Environment DEC
From the March 2006 issue
Draft UMPs for Virgil Mountain and Tri-County Uplands
There are numerous camping
opportunities in these
five state forests
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan announced that DEC is beginning work on two unit management plans (UMPs) for five state forests encompassing 10,269 acres in Cortland, Tompkins and Tioga counties. UMPs assess the natural, physical and recreational resources of the landscape and guide state forest land management activities. As the UMPs for Virgil Mountain and Tri-County Uplands are being developed, DEC is asking for public input concerning state forest land management strategies.
"The two draft unit management plans are being developed to address management activities on these state forests," Commissioner Sheehan said. "The future UMPs will help maintain healthy, sustainable and biologically diverse ecosystems for fish and wildlife, while providing continued opportunities for recreational use, environmental education and research. Unit management plans represent the collaborative effort of DEC staff and the public in creating a long-term plan for our state's forests. The public's participation is extremely important in the creation of unit management plans, as it provides staff with valuable information and insight about these forests."
Recreation and Sustenance
The Virgil Mountain Unit is comprised of the Kennedy and Tuller Hill state forests, which encompass 6,862 acres in the towns of Virgil, Harford and Lapeer. The Tri-County Uplands Unit is comprised of the Andersen Hill, Potato Hill and Robinson Hollow state forests, which encompass 3,407 acres in the towns of Caroline, Richford and Harford.
The five state forests covered by the proposed plans currently offer many recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, bird watching, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, trapping, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and all terrain vehicle (ATV) access for people with mobility impairments. In addition, these forests are managed to sustain important natural resources including forest products, clean water, clean air and wildlife habitat.
Public Comments Invited
DEC welcomes public comments on these subject areas or on any other matters pertinent to the plan. The initial comment period for development of the draft UMPs will end on April 14, 2006. However, comments will be accepted continuously throughout the plan development process. After the draft plans are completed, DEC will hold a formal public meeting to accept written and verbal comments.
An informational package is available for both units. Requests for these packages, comments and/or questions regarding development of the draft Virgil Mountain Plan should be addressed to: Senior Forester Mark Zubal, NYSDEC, Division of Lands and Forests, 1285 Fisher Ave., Cortland, NY, 13045-1090. For the draft Tri-County Uplands Plan, please contact Senior Forester John Clancy at the same mailing address. The public also may e-mail DEC's Region 7 Office with any comments or requests for informational packages.
