 |
DEC Contact: Stephanie Mossey (845) 256-3154 June 17, 2019
|
DEC TO HOLD PUBLIC SCOPING SESSION FOR PROPOSED NEVERSINK RIVER UNIT MANAGEMENT PLAN ON JUNE 20DEC Invites Public Comment on Proposed Management Plan |
|
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking public input to improve recreational opportunities and natural resource protection in developing the 8,375 acres Neversink River Unit Management Plan. “We encourage residents to join us on June 20 to discuss the history, current ecology, and forest management practices and recreational uses of these lands. Public participation is an essential component of our planning process and we look forward to public input to help establish short- and long-term goals and objectives for the Neversink River Unit Management Plan,” said Acting Regional Director John Petronella. Following a short presentation, during the scoping session DEC staff will be available to answer questions and accept public comments. The meeting will be held on June 20, 2019, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Legislative Meeting Room, Sullivan County Government Building, 100 North St, Monticello, NY 12701. Several properties included in this UMP were previously covered by individual plans. These lands have been incorporated under one UMP to help regional forestry staff more effectively manage DEC lands. The properties are “green certified” forested public land managed by DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests in Sullivan and Ulster counties. The properties in this unit are the Neversink River Unique Area, Wolf Brook Multiple Use Area, Hickok Brook Multiple Use Area, Oak Ridge Multiple Use Area, and Painters Hill Multiple Use Area. The plan will focus on maintaining and expanding recreational assets where appropriate, improving public awareness of these lands, and sustainable forest management. The UMP will be developed in accordance with the DEC’s Strategic Plan for State Forest Management. The strategic plan can be found on DEC’s website. In addition to the public meeting, comments on what should be included in the Neversink River Unit Management Plan can be submitted to Evan Masten, NYSDEC, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561, or email: r3ump@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Comments must be received by July 22, 2019. DEC will review all comments as the scope for the Neversink River Unit Management Plan is finalized. After the scope is finalized, DEC will develop the Draft Neversink River Unit Management Plan and release the plan for public comment. The process will include an additional public meeting and comment period to provide the public an opportunity to both review and provide input on the draft unit management plan. |
|
|
###
|
|