For Immediate Release: October 18, 2005
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY – The Adirondack Park Agency is accepting public comments on Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan (APSLMP) compliance for the proposed Shaker Mountain Wild Forest (SMWF) unit management plan (UMP). The Agency will accept public comments until November 30, 2005.
The SMWF is located in the southern portion of the Adirondack Park near Gloversville and Johnstown - within an hours drive from the Capital District and Amsterdam. The Planning area encompasses an estimated 40,500 acres. These Forest Preserve lands are scattered within the towns of Bleecker, Caroga, Mayfield and Northampton - Fulton County and the Town of Benson - Hamilton County.
A variety of recreational activities is permissible on the SMWF due to its APSLMP land classification. Key issues include access management to Pine Lake, Holmes Lake and Irving Pond, proposals for snowmobiling, motor vehicle use, all terrain bicycling and the relocation of a section of the Northville – Placid Trail. The plan proposes improvements consistent with the “ADA consent decree” for persons with disabilities.
The proposed UMP also includes improvements to the 4.2 acre Northville Boat Launch Intensive Use Area.
Please address all written comments pertaining to State Land Master Plan compliance to: Richard Weber, Supervisor Regional Planning Planning Division, Adirondack Park Agency P.O. Box 99 Ray Brook, NY 12977
The Adirondack Park Agency Board will consider compliance of this Unit Management Plan with the State Land Master Plan at the December 8 and 9 Agency meeting. Any written comments received will become part of the public record.