For Release: Monday, November 1, 2021
DEC Encourages Public to Comment on Draft Unit Management Plan for Tug Hill East
Public Comment Period and Online Survey Open Nov. 1
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that the agency will accept public comments on the draft Unit Management Plan (UMP) for Tug Hill East beginning Nov. 1 and ending Dec. 15, 2021. The draft UMP covers 22,886 acres of land in seven State Forests, one unique area, and 13 detached Forest Preserve parcels in the Lewis County towns of Lewis, Martinsburg, Osceola, Turin, and West Turin, the Oneida County town of Ava, and the Oswego County town of Redfield.
The draft UMP proposes increased opportunities for outdoor recreation, including seven new designated drive-up campsites, two walk-in primitive campsites, and a network of trails for the Motorized Access Program for Persons with Disabilities (MAPPWD). The plan also examines sustainable forest management to continue protection of wildlife habitat and wetlands in the face of climate change.
DEC has posted a presentation with more information about the draft plan for public review on the DEC website. An online survey to accept comments (leaves DEC's website) is available. Comments can also be submitted by mail to Andrea Mercurio, Forester, DEC Lowville Sub-Office, 7327 State Route 812, Lowville, NY 13367, or by email to mailto:r6.ump@dec.ny.gov .
