Environment DEC
From the March 2006 issue
DEC to Prepare UMP on 46-Corners State Forest Area
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan announced that DEC will begin developing a unit management plan (UMP) for the 18,032-acre 46-Corners Management Area, located in the Oneida County towns of Annsville, Camden and Florence; the Oswego County Town of Redfield, and the Lewis County Town of Lewis.
An open house meeting will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2006, from 5 until 8 PM at the Camden High School cafeteria located on the corner of State Route 13 and Florence Hill Road in the Village of Camden. It will provide the public with an opportunity to meet with planning staff and to offer comments regarding future management of the area. Additional opportunities for public review and comment will be available after a draft plan has been prepared.
"Preparation of a unit management plan (UMP) for these lesser known pieces of state forest land will provide our department with a management plan that takes into account the public's recreational needs, while being mindful of our mandate as environmental stewards to manage and protect public forest land," Commissioner Sheehan said. "Public involvement in UMP development is essential, and DEC encourages input as we begin development of the plan."
46-Corners Management Area
Trout fishing opportunities abound
in the numerous tributaries that
flow through the 46-Corners
The 46-Corners Management Area is comprised of 8 state forests. They are north of state routes 13 and 69, north of the Village of Camden and the Hamlet of Taberg, between the east and west branches of Fish Creek. This area is part of the Tug Hill Plateau. Most of the county and town roads in this area of the county touch pieces of the various state forests.
These state forests are, by law, dedicated to watershed protection and the production of forest products and offer many recreational opportunities, including: hiking, skiing, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, trapping, horseback riding and birdwatching. The unit contains 19.6 miles of unplowed town roads and snowmobile trails, great for both snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.
46-Corners Management Area contains more than 1,400 acres of wetlands, much of which includes current beaver ponds and old beaver meadows. The abundant wetland resource provides plenty of opportunities for trappers in pursuit of beaver, mink, otter and fisher. There are 55 miles of trout water tributaries in the unit. Anglers enjoy Mad River, Furnace Creek and Florence Creek, which flow through it. These creeks feed into the stocked streams of the east and west branches of Fish Creek and may contain brown and brook trout.
Unit Management Plans
A UMP is designed to cover all environmental considerations for a unit and forms the basis for all management activities within it. One must be completed before significant new recreational facilities, such as trails, camping sites and parking areas can be constructed. UMPs involve an extensive analysis of the natural features of an area and the ability of the land to accommodate public use. DEC has primary responsibility for developing management plans for state-owned lands. Draft plans are widely distributed for public comment and review prior to being finalized by DEC.
Planning and Public Involvement
A DEC team has been assigned and is responsible for developing the UMP for 46-Corners Management Area. The team includes staff from the divisions of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources; Lands and Forests; Operations, and Public Protection. Their first phase of UMP preparation includes: developing a detailed map of the unit; taking an inventory of resources (flora and fauna); mapping existing facilities and structures, and making general recommendations for public use and future plans. People familiar with the 46-Corners Management Area state forests are encouraged to contact DEC at any time with information they feel could be useful in the formation of the UMP.
Any individual or organization interested in providing comments or receiving additional information about the development of the management plan can write to Andrea Mercurio at NYSDEC, 225 North Main Street, Herkimer, New York, 13350, or call her at 315-866-6330. The public also is invited to e-mail Region 6 their comments about UMPs being developed by DEC in Region 6. More information about the 46-Corners Management Area can be found on DEC's Website by using the link below.
