Environment DEC
From the June 2010 issue
Budget Crisis Closes Some Vehicle Roads on State Lands
Funding reductions to DEC resulting from the state's historic budget shortfall will limit the agency's ability to maintain roads in the Adirondack Forest Preserve, delay construction of recreational facilities on easement lands, and prevent the hiring of assistant forest rangers this season. The agency's ability to conduct routine maintenance on the more than 100,000 acres of state forest lands in Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties has also been curtailed. As a result, 38 truck trails normally open to motorized vehicles as the weather warms up will temporarily remain closed.
Roads Closed in the Adirondacks
Due to the inability to maintain or patrol roads and nearby recreational facilities, a number of roads in DEC's Region 5, which includes the Adirondack Forest Preserve, will remain temporarily closed to public motor-vehicle access. While gates on these roads will remain closed and locked to prevent access by motor vehicles, the roads and surrounding lands will be open for authorized recreational use by the public.
With the appropriate permit, people with disabilities will still have access to recreational programs on lands where roads are closed
DEC will provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities upon request for access to programs on state lands where roads are closed. For instance, people with disabilities holding a DEC Motorized Access Permit for Persons with Disabilities (CP3 permit) will be allowed to access recreational programs by motor vehicle on two of the roads that otherwise will be closed to the public. Those with disabilities who wish to access recreational programs in the Warrensburg/ Lake George area may contact Tad Norton in DEC's Warrensburg Office at 518-623-1209, and those with disabilities who wish to access recreational programs in the Northville/Raquette Lake area may contact Rick Fenton in DEC's Northville office at 518-863-4545.
Each of the roads that will temporarily remain closed has parking available near the gate. The public is asked not to block gates or roads, as DEC may need access for routine maintenance and emergencies. Road maintenance tasks generally include gravel placement to maintain road surfaces, road grading, culvert replacement and removal of road hazards such as leaning or downed trees. Maintenance of campsites along and near these roads also requires a significant effort by DEC staff, including removal of trash.
Please note that, as a result of an agreement with local municipalities reached after this announcement, the Moose River Plains Road-which provides access to one of the largest blocks of remote lands in the Adirondack Park-will reopen. However, roads south of the "Big T" junction (Otter Brook and Indian Lake roads) will remain closed.
For a list of other roads affected by the closure announcement, see the complete Adirondack road maintenance press release. If you have questions regarding the temporary road closures, call DEC's Division of Lands and Forests at 518-897-1276 or your local DEC Region 5 office. Further information on temporary road closures will be available on DEC's website.
Road Maintenance Curtailed in Western New York
Routine maintenance activities will be curtailed on some state lands in Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. Such maintenance often centers on the removal of trash and litter left behind by party groups, campers and other recreationalists, but also involves roadside mowing, gravel placement to maintain road surfaces, road grading, culvert replacement and removal of road hazards such as leaning or downed trees. Once again, while truck trails on certain state lands will be closed to motorized vehicles, the state forest land itself remains open for public and non-motorized use of the roads; foot, bike and horse traffic are still allowed.
As littering in these areas traditionally decreases significantly after Labor Day, it is anticipated that the roads will re-open for fall hunting seasons. Closed areas will be clearly marked with signs.
Sanitary facilities that were previously provided at sites, including Allen Lake, Palmers Pond, and the Route 244 parking area at Phillips Creek State Forest, will not be provided. Wildlife Management Areas in the Region, such as Hanging Bog, Canadaway Creek and Keeney Swamp, will not be impacted. Other gated truck trails on state forest lands that are not listed or indicated as closed by signage will remain open for motorized vehicle use. If, however, trash accumulation becomes an issue, or circumstances arise that could impact human health and safety, additional trails could also face closure.
For a list of affected roads, see the complete budget crisis press release. To report illegal activities on state land such as dumping, littering, etc., please call DEC's 24-hour, toll-free dispatch number at 1-877-457-5680. For questions regarding closure of state land recreational areas or motorized vehicle trails, please call DEC's Division of Lands and Forests at 716-372-0645. Detailed information about camping regulations and state land use is available on the State Land Camping Rules page of DEC's website.
