For Immediate Release: May 20, 2008
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 Remsen - Lake Placid Travel Corridor Vegetation Management Plan Unit Management Plan Amendment (R-LPTC UMP). The Agency will accept public comments until June 4, 2008.
The revisions to the Unit Plan provide more detail regarding vegetative management programs within the Travel Corridor. The objective of the vegetation management plan is to provide a safe operating and working environment that meets or exceeds all Federal Railroad Administration requirements and accepted industry standards. The plan will protect the environment, while ensuring reliable operation and track safety as well as an enjoyable recreational experience for all users of the corridor.
Work activities associated with this plan will take place only within the travel corridor right-of- way under the joint jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation and the Department of Environmental Conservation. If any work becomes necessary outside the bounds of the corridor right-of-way, any necessary approvals will be coordinated with staff of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Adirondack Park Agency.
The Remsen Lake Placid Travel Corridor vegetation management program will:
• Provide vegetation control that reduces or eliminates labor intensive control techniques for grass, weeds, vines, brush and woody growth along the railroad right-of-way. • Use materials and application techniques that will result in the lowest possible environmental impact while providing season long control to a broad spectrum of plants. • Develop a program that will facilitate improved safety conditions by reducing or eliminating hazards to inspection and maintenance of the track section members through better visibility and improved drainage. • Maintain an attractive right-of-way with an undulating forested border, but with tracks and ballast completely free of vegetation. • Comply with Federal Railroad Administration rules and regulations in keeping with current industry standards. • Control or eliminate colonies of invasive plant species that may occur along this travel corridor in accordance with the Inter-Agency Guidelines for Implementing Best Management Practices for the Control of Terrestrial Invasive Plant Species on Forest Preserve Lands in the Adirondack Park.
Please address all written comments pertaining to State Land Master Plan compliance to: Richard Weber, Assistant Director 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 June 12 and 13 Agency meeting. Any written comments received will become part of the public record.