For Release: Friday, September 24, 2004
DEC Enforces Public ATV Access in Adirondacks
Limitations in Aldrich Pond, Black River, Independence River and Watson's East Wild Forests in Western Adirondacks
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today announced that effective immediately DEC will close certain roads and begin enforcement efforts of the recently approved limitations on all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use within the Adirondack Park. The closure of roads is necessary to eliminate illegal and inappropriate ATV use on State Forest Preserve lands and to ensure that the resources of the Forest Preserve are protected.
The Adirondack Park Agency approved amendments to the Aldrich Pond, Independence River and Black River Wild Forest Unit Management Plans (UMPs), and these amendments were adopted by the DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty. In addition to the UMP amendments, DEC is also taking administrative action in the Watson's East Wild Forest to limit public ATV access on 54 roads in these areas. 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. Limiting ATV access on State Forest Preserve lands conforms with the State Vehicle and Traffic Law and the Adirondack State Land Master Plan, does not facilitate trespassing on private property, and will not cause environmental degradation. The proposed UMP amendments and notice of Administrative Action were made available for public comment before the APA approved the amendments at its July meeting.
All 54 roads are now closed to public ATV access without a permit. Environmental Conservation Officers and Forest Rangers will be monitoring ATV access and taking necessary enforcement actions to curtail illegal ATV use.
Five roads will be open for public ATV access by permit only, to allow hunters access to primitive camping sites. These 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 1 to December 15. Permits can be obtained by contacting DEC Region 6, Natural Resource Office, Watertown, (315) 785-2262.
These five roads are slated to be rehabilitated for automobile and truck access by 2006 at which time 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 the road is to provide ATVs with access to areas which they could not otherwise access.
04-115
