For Immediate Release: November 13, 2015
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Information Officer | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
Central Adirondacks to benefit from infusion of wide range of recreational opportunities
Plan heralded as outstanding example of cooperation between Adirondack Park stakeholders
Ray Brook, NY - The New York State Adirondack Park Agency (APA or Agency) determined the Essex Chain Lakes Complex Unit Management Plan conforms to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan during its November 2015 Board Meeting. This action marks the culmination of years of planning between APA, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), local governments and stakeholder organizations. The plan establishes reasonable public access and ensures appropriate protections for the unique natural resources found in this splendid region of the Adirondack Park.
The Essex Chain Lakes Complex (Complex) is located in the Central Adirondack towns of Minerva and Newcomb in Essex County, and the Town of Indian Lake in Hamilton County. The Complex 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.
APA Chairwoman Lani Ulrich said, "Reflecting on this monumental accomplishment I am astonished by the dedication and effort put forth by all involved. Governor Cuomo challenged us to work together to achieve an outcome in the best interest of the Adirondack Park. I believe we met that challenge. I thank Governor Cuomo for his vision to acquire these lands from The Nature Conservancy and for his leadership throughout this process. We have a plan that is true to the underlying principles of the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan, addresses evolving public interest and progresses economic opportunities for Forest Preserve communities. This is a great day for the Adirondack Park."
"This is truly an exciting time for the Adirondack Park, and a historic step toward achieving the largest addition to the forest preserve in over 100 years," said Basil Seggos, Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. "The Essex Chain Complex UMP builds on Governor Cuomo's commitment of protecting the remarkable ecological diversity of this world class treasure, and improving the economy of the local communities in the park. I applaud all the commissioners and staff who worked on this important plan."
An unprecedented level of public outreach and input drove the development of the Essex Chain Lake Complex Unit Management Plan. It is reflected in the wide range of carefully planned recreational facilities. Approved management actions will result in non-motorized trail systems for hiking, biking, cross country skiing and equestrian uses. Trail systems will, in part, be established on the interconnecting loop of former all season roads which lace the Complex. A wide range of camping opportunities including primitive sites, road side and at large are planned. Public motorized access is allowed on designated roads. Canoe carries and landings will be maintained.
The Complex Area also includes a vital community connector multi-use trail between Indian Lake and Minerva for snowmobiling and other recreational uses. This critical link will bolster tourism opportunities throughout the year leading to economic opportunities especially during winter months.
Other key management actions approved include:
- Construction of a bridge over the Cedar River to provide a route for four season recreational use;
- Extending the Upper Hudson Ski Loop to the Ord Road and ultimately to the Town of Newcomb;
- Designating routes for public motor vehicle access, including parking;
- Providing access for persons with disabilities to a tent site and waterway access between Fourth and Fifth lakes and designated campsites along the Cornell Road, Camp Six Road and Chain Lakes Road (South);
- Enhancing paddling opportunities, including providing additional canoe carries between the Chain of Lakes and along the Hudson River;
- Designating additional camping opportunities including the placement of lean-to's within the Complex area;
- Managing continued floatplane use at designated tent sites on First and Pine Lakes;
- Maintaining 2.5 miles of public motor vehicle roads for access and camping during big game hunting season;
- The Gooley Club and the Polaris Mountain Club will continue to lease portions of the Complex Area until September 30, 2018. All lessee camp buildings and property must be removed no later than October 1, 2019; and
- A proposal to maintain the historic farmhouse at the Outer Gooley and evaluate potential, future administrative uses until a final disposition for the structure is determined.
The eight lakes comprising the Essex Chain Lakes are the namesake and main attraction of the Complex. The area includes 18 water bodies totaling 785 acres, ranging in size from the three-acre Chub Pond to the 216-acre Third Lake. Ten miles of the Hudson River on the eastern boundary and four miles of the Cedar River in the southern section make the area a paddler's paradise. Numerous scenic and natural features are found throughout the forested hills.
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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