The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is requesting public input to develop the draft Lower New England-West Unit Management Plan (UMP). DEC is seeking public guidance on the future uses and management of approximately 8,130 acres of DEC-Managed Public Land within the Management Area, known as the Lower New England-West Unit.

DEC staff will be available to answer questions and accept public comments. The meeting will held on Thursday, November 17, 2016, from 6:00 – 9:00 PM at:

DEC Region 3 Headquarters
21 South Putt Corners Road
New Paltz, NY 12561

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 consist of predominantly “green certified” forested public land managed by DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests and are located in Orange and Ulster counties. The properties include Stewart State Forest, Pochuck Mountain State Forest, Black Creek State Forest, Turkey Point State Forest, Mt. Peter Hawk Watch, Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area, and High Woods Multiple Use Area. The plan will focus on developing recreational assets on these lands, increasing public awareness of these assets, and the sustainable management of these woodlands.

The UMP will be developed in accordance with the DEC’s Strategic Plan for State Forest Management. The strategic plan can be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/64567.html  

In addition to the public meeting, comments about what should be included in the scope can be submitted to:

Matt Paul
21 South Putt Corners Road
New Paltz, NY 12561

Email: r3ump@gw.dec.state.ny.us

All comments on the scope must be received by December 9, 2016. DEC will review all comments as it finalizes the scope for the Draft Lower New England West UMP.

Next Steps and Additional Opportunities for Public Input: After the scope is finalized, DEC will develop the Draft Unit Management Plan and it will be released for public comment. The process will include an additional public meeting to provide the public opportunities to both review and provide input.