Public Open House on April 26

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the release of the Draft Lower Salmon River Restoration and Recreation Enhancement Plan to guide management of the newly designated Lower Salmon River State Forest, part of the acquisition of more than 6,000 acres of protected land in Oswego County announced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in 2017.

The Salmon River in northern Oswego County is home to one of New York’s premier sportfishing destinations for trophy-sized trout and salmon. DEC recently acquired approximately 1,700 acres of land adjacent to the lower Salmon River as part of a settlement agreement with National Grid (formerly Niagara Mohawk) to strengthen protection of vital natural resources and expand opportunities for public access to the fisheries.

DEC dedicated $500,000 from the Lake Ontario Sportfishing Restoration Natural Resource Damages settlement to river restoration and trail enhancement and development projects along the lower Salmon River. DEC, with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners, is proposing to restore habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms, stabilize eroding river banks by building in-stream restoration structures, and improve the trail system to protect, conserve, and enhance this incredible fishery for current and future generations of anglers.

The draft Lower Salmon River Restoration and Recreation Enhancement Plan is currently available on DEC’s website. DEC will accept comments until May 10, 2018 and staff will be available to answer questions and explain the plan during an open house on Thursday, April 26, 2018. The public is welcome to stop by any time from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at DEC’s Salmon River Fish Hatchery, 2133 County Route 22, Altmar, NY 13302.

DEC also encourages the public to comment on the draft Salmon River Fisheries Management Plan, available on DEC's website. Comments on this draft plan will be accepted until April 23, 2018.

To comment on the plans, send an email with the appropriate subject line, either “Lower Salmon River Restoration Plan” or "Salmon River Fisheries Plan," to fwfish7@dec.ny.gov. Written comments may also be sent via U.S. Mail to:

David Lemon, Regional Fisheries Manager
NYSDEC Region 7
1285 Fisher Road
Cortland, New York 13045