On August 18, 1965, some 13 counties of southern New York State were declared eligible for participation in the Appalachian Regional Development Program. Another county was added in 1967. Initial state responsibility of the Office of Planning Coordination centered on formulation of a comprehensive development plan for the 11,858-square-mile region. The plan required far more information about existing social and economic conditions than was readily available: What are the human, economic, social, and physical resources of the region? What are its potentials and deficiencies? Most importantly, what investments are needed to stimulate economic growth? To answer such questions, a comprehensive study of the region's resources was initiated which covered agriculture, climate, community facilities, forestry, manpower and industry, minerals, recreational and cultural facilities, soils, transportation, and water. The present document comprises the Phase I detailed inventories in each of the foregoing categories; in addition to 6 maps and 6 tables of data, the document contains a summary of the existing recreational and cultural resources of the New York State Appalachian Region and includes an inventory of local, county, state, and Federal facilities as well as a preliminary analysis of such resources. (AL)