The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today encouraged the public to review and comment on a draft Unit Management Plan (UMP) for Fish Creek. The 3,464-acre unit includes Kasoag, Klondike, Orton Hollow, and Stone Hill State Forests, located in the towns of Amboy and Williamstown, Oswego County. The updated plan would guide the management of these properties over the next 10 years. DEC is accepting comments on the draft UMP until July 10, 2022.

“These sustainably managed State lands protect water quality, conserve essential fish and wildlife habitat, and offer abundant year-round public recreation opportunities for people of all abilities in the heart of New York’s remarkable Tug Hill region,” said DEC Region 7 Director Matthew Marko.

DEC manages State lands for multiple benefits to serve the people of New York State. State lands covered by the draft plan offer recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, snowmobiling, bird watching, boating, fishing, hunting, trapping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and all-terrain vehicle access by permit for visitors with mobility impairments. The draft Fish Creek UMP proposes to:

• address overall management and maintenance activities;
• maintain healthy, sustainable, and biologically diverse ecosystems for fish and wildlife; and
• provide continued forest product sales and a variety of opportunities for recreational use, environmental education, and research.
  

Highlights of the plan include designating 0.5 miles of existing accessible trail on Orton Hollow State Forest for motorized access by permit for visitors with mobility impairments; continuing partnerships with local snowmobile clubs to maintain snowmobile trail connection to the Tug Hill trail system; and implementing sustainable practices for forest management. The draft plan and additional information are available on DEC's website.

DEC is accepting comments until Sunday, July 10, 2022, via email with the subject line "Fish Creek Unit" to R7.UMP@dec.ny.gov, and by mail to: Erin Jennings, Forester, NYSDEC, 2133 County Route 22, Altmar, NY 13302.