Below find the latest official NY DEC press releases that involve the Adirondack Forest Preserve.

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May 27, 2010

Moose River Plains Road to Open for 2010

DEC, Local Officials Forge Agreement for Maintenance

Thanks to a creative state-local partnership, the Moose River Plains Road -- which provides access to one of the largest blocks of remote lands in the Adirondack Park -- will be open to motor vehicles this summer, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today.

DEC worked with local officials from Inlet, Indian Lake and Hamilton County, as well as state legislators, to cover maintenance duties and costs for the season. The Moose River Plains includes more than 40 miles of dirt roads, approximately 170 primitive campsites and 50,000 acres of wild forest in the central and southwestern sections of the park. DEC had previously announced that this road would not be opened in 2010 because the state's historic fiscal crisis had limited agency maintenance funds. Instead, local communities will assist by providing gasoline, trucks, materials and law-enforcement personnel to help cover operational needs.

State and local crews began clearing the road this week; the road will be open Friday -- in time for the Memorial Day weekend. However, roads south of the "Big T" junction (Otter Brook and Indian Lake roads) will remain closed.

"The Moose River Plains Road will be open for 2010, thanks to the willingness of local communities to help and the quick reaction of DEC crews to make it happen," Commissioner Grannis said. "Together, we've forged a solution that will benefit the anglers, birders, hunters, hikers, mountain bikers and others who make the Plains a popular destination - as well as the businesses in Indian Lake and Inlet that depend on tourists."

"Commissioner Grannis and the DEC staff moved heaven and earth to coordinate this effort and get us to a point where the road can be opened this weekend - which is not something we thought could be done," said Bill Farber, who serves as Morehouse town supervisor and chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors. "And, of course, the offer of assistance from the towns and the county was indispensable. By collaborating, we've come up with a solution that works for everyone."

"We're thankful that DEC accepted our offer of help and we're looking forward to working together in partnership," said Inlet Town Supervisor John Frey. "Our community and surrounding communities stand ready to assist in any reasonable way possible."

"This is a great example of local and state officials coming together, working cooperatively and achieving a positive result," said state Senator Betty Little. "It's the kind of teamwork that is so important during this time of fiscal crisis. Commissioner Pete Grannis and his staff understood what was at stake. Losing the economic activity generated by the thousands of hikers, campers, sportsmen, mountain bikers and other tourists who visit the Moose River Plains would have dealt a severe financial blow to our Hamilton County communities."

"The creative solution Commissioner Grannis and his DEC staff reached with our Adirondack towns to keep the Moose River Plains Road access area open is a fine example of how government should work," said Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward. "Following DEC's lead, we could save our parks and save New York taxpayers money."

"This is a great piece of news for this part of the Adirondacks," said Assemblyman Marc Butler. "I want to thank Commissioner Grannis and the DEC for listening to our appeal. At a time when we need good things to happen in our region, this is definitely welcomed news. And it's great that it happened in time for the Memorial Day weekend."

The Moose River Plains Wild Forest is bounded on the north by the Pigeon Lakes Wilderness Area, Raquette Lake and the Blue Ridge Wilderness; on the east and the south by the West Canada Lakes Wilderness and the private lands of the Adirondack League Club; and on the west by the Fulton Chain Lakes and State Route 28. It includes the Red River, the South Branch of the Moose River and the 675-acre Cedar River Flow.

The Moose River Plains Wild Forest offers many year-round recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, mountain biking, snowmobiling, canoeing, hunting, fishing, horseback riding and primitive camping. Miles of marked trails and numerous lakes and ponds make this area an ideal destination for recreationists with varied interests and abilities.

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May 19, 2010

DEC Announces Opening of Campgrounds in Adirondacks And Catskills

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that effective Friday, May 21, dozens of state-operated campgrounds in the Adirondack Park and Catskill Park will be officially open for the summer camping season.

DEC campground reservations have increased 3 percent from last year's sales at this time. According to ReserveAmerica, to date more than 41,000 camping reservations have been taken for DEC facilities for the 2010 camping season.

"DEC campgrounds offer exceptional opportunities to enjoy some of the most beautiful natural areas in New York," said Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis. "In addition to hiking and fishing, DEC's facilities offer a wide range of outdoor recreational and camping opportunities and activities which the whole family can enjoy."

For the 2010 season, DEC will operate 45 campgrounds and five day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill parks. The camping season generally runs through Labor Day, with some facilities remaining open during fall foliage and hunting season. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and range from $18-$25 a night.

For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and their schedules, visit DEC's camping web page or call DEC's Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make reservations at any of these camping facilities, call ReserveAmerica at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit ReserveAmerica's website listed in the right.

Firewood Alert

DEC advises people not to transport firewood to campgrounds or parks in order to limit the spread of invasive insect species and protect forest health. Campers are urged to leave firewood at home and use only firewood from local sources. If firewood has been transported, burn all of the transported wood before leaving the campsite. For more information on firewood and invasive insect species, contact DEC's Division of Lands and Forests, Bureau of Private Lands at 518-402-9425.

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May 18, 2010

Local Assistance Helps DEC Reopen Caroga Lake Campground

Reservations Will Be Accepted in Time for Memorial Day Weekend

The state Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Caroga Lake campground in Fulton County will be open this season and will be accepting reservations in time for Memorial Day weekend, Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. The Adirondack Park campground had been slated for closure this season to help address the state's fiscal crisis. Seizing an opportunity to partner with the state, the Town of Caroga recently committed funds that would eliminate the campground's operating deficit and allow it to open for 2010.

We truly appreciate the Town of Caroga stepping up to help support the operation of the Caroga Lake campground," Commissioner Grannis said. "With this partnership between the town and DEC, the campground will open and operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, providing a boost to the local economy and offering the public affordable quality outdoor recreational opportunities."

James Selmser, Supervisor of the Town of Caroga, said: "The Town is encouraged that we were able to work together for the continued use of the campground and to promote tourism in our community."

In March, DEC announced that seven campgrounds and two day use areas would not open in 2010 , including Caroga Lake. The sites were chosen by occupancy rates, operating losses and the availability of other nearby facilities. Caroga Lake had the largest deficit of all DEC campgrounds.

DEC has been meeting with Caroga town officials and other interested stakeholders to discuss the impact the closure of the campground would have on local economies. Last week, the town committed enough funding to address the campground's revenue shortfalls (approximately $36,000) and DEC has agreed to reopen Caroga Lake for the season.

Assemblyman Marc Butler said: "The decision to keep the Caroga Lake Campground open is reflective of a cooperative effort that involved the Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Senator Hugh Farley, the Caroga Town Board and the DEC. I appreciate the efforts of DEC and look forward to working with all parties to promote the fabulous camping and recreational opportunities in Fulton County."

Wally Hart, President of Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce, said: "The Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to be working with the DEC and the Town of Caroga to open the Caroga Lake Campground and Day Use Area. We are grateful for the support of the Town of Caroga in providing the necessary funding to keep the site open in 2010. The Fulton County Chamber will work with DEC and the town to promote the Caroga Lake campground to tourist and residents."

From May 27 to June 24, the campground will operate Thursdays through Sundays only. From June 25 to the closing on September 6, the campground will be open all week.

DEC has begun the transfer of staff needed to cover the operations and will open the facility in time for Memorial Day weekend. Hiring of additional seasonal workers, such as lifeguards and maintenance staff, will begin when the campground is open seven days a week.

DEC is working closely with ReserveAmerica, the state's camping reservation service, to contact visitors whose reservations were previously cancelled, to offer them their original reservations and to reopen the camping site inventory to them before it is made available to the general public. DEC will cover the cost of the reservation fees to lessen the impact to the visitors that were affected. All other campers interested in making reservations at Caroga Lake can do so beginning on Thursday, May 20. Reservations can be made through the camping reservation website at http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1-800-456-CAMP (2267).

DEC is responsible for managing 52 campgrounds and 7 day-use areas in New York's Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. For more information about DEC's Adirondack and Catskill camping opportunities, visit the DEC website.

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May 6, 2010

DEC Announces Impacts of Fiscal Crisis on Adirondack Road Maintenance

Funding reductions to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) resulting from the state's historic budget shortfall will limit the agency's ability to maintain roads in the Adirondack Forest Preserve, delay construction of recreational facilities on easement lands, and prevent the hiring of Assistant Forest Rangers this season.

Due to the inability to maintain or patrol roads and nearby recreational facilities, a number of roads will remain temporarily closed to public motor vehicle access. These roads have already been closed for mud season, as they are each year. While gates on these roads will remain closed and locked to prevent access by motor vehicles, the roads and surrounding lands will be open for authorized recreational use by the public.

The Department will provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities upon request for access to programs on state lands where roads are closed. For instance, people with disabilities holding a DEC Motorized Access Permit for Persons with Disabilities (CP3 permit) will be allowed to access recreational programs by motor vehicles on two of the roads that will otherwise be closed to the public. Those with disabilities who wish to access recreational programs in the Warrensburg/ Lake George area may contact Tad Norton in the Department's Warrensburg Office at (518) 623-1209, and those with disabilities who wish to access recreational programs in the Northville/Raquette Lake area may contact Rick Fenton in the Department's Northville office at (518) 863-4545.

Each of the roads that will temporarily remain closed has parking available near the gate. The public is asked not to block the gates or the roads, as DEC may need to access the roads for routine maintenance and emergencies. Road maintenance tasks generally include gravel placement to maintain road surfaces, road grading, culvert replacement and removal of road hazards such as leaning or downed trees. Maintenance of campsites along and near these roads also requires a significant effort by DEC staff, including the removal of trash.

The following DEC roads will remain temporarily closed to all public motor vehicle access

• Moose River Plains Road System (all roads) in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest, the Towns of Inlet, Arietta, Lake Pleasant and Indian Lake, Hamilton County;
• Lily Pond Road in the Lake George Wild Forest, Town of Horicon, Warren County;
• Jabe Pond Road in the Lake George Wild Forest, Town of Hague, Warren County;
• Gay Pond Road in the Hudson River Special Management Area (aka the Hudson River Recreation Area) of the Lake George Wild Forest, Town of Warrensburg, Warren County;
• Buttermilk Road Extension in the Hudson River Special Management Area (aka the Hudson River Recreation Area) of the Lake George Wild Forest, Town of Warrensburg, Warren County; and
• Dacy Clearing Road in the Lake George Wild Forest, Town of Fort Ann, Washington County.
   

The following DEC roads will remain temporarily closed to general public motor vehicle access, but may still be accessed by motor vehicle by people with disabilities holding CP3 permits:

• Scofield Flats Road, in the Hudson River Special Management Area (aka the Hudson River Recreation Area) of the Lake George Wild Forest, Town of Lake Luzerne, Warren County; and
• Pikes Beach Access Road in the Hudson River Special Management Area (aka the Hudson River Recreation Area) of the Lake George Wild Forest, Town of Lake Luzerne, Warren County.

As in the past, the Bear Slides Access Road will be closed to motor vehicle use by the general public but will remain open to people with disabilities holding CP3 permits.

In addition, ongoing parking lot, road, trail, and public facility projects in the following areas will be suspended pending funding becoming available:

• Black Brook Easement Lands in the Town of Black Brook, Clinton County;
• Kushaqua Easement Lands in the Towns of Brighton and Franklin, Franklin County; and
• Altamont Easement Lands in the Town of Tupper Lake, Franklin County.

For questions regarding the temporary road closures, please call the regional DEC Division of Lands and Forests at (518) 897-1276 or your local Region 5 DEC Office. Further information on temporary road closures will be available on the DEC website.

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