For Immediate Release: May 23, 2013
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY - The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) will hold a series of public hearings to solicit public comments for State land classification alternatives for former Finch Pruyn lands. These lands, containing some of the most important recreational and environmental assets in the Adirondack Park, will be opened to public use for the first time in more than 150 years.
The classification proposals involve lands in the Towns of Minerva and Newcomb, Essex County and the Town of Indian Lake, Hamilton County. Detailed maps and the draft environmental impact statement describing the proposed action are available at the Adirondack Park Agency offices and on the Adirondack Park Agency's website at www.apa.ny.gov.
The APA will hold public hearings throughout the Park and State to present alternative proposals and accept public comment. The APA will accept written public comment until July 19, 2013.
APA Chairwoman Leilani Ulrich strongly encourages the public to participate in the public comment process. She stated, "The Adirondack Park Agency is proud to hold these public hearings on such a magnificent package of State land. Under Governor Cuomo's leadership this historic acquisition and classification process will ensure protection for astounding natural resources such as OK Slip Falls and will make the communities of the central part of the Adirondack Park an unmatchable draw for outdoor enthusiasts."
"DEC looks forward to reviewing the public's views on the proposed classification of the Essex Chain, Indian River and OK Slip Falls," Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens said. "Both APA and DEC rely on public participation to help identify issues and approaches to the responsible management of these precious lands. DEC's recommendations were made only after soliciting extensive input from local governments, the sporting community and conservation organizations. We want to make sure that we get it right when it comes to protecting the resources and providing access to all New Yorkers to the largest addition to the Forest Preserve in more than a century. I applaud the APA for its diligence in holding these hearings and providing the public with a wide range of alternatives to consider and a full opportunity to provide their views."
The purpose of the public hearing process is to afford an opportunity for public comment on the broad range of classification alternatives before the Agency. Any person may present an oral or written statement in regard to the proposed alternatives. Staff will be available to answer questions prior to each of the hearings.
Public hearings will be held on the following dates at the listed times and locations:
June 12, 2013 6:00 pm Adirondack Park Agency 1133 NY State Route 86 Ray Brook, NY 12977 (This hearing will be webcast live and archived on APA website.)
June 17, 2013 1:00 pm Minerva Central School 1466 County Route 29 Olmsteadville, NY
June 17, 2013 7:00 pm Newcomb Central School 5535 State Route 28N Newcomb, NY
June 19, 2013 6:00 pm Downtown Conference Center Pace University 163 William Street (18th floor) Between Beekman and Ann Streets New York, NY
June 25, 2013 6:00 pm Indian Lake Central School 6345 NYS Route 30 Indian Lake, NY
July 1, 2013 7:00 pm The Harley School 1981 Clover Street Rochester, NY
July 2, 2013 1:00 pm NYSDEC 625 Broadway Albany, NY
July 2, 2013 7:00 pm Warren County Board of Supervisors Room 1340 State Route 9 Warren County Offices Lake George, NY
Please submit all written comments by July 19 to:
Mr. James Connolly, APA Deputy Director - Planning.
Address: 1133 NY State Route 86 PO Box 99 Ray Brook, NY 12977
Phone: 518-891-4050 Fax: 518-891-3938 Email: apa_slmp@gw.dec.state.ny.us
An additional hearing will be scheduled in New York City. Please see the Agency's website apa.ny.gov for updates.
Examples of lands included in classification package:
The Essex Chain of Lakes and Hudson River: With eleven lakes and ponds interconnected or within portaging distance of each other, the Essex Chain will provide an outstanding canoe route and a much anticipated paddling experience. A long history of fish stocking that includes brook trout and landlocked salmon will ensure outstanding fishing. A five-mile stretch of the Hudson River runs along the east side of the Essex Chain parcel, completing an uninterrupted, "forever wild" stretch. The Essex Chain tract provides a premier opportunity for hunting, day rafting, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, overnight river trips, and camping.
Indian River Tract, Towns of Indian Lake and Minerva, Hamilton and Essex Counties: One of the most exciting and popular whitewater rafting experiences in the Adirondacks starts on the Indian River and continues for nearly 15 miles down the Hudson River Gorge. The addition of this 940-acre tract to the Forest Preserve will preserve this wild experience for future generations. The tract is critical to enhancing rafting operations that draw over 25,000 people annually to this region. It is also a key tract in promoting new recreational opportunities by providing long-awaited access and take-out points that will make the upper Hudson River to the north a viable option for paddlers wishing to experience calmer waters but avoid the class III/ IV rapids of the Hudson River Gorge.
These unique and adventurous opportunities will attract more visitors to Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Long Lake, Newcomb and Minerva. Tourists will utilize these communities for accommodations, supplies and guiding services.
OK Slip Falls, Town of Indian Lake, Hamilton County: OK Slip Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Adirondack Park and part of a 2,800-acre property that will soon be made available to the public for outdoor recreational pursuits. The tract contains 2.1 miles of the Hudson River, the Blue Ledges, the Hudson River Gorge, as well as Carter, Blue Ledge and Pug Hole Ponds. This area is home to more rare and significant mosses and liverworts than any other site in the Adirondack Park. This parcel is located within the Hudson River Gorge Primitive Area which is proposed for reclassification to a Wilderness Area.
The meeting facilities are wheelchair accessible. Please provide any requests for specific accommodations to Keith P. McKeever at 518-891-4050.
The mission of the Adirondack Park Agency is to protect the public and private resources of the Adirondack Park through the exercise of the powers and duties of the Agency as provided by law. For more information, call the APA at (518) 891-4050 or visit www.apa.ny.gov.
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