior-Senior High School, 4166 Route 28, Boiceville.

Or submit written comments by Feb. 24 to: Alexander Ciesluk Jr., Department of Environmental Conservation, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561-1696.