For Immediate Release: April 27, 2015
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Information Officer | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
Ray Brook, NY - The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) is accepting public comments on Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan conformance for proposed amendments to the Pepperbox and Jessup River Unit Management Plans (UMPs). Public comments should address if the proposed activities conform to the guidelines and criteria of the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan. The comment period will conclude on May 8, 2015.
Adirondack Park Agency Chairwoman Leilani Ulrich said, "The Agency looks forward to hearing from all stakeholders regarding Master Plan conformance for these proposed amendments to the Pepperbox and Jessup River Unit Management Plans. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and APA State Land staff continue to successfully collaborate to ensure UMPs are well thought out. Together we ensure the Parks natural resources are protected while expanding recreational opportunities for people of all abilities. "
The Pepperbox Wilderness Area is comprised of approximately 22,560 acres in the Town of Watson in Lewis County and the Town of Webb in Herkimer County. NYS DEC completed the UMP for this unit in 1985. The construction of a lean-to near Gregg Lake and the designation of a foot trail for lean-to access is now proposed. Gregg Lake is a favorite destination for anglers.
This amendment is meant to specifically address recreation in the Gregg Lake area, consistent with the character of the northern portion of the Pepperbox Wilderness Area and the Wilderness guidelines outlined in the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan.
The Jessup River Wild Forest (JRWF) is located in the Towns of Arietta, Wells, Indian Lake and Lake Pleasant in Hamilton County. It is approximately 47,350 acres in size. The JRWF UMP was completed in 2006. A subsequent UMP amendment to address snowmobile use within this unit was approved in 2010.
This amendment proposes to improve access to the areas snowmobile trail network by allowing public motor vehicle access along 900 feet of existing road across the JRWF. The existing road leads to a proposed parking area on the Perkins Clearing Conservation Easement. The proposed amendment does not change the snowmobile trail configuration within the unit.
The UMPs are available for viewing or download from the Adirondack Park Agency website at: www.apa.ny.gov.
Please address all written comments pertaining to Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan conformance to:
Kathy Regan, Deputy Director for Planning, NYS Adirondack Park Agency , P.O. Box 99, Ray Brook, NY 12977
Fax: 518-891-3938
Email - SLMP_Comments@apa.ny.gov
Please submit all comments to the APA by May 8, 2015.
UMPs are required by the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan for each unit of State land in the Adirondack Park. The plans integrate the goals and objectives of the Master Plan, related legislation, and resource and visitor use information into a single document.
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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