For Release: Thursday, August 25, 2005
DEC to Prepare Management Plan on Winona State Forest
Public Meeting Scheduled for September 19, 2005, in Mannsville, Jefferson County
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced that DEC will begin developing a unit management plan (UMP) for the 9,233-acre Winona State Forest, located in the Jefferson County towns of Lorraine and Ellisburg and the Oswego County town of Boylston.
An open house meeting will be held on Monday, September 19, 2005, from 5-8 p.m. in the Mannsville Elementary School auditorium in Mannsville to provide the public with an opportunity to meet with DEC planning staff and offer comments regarding the future management of the area. Additional opportunities for public review and comment will be available after a draft plan is prepared.
"Preparation of the Unit Management Plan (UMP) for this popular piece of State Forest Land will provide our Department a management plan that takes into account the public's recreational needs while being mindful of our mandate as environmental stewards to protect the public's forest land," Commissioner Sheehan said. "Public involvement in UMP development is essential and DEC encourages input as we begin development of the plan."
The Winona State Forest is located on the boundary of southern Jefferson County and northern Oswego County. It is east of Interstate Highway 81, west of Littlejohn Wildlife Management Area, and is on the western edge of the Tug Hill Plateau.
This State forest offers many recreational opportunities, including: hiking, skiing, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, trapping, horseback riding, dog sledding, and birdwatching. The unit contains 18 miles of cross-country ski trails, 6.8 miles of snowmobile trails (some designated New York State Snowmobile Corridor Trails), 9.3 miles of forest roads and five parking lots.
Lake effect snowfall is an outstanding feature of Winona, which receives an average of 250 inches annually. Many cross-country ski races are held here, including the 50 kilometer Tug Hill Tourathon. The sled dog mushers trek to the area for the Tug Hill Challenge, an annual sled dog racing event. Through collaboration with the Tug Hill Ski Club, many of the trails are groomed for the variety of winter recreational events.
A UMP must be completed before significant new recreational facilities, such as trails, camping sites, and parking areas can be constructed. The plans involve an extensive analysis of the natural features of an area and the ability of the land to accommodate public use. The DEC has primary responsibility for developing management plans for the State-owned lands. Draft plans are widely distributed for public comment and review prior to being finalized by DEC.
The plan is designed to cover all environmental considerations for the unit and form the basis for all management activities within the unit. Persons familiar with the Winona State Forest are encouraged to contact DEC at any time with information they feel could be useful in the formation of the UMP. People don't need to wait until a public meeting is scheduled to talk to DEC about planning efforts for this area.
A team of DEC staff has been assigned and is responsible for developing the plan. The team, led by Supervising Forester Fred Munk of the Lowville office, includes staff from the divisions of Fish and Wildlife, Lands and Forests, Operations and Public Protection. Their first phase of UMP preparation includes: developing a detailed map of the unit; inventory of resources (flora and fauna); mapping existing facilities and structures; and general recommendations for public use and future plans.
Any individual or organization interested in providing comments or receiving additional information about the development of the management plan can contact Fred Munk at NYSDEC, 7327 St Rt 812, Lowville, NY 13367 or call (315) 376-3521. A special e-mail address has been established for receiving comments from the public on UMPs being developed by DEC in Region 6 which encompasses Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oneida, Lewis, and Herkimer counties. The address is: r6ump@gw.dec.state.ny.us More information about Winona State Forest can be seen on DEC's website.
05-103
