For Release: Thursday, August 4, 2005
DEC Issues Draft Unit Management Plan for Lewey Lake Campground
Public Meeting Scheduled for August 25th in Indian Lake
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced the release of a draft unit management plan (UMP) for the Lewey Lake Campground and Day Use Area in the Town of Indian Lake, Hamilton County.
"DEC campgrounds are extremely popular recreational facilities and an integral part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve," Commissioner Sheehan said. "The release of the draft unit management plan for the Lewey Lake Public Campground and Day Use Area is another step in our efforts to improve public access and ensure the protection of the Adirondacks for future generations. As always, the public's participation has been, and will continue to be, invaluable throughout the planning process."
A public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday August 25th, at the Indian Lake Town Offices. The meeting will provide the public with an opportunity to learn more on the proposed management actions in draft UMP and provide comment. DEC will also accept written comments on the draft UMP until September 30, 2005.
The Lewey Lake Public Campground and Day Use Area is located on 365-acre Lewey Lake in the central portion of the Adirondack Park, with access to nearby Indian Lake. The campground contains 209 secluded, wooded campsites for tents and trailers as well as flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station and a recycling center. The day use area includes a picnic area, sand swimming beach, bathhouse and a boat launch. A second boat launch is located on Indian Lake.
The draft UMP contains proposed management activities including:
- Modernizing the boat launch facility on Indian Lake to reduce congestion, improve user's safety, and comply with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines;
- Constructing an accessible fishing pier on Lewey Lake channel to provide recreational opportunities for people with disabilities; and
- Modifying the existing bathhouse by adding a six unit shower facility to improve visitor experience and to comply with Department standards.
The Adirondack State Land Master Plan identifies 41 campgrounds in the Adirondack Forest Preserve which are classified as "intensive use areas" and requires a unit management plan for each. The plans integrate the goals and objectives of the Master Plan, related legislation, and resource and visitor-use information into a single document.
A UMP must be completed before significant new recreational facilities can be constructed. The plan includes an analysis of the natural features of the area and the ability of the land to accommodate public use. The planning process is designed to cover all environmental considerations for the unit and forms the basis for all proposed management activities for a five-year time period.
The draft UMP is available for public review at DEC regional office in Ray Brook, the DEC regional suboffice in Northville, and the DEC maintenance facility in Indian Lake. The plan will be available for review at the Indian Lake Town office. The plan is available from the DEC Bureau of Recreation (518/457-2500).
Public comments will be accepted until September 30, 2005 and may be sent to: Tom Folts, General Manager Forest Parks, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-5253.
The Indian Lake Town Hall is located on Pelon Road in the hamlet of Indian Lake:
- From the west take State Route 28 east and from the north take State Route 30 south into the hamlet of Indian Lake. Pelon Road will be on the left across from the Indian Lake Central School.
- From the south take State Route 30 north and from the east take State Route 28 west into the hamlet of Indian Lake. Pelon Road will be on the right just past the American Legion Hall.
- The Town Hall is about one hundred yards up Pelon Road on the left and shares parking lot with the Indian Lake Library.
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