For Immediate Release: September 14, 2015
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Information Officer | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) is accepting public comments on Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan conformance for the Essex Chain Lakes Management Complex Proposed Final Unit Management Plan. 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 October 16, 2015.
Adirondack Park Agency Chairwoman Leilani Ulrich said, "The Adirondack Park Agency looks forward to hearing from all stakeholders regarding Master Plan conformance for the activities proposed in the Department of Environmental Conservation's Essex Chain Lakes Management Complex Unit Management Plan. DEC and APA State Land staff worked diligently to incorporate a wide range of recreational activities into this unit in a manner consistent with the underlying theme of the Master Plan, which states that protection of nature resources must be paramount."
The proposed management actions are intended to protect natural resources and establish appropriate opportunities for public access and recreational use. The proposed final plan addresses the potential development of future public uses and facilities such as bicycling, recreational opportunities for people with disabilities, primitive tent sites along the Hudson River, construction of a bridge over the Cedar River for recreational access north and south through the Complex Area, future consideration for the Polaris (Iron) Bridge over the Hudson River and the analysis of alternatives for a snowmobile trail to connect the communities of Indian Lake and Minerva.
The public is encouraged to comment on how the proposals included in the Essex Chain Lakes Complex Plan conform to the guidelines and criteria of the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan.
The Essex Chain of Lakes Complex Area includes the Essex Chain Lakes Primitive Area, the Pine Lakes Primitive Area and portions of the Blue Mountain Wild Forest and the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest. The Complex is located in the Towns of Newcomb and Minerva, Essex County and the Town of Indian Lake, Hamilton County.
The Complex Area contains a spectacular variety of ecologically significant resources, including pristine lakes and ponds, large wetland complexes and scenic stretches of the Cedar and Hudson Rivers. The unique natural resources and proximity of this Complex to multiple communities creates the potential for a variety of recreational opportunities in the central Adirondack Park.
The Essex Chain of Lakes Complex UMP is available for viewing or download from the Adirondack Park Agency website at:
WWW.apa.ny.gov.
The Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan is also available from the Park Agency's website at: http://apa.ny.gov/Documents/Laws_Regs_Standrds.html
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 October 16, 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.
-30-