In 1912, he was hired as assistant engineer by George W. Perkins, chairman of the newly formed Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIP), and in 1914, he was made chief engineer and general manager. Under his leadership, Bear Mountain State Park and Harriman State Park grew from an initial 10,000 acres (40km2) to 43,000 acres (170km2).[1] By 1919, it was estimated that a million people a year were coming to the park. In the early 1920s, Welch's engineering work gained nationwide attention when he built Storm King Highway into the sheer cliffs above the Hudson River north of Bear Mountain.
Plaque dedicated for Welch in Harriman State Park
When Welch started work on Bear Mountain State Park and Harriman State Park, there were no existing models or precedents to guide him. Welch organized a massive reforestation program, built 23 new lakes, a hundred miles of scenic drives and 103 children's camps, where 65,000 urban children enjoyed the outdoors each summer.[1] He helped found the Palisades Interstate Park Trail Conference and served as chairman of the Appalachian Trail Conference.
↑ Myles, William J. (1999). Harriman Trails, A Guide and History. New York, N.Y.{{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
