For Release: Wednesday, May 26, 2004
State to Limit Public ATV Access in Adirondack Forest Preserve
DEC Calls for Amendments to Unit Management Plans in the Adirondacks
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today announced a series of proposed amendments to Unit Management Plans (UMPs) and associated administrative actions that will address public all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use on certain roads within the Adirondack Park. The proposed amendments will ensure that ATV access on State Forest Preserve lands will conform to the State Vehicle and Traffic Law and the Adirondack State Land Master Plan, will not facilitate trespass on private lands, and will not cause environmental degradation.
"Amending these Unit Management Plans represents another significant step New York State has taken to ensure the continued protection and health of the Adirondack Park," Commissioner Crotty said. "The amendments are necessary to ensure that ATV access in these areas is consistent with State law and policy. As the stewards of nearly three million acres of land in the Adirondacks, we are committed to preserving the region's unrivaled resources so that they may be enjoyed by generations of New Yorkers."
DEC carefully evaluated the 54 roads that are currently open to ATV access within the Aldrich Pond, Independence River, Black River and Watson's East Wild Forest areas to determine which roads were suitable for continued public ATV access. DEC concluded that all such roads should be closed to unlimited ATV access by the general public, with five roads to be opened by seasonal permit only, for a period not to exceed three years.
Based on the assessment, DEC has submitted a package of proposed amendments to the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) to amend UMPs for Aldrich, Independence River and Black River Wild Forest areas, and proposed administrative actions for Watson's East Wild Forest area that will lead to the elimination of public ATV access on 49 roads, effective after its consideration. The proposed amendments will be available for public comment until APA considers the proposal for approval at their July meeting.
Under the proposed amendments, the five roads that will be opened under temporary revocable permit (TRP) include: the Jackworks and Maple Hill Roads in the Aldrich Pond Wild Forest, and the Herkimer Landing, South Shore and Wolf Lake Landing Roads in the Black River Wild Forest. These roads will be opened for permitted use only from September 1st to December 15th, to allow hunters access to primitive camping sites. These roads are slated to be rehabilitated for automobile and truck access by 2006 at which point public ATV access will be eliminated. The State Vehicle and Traffic law prohibits the use of ATVs on roads that are opened to motor vehicle use unless the purpose of such opening is to provide ATVs with access to adjacent trails and areas which they could not otherwise access.
If the proposed amendments are approved by APA, DEC will begin immediate enforcement of the road closures to ensure that the public understands the need to eliminate illegal and inappropriate ATV use on State Forest Preserve lands and to ensure that the resources of the Forest Preserve are protected.
As part of his 2004-05 Executive Budget, Governor Pataki proposed legislation to provide for public education, enforcement and funding, all of which are essential to controlling ATV use on State Lands. Passage of the Governor's proposed legislation would enhance DEC's efforts to properly manage ATV use in New York State. DEC is also developing an ATV policy for the Forest Preserve, State Forest, and conservation easement lands. It is not the policy of DEC to provide riding opportunities on State lands. Motor vehicle use, however, provides a means of access to DEC programs such as hunting and fishing. This policy will establish a set of criteria for evaluating the suitability of roads for ATV access in limited circumstances in compliance with existing law.
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