Environment DEC
From the October 2007 issue
DEC Proposes Draft Unit Management Plans for Chenango Trail and Five Streams
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently announced that two Unit Management Plans (UMPs) for parcels in Western New York are available for public comment: Chenango Trail and Five Streams. A public meeting on the Chenango Trail unit was already held on September 26, however, comments will be accepted until October 26. A public meeting on the Five Streams unit will be held on October 3 and public comment will be accepted until December 1.
Both plans will include community-based forestry efforts. Community-based forestry is a participatory approach to forest management that seeks to strengthen the relationship between local people and local forest resources. Both plans propose to advance community-based forestry through public programs, increased participation in DEC's Adopt-A-Natural Resource and Cooperative Forest Management programs, and by maintaining a dialogue with local governments about state forest management.
This barred owl is a resident of the Bobell State Forest, one of the areas included in the Chenango Trail UMPChenango Trail
The Chenango Trail Unit Management Plan covers 5,446 acres of land in the town of Coventry in Chenango County. The small villages of Greene, Oxford, Bainbridge and Afton are located on the perimeter of the unit. Properties included in the unit are Coventry State Forest, Bobell Hill State Forest, Beaver Flow State Forest, Bumps Creek State Forest, and Oak Ridge State Forest.
The Unit Management Plan (UMP) addresses such issues as recreation, timber management, the watershed, wildlife, mineral resources, accessibility, biodiversity, and public information. The Plan identifies goals and objectives for multiple-use management, sustainable forestry, conservation of biological diversity, and engagement of the public in the management of these State forests. Multiple-use management will be achieved through consideration of all of the various natural resources present on these properties and accommodating those activities deemed to be compatible. Biological diversity will be conserved through the protection of wetlands, riparian areas, natural areas, and certain wildlife habitats, such as those of the red-shouldered hawk. Interaction with the community will be encouraged through communication with outdoor activity clubs and implementation of the Adopt-A-Natural Resource program.
Public use and recreation opportunities will be offered through several proposals in the plan. An informational kiosk, including a map and text description of forest features, will be installed at one location on each of the state forests within the unit. A parking area will also be constructed at each location. A 1.2-mile trail in Coventry State Forest will be maintained and designated for ATV use by persons with disabilities. The trail offers access to a small pond that is a popular fishing destination. Presently, 1.5 miles of snowmobile trail traverses the forests of the unit. That trail will continue to be maintained and an additional 2.5 miles of trail will be considered as an addition to the NYS Snowmobile Corridor Trail System. A recreational trail, compatible with hiking, skiing, bird watching, etc., is proposed through the Adopt-A-Natural Resource program.
DEC will make a dedicated effort to interact with the local community through a variety of public programs. These may include guided walks, workshops, and tree planting programs.
To Comment
The public can view the plan on the Chenango Trail UMP web page of DEC's website. To comment on the plan, write, phone or e-mail the Region 7 Forestry office at 2715 State Highway 80, Sherburne, NY 13460-4507; Phone: 607-674-4036; e-mail: reg7info@gw.dec.state.ny.us . Comments will be accepted until Oct. 26, 2007.
This beautiful stand of ferns can be found at Jam Pond in the Five Streams State ForestFive Streams
A public meeting on the draft Five Streams UMP is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 7 PM at the McDonough Town Hall. The Town Hall is located at the intersection of State Highway 220 and Chenango County Highway 5 in the hamlet of McDonough.
The Five Streams unit consists of 9,634 acres of state land in the towns of German, McDonough, Pharsalia, Pitcher and Smithville and includes Red Brook, Balsam Swamp and Five Streams state forests. The final plan will guide management activities on the forests of the unit for the next 20 years by defining goals and objectives for biodiversity conservation, timber and natural gas production, public recreation, and cooperative forest management.
Management plan actions will foster the development of diverse ecological conditions, maintain landscape connectivity and protect 3,048 acres of wetlands, riparian zones, natural areas and steep slopes where timber harvesting, road construction and recreational development are restricted.
Protection of tributaries in Five Streams State Forest is an important part of the draft Unit Management PlanPublic use and recreation opportunities will be enhanced by improving access at existing recreational facilities and establishing new access at two locations. The public campground, boat launch and day-use area at Balsam Pond will be upgraded to improve safety, protect water quality and provide access for people with disabilities. Access for people with disabilities will also be established into the Seymour farm site to raise awareness about local cultural history, and to provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. A motorized access trail for individuals with limited mobility will be established on Balsam Swamp State Forest to replace a poorly drained trail on Red Brook State Forest.
To Comment
DEC encourages public participation in the development of the final Five Streams UMP. Public comments received prior to December 1, 2007 will be considered in the final plan. Copies of the draft plan are on reserve at the Oxford, Norwich, and Cincinnatus Public Libraries, and DEC offices in Sherburne and Cortland. The draft plan is also available online at the Five Streams UMP web page on DEC's website. For additional information contact Greg Owens at 607-674-4036 or e-mail: gxowens@gw.dec.state.ny.us .
