Draft Unit Management Plans (UMPs) for three NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campgrounds in the Adirondacks are now available for public review and comment. The Draft Plans for Limekiln Lake, Eighth Lake and Lake Durant campgrounds identify facilities and infrastructure to be upgraded or replaced during the next five years to enhance recreational opportunities.

"These UMPs outline a suite of important infrastructure improvements to enhance recreational access and tourism at these signature DEC campground facilities," DEC Acting Commissioner Seggos said. "Once completed, these upgrades will create more attractive destinations for campers and visitors to enjoy the world-class recreational opportunities in the Adirondack region.”

DEC is accepting public comments on the Draft Plans until April 8, 2016. A public availability session will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 29, at the Raquette Lake Union Free School, 115 State Route 28, Raquette Lake, NY. The availability session will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the proposed management actions in the Draft Plans and to comment on the proposals. The meeting facilities are wheelchair accessible. Please call 518-897-1248 at least two weeks in advance of the meeting if you have specific accommodation requests.

Limekiln Lake Campground Draft UMP

The 312-acre Limekiln Lake Campground is located 1.5 miles east of the community of Inlet. It lies in both the town of Ohio, Herkimer County and the town of Inlet, Hamilton County. The campground has 271 tent and trailer sites, flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station, recycling center, mobility impaired accessibility, sand beach, swimming area, bathhouse, nature trail, small boat launch, canoe rentals, and a picnic area with tables, fireplaces, and a pavilion. Other available outdoor recreational activities at the campground include boating, paddling, fishing, swimming and hiking.

The Draft Plan for the Limekiln Lake Campground can be viewed and downloaded at (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24476.html) and proposes the following management activities:

• Replacing two comfort stations;
• Constructing two additional trailer dump stations;
• Converting eight existing campsites to universal campsites;
• Rehabilitating overused campsites and replacing worn picnic tables and fireplaces;
• Repairing the dam;
• Replacing the registration booth;
• Rehabilitating the water distribution system, a sewage lift station & overhead power lines by moving them underground; and
• Landscaping.

The 242-acre Eighth Lake Campground is located five miles northeast of the community of Inlet in the town of Inlet, Hamilton County. The campground has 126 tent and trailer sites, flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station, recycling center, mobility impaired accessibility, firewood sales, sand beach, swimming area, canoe & boat rentals, hiking trails and a picnic area with tables and fireplaces. Other available outdoor recreational activities at the campground include boating, paddling, fishing, swimming and hiking.

The Draft Plan for the Eighth Lake Campground can be viewed and downloaded at (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24465.html) and proposes the following management activities:

• Resurfacing campground roads,
• Constructing two new shower buildings;
• Constructing a picnic pavilion;
• Rehabilitating the Bug Lake Trail Parking Lot;
• Improving overused campsites;
• Installing a new drinking water distribution system;
• Relocating and replacing the registration booth;
• Rehabilitating the sewage system; and
• Landscaping.

The 35-acre Lake Durant Campground is located five miles northeast of the community of Inlet in the town of Indian Lake, Hamilton County. The campground has 61 tent and trailer sites, flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station, recycling center, firewood sales, mobility impaired accessibility, sand beach, boat launch, bathhouse, hiking trails and a picnic area with tables and fireplaces. Other available outdoor recreational activities at the campground include boating, paddling, fishing, swimming and hiking.

The Draft Plan for the Lake Durant Campground can be viewed and downloaded at (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24473.html) and proposes the following management activities:

• Constructing an eight-unit shower building;
• Rehabilitating the Day Use Area and constructing a picnic pavilion;
• Rehabilitating the fishing pier;
• Restoring campsites;
• Constructing a new registration booth;
• Constructing a workshop garage;
• Upgrading the electrical system;
• Installing utility sinks; and
• Monitoring boat launch usage.

Copies of the draft plans are also available on computer disc. Please call (518) 457-2500 to request a disc.

Public comment on any or all of the Draft Campground UMPs will be accepted through April 8, 2015, and can be submitted by mail to: NYS DEC Bureau of Recreation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-5253, or by e-mail to campinfo@dec.ny.gov.