East Branch Fish Creek North Conservation Easement Modification

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are proposing a modification to the 2006 Conservation Easement.

Background

On February 28, 2006, the Department of Environmental Conservation purchased a conservation easement over 14,269 acres from The Nature Conservancy. Under the terms of the 2006 East Branch Fish Creek North (EBFCN) Conservation Easement, Forest Management Buffer Areas (FMBAs) were established and one of the requirements was any hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation camps located in these areas needed to be removed no later than December 31, 2016. View the 2006 Conservation Easement (PDF).

The Modification

Prior to the December 31, 2016 removal date, TNC made a request to DEC that the conservation easement be modified to allow Camp #10 ("Brandy Brook camp"), associated outbuildings, and five-acre camp envelope located within the Page Swamp FMBA to remain at its current location in perpetuity. In addition to the Camp #10 request, the proposed modification will allow for one additional "Recreational Lease structure" and associated five-acre envelope and clarifies the Grantor's use of the "Property Administration Structure" on the protected property. View the 2022 Proposed Conservation Easement Modification (PDF).

Conservation Benefit

Pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 592 (leaves DEC website) of the Department regulations, any modification to a conservation easement must result in a net conservation benefit to the People of the State of New York. In order to satisfy this requirement, TNC has agreed to donate a conservation easement to the DEC. This new easement will encumber TNC's 430+/- acre "Lyndaker" parcel, which is adjacent to the East Branch Fish Creek North easement tract. The terms of the new conservation easement will be the same as the existing East Branch Fish Creek North conservation easement and will provide DEC the right to construct a public snowmobile trail connection from the G&W Road to Toole Road and points north in the future.

Public Comment Opportunity

The 38-day public comment period for the proposed modification ended July 29, 2022. No comments were received by the Department.