Environment DEC
From the July 2004 issue
State Aims to Limit Public ATV Access in Adirondack Forest Preserve
A series of amendments proposed by DEC will limit public use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on certain roads in the Adirondack Park. The proposed amendments, which will modify Unit Management Plans (UMPs), ensure that ATV access on State Forest Preserve Lands: conforms to the State Vehicle and Traffic Law and the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan; will not facilitate trespass on private lands, and will not cause environmental degradation.
DEC evaluated the 54 roads currently open to ATV access within the Aldrich Pond, Independence River, Black River and Watson's East wild forest areas to determine which were suitable for continued public ATV access. DEC concluded that all such roads should be closed to unlimited ATV access by the general public, with five roads to be opened by seasonal permit only, for a period not to exceed three years at which time these roads are intended to be rehabilitated to provide car and truck access.
Based on the assessment, DEC submitted proposed amendments to the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) to amend UMPs for the Aldrich, Independence River and Black River Wild Forest areas, and has proposed administrative actions for the Watson's East Wild Forest Area that will lead to the elimination of public ATV access on 49 roads, effective upon approval. These proposals were sent to the APA for its consideration and made public at its June 2004 meeting. APA received and considered written comments prior to approving the UMP amendments which were approved at the APA's July meeting.
Proposal Specifics
Under the proposed amendments, the five roads that will be opened under temporary revocable permit (TRP) include: the Jackworks and Maple Hill roads in the Aldrich Pond Wild Forest; and the Herkimer Landing, South Shore and Wolf Lake Landing roads in the Black River Wild Forest. These roads will be open, for permitted use only, from September 1 to December 15, to give hunters access to primitive camping sites. These roads are slated to be rehabilitated for automobile and truck access by 2006, at which point public ATV access will be eliminated.
As part of his 2004-2005 Executive Budget, Governor Pataki proposed legislation to establish an ATV trail fund which would provide for public education, trail maintenance and enforcement.
