Environment DEC
From the January 2004 issue
Draft Plan Released for Snowmobile Use in Adirondacks
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty and State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) Commissioner Bernadette Castro released for public comment the Draft Comprehensive Snowmobile Plan for the Adirondack Park (draft plan) and a Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS).
"Snowmobiling is an increasingly popular winter recreation activity that generates significant economic benefits to the communities of the Adirondacks," Commissioner Crotty said. "The focus of this planning process has been to ensure that the state accommodates snowmobile use in a responsible way consistent with the protection of the park's unrivaled natural resources."
The draft plan and the DGEIS were developed with input from local government officials, recreationists, environmental groups, private landowners and snowmobile advocates. The draft plan contains a series of recommendations for the future of the snowmobile system in the park.
"State Parks is proud of its long record of involvement in the development of New York's snowmobile trails for the enjoyment of riders and winter outdoor enthusiasts," OPRHP Commissioner Castro said. "The draft plan and DGEIS represent a huge step forward in our efforts to design a safe, integrated snowmobile trail system linking communities within the park and enhancing snowmobile-related tourism."
Draft Plan and DGEIS Focus
The draft plan and DGEIS focus on two key areas:
I. Creation of a snowmobile trail system in the park that connects communities, points of interest and services, while protecting the natural and cultural resources and the wild forest character of public lands in the park. This would be accomplished by the following:
- Establishing "Class III" snowmobile trails on both public and private lands which will serve to connect communities, points of interest and services
- Reconfiguring the snowmobile trail system on State Forest Preserve lands by locating community connection trails and linkages on the periphery of wild forest areas and along existing transportation corridors
- Redesignating some of the existing trails in interior portions of the wild forest areas for non-motorized recreation
- Inducing long-term commitments on private lands to establish community connection trails by encouraging partnerships and providing incentives for private landowners
- Increasing education and enforcement activities to prevent trespass and provide a safe, enjoyable snowmobiling experience in the park
II. Establishment of a clear set of standards for the construction and maintenance of snowmobile trails on State Forest Preserve lands. These standards would include the following:
- Creating a new trail classification system to include Class I, Class II-a, Class II-b and Class III trails
- Setting standards for new trail construction and trail maintenance addressing trail alignment, grade, surface and drainage; trail width; allowable tree cutting, and the appropriate use of motor vehicles including grooming equipment
Public Meetings and Comments
A series of public meetings will be held on the draft plan and DGEIS to provide the public with an opportunity to share their suggestions on the best way to design a snowmobile system in the park. DEC and State Parks will review all suggestions provided during the public comment period and, where appropriate, incorporate those suggestions when adopting a final comprehensive snowmobile plan for the Adirondack Park and a final GEIS.
A copy of the Draft Comprehensive Snowmobile Plan for the Adirondack Park and Draft GEIS can be found on DEC's website (see link below). The 90-day public comment period will end on March 31, 2004. Written responses may be submitted to Karyn B. Richards, NYSDEC, Division of Lands and Forests, 625 Broadway, Fifth Floor, Albany, NY, 12233-4250.
The public also is encouraged to provide comments during public meetings to be held by DEC. Additional information and a schedule of these meetings can be viewed by clicking on the appropriate link below.
