For Immediate Release: July 14, 2006
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 2006 amendment to the 2004 Whiteface Mountain unit management plan (UMP). A final draft plan was recently completed by the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) in conjunction with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and was subject to public input during the planning process.
The Adirondack Park Agency will now consider compliance of the final draft plan with the State Land Master Plan prior to adoption by DEC. The Agency will accept public comments on the proposals contained in the draft plan until August 2, 2006.
The plan is available for public review at the Whiteface Mountain website: www.whiteface.com.
Whiteface Mountain Ski Center is located in the Town of Wilmington, Essex County. The lands were classified as Intensive Use with the adoption of the APSLMP in 1971. The primary management guideline for Intensive Use Area is to provide the public opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreational pursuits in a setting and on a scale in harmony with the relatively wild and undeveloped character of the Adirondack Park.
This 2006 Unit Management Plan (UMP) Amendment addresses trail construction above the elevation of 2,800 feet and the Tree Island Pod that were presented as Conceptual Items in the 2004 UMP. Trail work above 2,800 feet is of particular concern due to impact on the habitat of the Bicknell’s Thrush. Other items presented in this amendment are actions that target improvement to existing facilities including snowmaking and the Easy Acres Lodge.
Please address all written comments pertaining to State Land Master Plan compliance to: Sunita Halasz, Environmental Program Specialist 1 - Resource Analysis and Scientific Services Division, Adirondack Park Agency P.O. Box 99 Ray Brook, NY 12977
The Adirondack Park Agency Board may consider compliance of ORDA’s Unit Management Plan with the State Land Master Plan at the August 10 and 11 Agency meeting. Any written comments received by 12:00 PM on August 2, 2006 will become part of the public record. Written comments received after 12:00 PM on August 2, 2006, will be provided to board members on meeting day but will not be part of the official record.