For Immediate Release: October 10, 2008
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY – During its deliberations on Friday, October 10, 2008 the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) approved a significant economic and recreational expansion for the Olympic Regional Development (ORDA) run Gore Mountain Ski Center. The Agency also approved a shoreline variance to allow the Town of Wells in Hamilton County to construct a scenic overview and fishing access platform along the shores of Lake Algonquin. The Agency found the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) proposed amendment to the Bog River Lows Lake Unit Management Plan (UMP) inconsistent with the State Land Master Plan (SLMP).
Gore Mountain Ski Center Interconnect
The Agency determined that the portion of the 2005 UMP/ Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement related to the interconnection between the Gore Mountain Ski Center and the Historic North Creek Ski Bowl, which was rescinded in August of 2006, is consistent with the guidelines and criteria of the SLMP.
The trail and lift design identified in the 2005 unit plan is unchanged from what was previously approved by the Agency and Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation on June 6, 2006. The interconnection to North Creek Ski Bowl was rescinded based on recognition that additional assessment of potential cumulative impacts from the Front Street residential resort project was necessary.
The DEC Commissioner directed departmental staff in July 2006 to conduct a supplemental State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) review of impacts that may result from connecting ski trails and lifts with the Ski Bowl Village/Front Street project which was pending before the APA. (The Agency approved the Front Street project in April 2008.)
The primary objectives of the approved amendment are to improve public access to Gore Mountain and Forest Preserve lands, to improve the skiing experience and to provide for a stronger interconnect between Gore Mountain Ski Center, the Historic North Creek Ski Bowl and the hamlet of North Creek. The 2005 amendment included construction of new ski trails and lifts in the Intensive Use Area that connects with the Town of Johnsburg’s Ski Bowl Park.
For a more detailed description of the proposed management actions, see section 4 of the unit management plan amendment available for download from the Gore Mountain Ski Center website at: www.goremountain.com/SEIS/press/2005_Gore_Mountain_UMP_Amendment.pdf
Lake Algonquin Scenic Overlook and Fishing Access Platform
The Town of Wells and Hamilton County Highway Department’s shoreline variance request was granted allowing the construction of a scenic overlook and fishing access platform accessible to person's with disabilities within the 50-foot shoreline structure setback of Lake Algonquin. Included in this approval are a picnic area, drainage, signage, landscaping, crosswalk, and parking area improvements.
The project site is the only Town of Wells-owned location suitable for public fishing access to Lake Algonquin. The site has historically been used for fishing, with fishing access occurring off the shoulder of the road along the guide rail immediately adjacent to County Road 5.
Hamilton County is working through the Greater Adirondack Resource Conservation and Development Council to construct outdoor recreation facilities accessible to person's with disabilities. The Council includes the county supervisors, planners, and volunteer members from the Adirondack region. The project site was chosen as one of its initiatives, and a New York State Transportation Enhancement Program funding application was prepared for the proposed project, and was selected for federal funding.
The project is being administered by Hamilton County, with NYSDOT Region 2 oversight. Funding for the proposed project is 80% from federal aid, with the remaining 20% local funding. The Town of Wells and Hamilton County will utilize their local work force for their portion of the local match.
This one of a number of APA reviewed award winning projects designed to improve accessibility to shorelines adjacent to Adirondack communities.
Lows Lake Unit Management Plan Amendment
The Agency determined DEC’s proposed amendment to allow the continued use of commercial float planes, under a permit system, on Lows Lake for a period of ten years was inconsistent with the SLMP.
The SLMP directs the development and management of State lands inside the Adirondack Park. The SLMP states that non-conforming uses such as commercial float planes should be eliminated as soon as possible. The SLMP further states that the preservation of the Lows Lake-Bog River-Oswegatchie wilderness canoe route without motorboat or airplane usage is the primary management goal for this Primitive Area.
The Park Agency and DEC reached a compromise on float plane access in late 2002 when both bodies determined that DEC’s plan for the area was consistent with the SLMP. This decision included a provision to phase out the use of commercial float planes over a five-year time period.
Today’s action is consistent with the State’s efforts over the past decade to conform to SLMP criteria and establish wilderness conditions in this area. The Agency encouraged DEC to reevaluate their proposal, inviting submission of a plan that would be more in keeping with the Lows Lake Primitive Area management goals.