Environment DEC
From the October 2007 issue
DEC Announces Decision in Floating Camp Case
Whether floating or sitting on dry land, camps and other structures are prohibited without a permit on forest preserve landsRemoval and Fine Ordered
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis has issued a decision requiring the removal of a floating camp from forest preserve land on Cranberry Lake in the Town of Clifton, St. Lawrence County. The camp's owner, Walter W. French, was also fined $48,500 for the violation. If he promptly removes the camp and complies with other remedial measures described in the decision, $24,400 of the penalty will be suspended.
The camp violated Title 5 of Article 15 of the Environmental Conservation Law requiring a permit for such a structure. The camp also violated the DEC regulation prohibiting camping within 150 feet of a water body in the forest preserve.
Hazards of Floating Camps
Floating camps can serve as a source of pollution, a hazard to navigation, and a disturbance to natural habitat. DEC staff will continue to take appropriate action to ensure the removal of other illegal camps on forest preserve lands, which are protected by Article XIV, Section 1 of the New York State Constitution requiring them to be "forever kept as wild forest lands" and prohibiting their lease, sale or exchange. Exclusive use of forest preserve lands for private purposes is prohibited.
DEC is aware of other cases where people have illegally placed private structures, such as floating camps, on state lands in the Adirondacks. Each case is unique and handled individually. Fines and other remedies will vary depending on the seriousness of the trespass and the trespasser's cooperation in eliminating the trespass.
More Information
For more information, see the Walter W. French Decision and Order on the DEC's website.
