Printer-friendlyEnvironment DEC
From the May 2008 issue
DEC Land Purchase a Boon to All Concerned
The purchase protects seven miles of river frontage along the north and middle branches of the Moose River
New York State has purchased 754 acres of land along the north and middle branches of the Moose River in Old Forge, Town of Webb, Herkimer County from Adirondack Homes, LLC. This purchase will protect seven miles of river frontage for future generations to enjoy. Most of the distance can be traveled by canoe, with one short portage around a section of rapids. The land area is predominately northern hardwood forests on a hilly terrain with rocky outcrops and balsam fir/black spruce boreal forests along the water. This beautiful new piece of forest preserve, which overlooks Old Forge, also has existing hiking trails.
The area, known as the "Flat Iron," offers multiple recreational opportunities and has long been a priority of the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan. Its purchase protects the scenery and environment adjacent to these heavily used waters and is fully endorsed by the regional open space advisory committee.
Perseverance Rewarded
The purchase agreement is the result of seven years' worth of meetings and a great deal of perseverance by the parties involved. Some of the topics discussed during that time included enhancing public access to the Moose River, year-round recreational opportunities, minimizing potential public/private land conflicts, development pressures in Old Forge and the need for affordable housing.
Future plans may include an access road and parking area and perhaps a hiking trail along the river, but it will take some time to ready everything for public use. Contact DEC's Herkimer Office at 315-866-6330 for details about when the property will be open to the public and in what ways it can be used.
