New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced completion of a number of accessible features at Basswood Pond State Forest in the town of Burlington, Otsego County. The $100,000 improvement project is part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Adventure NY Initiative to connect more New Yorkers with nature. The announcement was made at a ribbon cutting at the State Forest on June 5.

“With the completion of these new accessible features, visitors with mobility impairments can enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities at Basswood Pond,” said Commissioner Seggos. “These improvements, through Governor Cuomo's Adventure NY Initiative, are just a sample of the recreational upgrades that New York has underway to better serve everyone who wants to enjoy our state's great outdoors.”

The new features include an accessible fishing platform, accessible trail leading to the fishing platform, accessible parking area, and new open field recreation area. In addition, a new trail was constructed that mobility-impaired permit holders can access via an all-terrain or other appropriate motor vehicle. The new trail leads to a new, accessible waterfront lean-to.

The $100,000 project was funded through the state’s NY Works Program.

The 720-acre Basswood Pond State Forest is located 15 miles from the village of Cooperstown. With more than seven miles of multi-use trails, as well as a pond featuring a day use picnic area, Basswood Pond State Forest is a year-round destination for outdoor recreation. Basswood Pond is 15 acres and is open to hand launch boats. DEC annually stocks the pond with a combination of 500 brown and rainbow trout.

There are no designated campsites at Basswood Pond, but there is the accessible lean-to available for public camping. At-large primitive camping is also permitted as long as campsites are at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water.

For more information about Basswood Pond State Forest, visit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/75270.html.

Under Governor Cuomo's Adventure NY Initiative, DEC is making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active outdoor recreation, connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors, protect natural resources, and boost local economies. This initiative will support the completion of more than 75 projects over the next three years, ranging from improvements to youth camps and environmental education centers to new boat launches, duck blinds, and hiking trails.

For more information on planning an outdoor adventure in New York State, visit DEC's website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor.