Environment DEC
From the June 2005 issue
DEC Issues Draft UMP for Jessup River Wild Forest
Some of the recommended management actions in the Draft UMP include preserving area firetowers and constructing lean-tos, as seen here
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a draft unit management plan/draft environmental impact statement (UMP/DEIS) for the Jessup River Wild Forest. The forest consists of 47,350 acres of state forest preserve lands in the towns of Arietta, Indian Lake, Lake Pleasant and Wells in Hamilton County.
"We are continuing to make progress on completing unit management plans in the Adirondack Forest Preserve," Commissioner Sheehan said. "The release of the draft UMP/DEIS for the Jessup River Wild Forest is yet another significant milestone in our efforts to improve public access and ensure the protection of the Adirondacks for future generations. As always, the public's participation has been extremely valuable throughout the planning process, providing us with important information and recommendations incorporated into the drafts."
A public meeting will be held at 6 PM on June 30, 2005, at the Lake Pleasant Central School in Speculator, Hamilton County. The meeting will provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the proposals in the drafts. DEC will also accept written comments on the drafts until August 1, 2005.
Jessup River Wild Forest
The Jessup River Wild Forest is bordered by Route 28 to the north and Route 30 to the southeast, as well as three wilderness areas-West Canada Lakes Wilderness to the west; Siamese Ponds Wilderness to the east, and Silver Lake Wilderness to the south. The state lands in this unit border, or are in proximity to the communities of Indian Lake, Piseco, Speculator and Wells. Route 30 bisects the unit and serves as the main access corridor.
Many people enjoy hiking to the fire towers on Pillsbury or Snowy mountains, snowmobiling between Piseco Lake and Indian Lake, canoeing on Fall Stream, or camping on Mason Lake. Hunting, fishing and trapping are also popular activities throughout the unit, but particularly in and around Perkins Clearing, the Jessup River and the Miami River.
Unit Management Plans
UMPs must be completed before significant new recreational facilities, such as trails, lean-tos, or parking areas, can be constructed. The plan includes an analysis of the natural features of the area and the ability of the land to accommodate public use. The planning process is designed to cover all environmental considerations for the unit and forms the basis for all proposed management activities for a five-year period.
UMPs are required by the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan for each unit of state land in the Adirondack Park. UMPs integrate the goals and objectives of the master plan, related legislation, and resource and visitor-use information into a single document.
Reviewing the Draft
The draft UMP/DEIS will be available for public review at DEC headquarters in Albany, DEC regional offices in Watertown and Ray Brook, and at DEC's Northville, Warrensburg, Herkimer, Lowville, and Potsdam regional suboffices. The plan also will be available for review at the town offices in Arietta, Indian Lake, Lake Pleasant and Wells. Copies are available in electronic format for distribution on compact disc from DEC's Northville Office and may be requested by calling 528-863-4545. A summary of the draft can be viewed on DEC's Web Site. A few printed copies are available as well.
A list of recommendations made, and directions to the Lake Pleasant Central School, which is located on Elm Lake Road in the Village of Speculator, can be found by using the link below. Public comments will be accepted until August 1, 2005, and may be sent to Thomas Kapelewski, Senior Forester, NYSDEC, P.O. Box 1316, Northville, NY 12134, or e-mailed to DEC's Region 5 Office.
