Keuka Lowlands Unit
The Keuka Lowlands Unit comprises about 6,048 acres on five (5) parcels of state land in Steuben and Schuyler County. It includes Birdseye Hollow State Forest, Moss Hill State Forest, Mt. Washington State Forest, Cold Brook Wildlife Management Area and Waneta-Lamoka Wildlife Management Area. The purpose of a unit management plan is twofold: 1) to define management goals and objectives for state land and, 2) to prepare a ten-year plan of action to achieve those objectives.
The plan will offer general information on the unit's history and geology, an inventory of the unit's resources, such as mineral resources, vegetative types and stages, fish, wildlife and habitat and a summary of identified issues, such as access, vegetative management and oil and gas leasing. It will also describe the proposed goals and objectives and policy constraints in managing the unit.
The vision of the plan will be to ensure the biological integrity, improvement and protection of the Keuka Lowlands Management Unit. This shall be done within the multiple use concept of management, which strives to serve the needs of the people of New York State by providing a broad based, biologically diverse ecosystem. This plan directs the future management of the property which will include such activities as maintenance and improvement of access to the site, managing natural vegetation, including native grasslands and woodlands, controlling exotic species, preservation of historical and archaeological resources, and recreational facilities. These facilities include the Finger Lakes Trail, Forest Stewardship Demonstration Tour, Birdseye Hollow Park, Sanford Lake Day Use Area, the boat launch on Waneta-Lamoka, Kris' snowmobile trail, additional parking lots, kiosks, etc.
A draft unit management plan for this unit is in process but is not yet available for public review. We invite you to provide us with any comments or concerns regarding the future management of the Keuka Lowlands Unit. Your comments may be general or specific. All comments will be weighed against law, regulations, the Commissioner's directives and other users wishes, and appropriate changes made to the plan. There will be a public meeting and additional comment opportunities once the public draft is available.
People interested in providing input for the Draft UMP may submit comments or questions to:
NYS DEC
7291 Coon Rd
Bath, NY 14810
or email us at: r8ump@gw.dec.state.ny.us
