The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking public input on a proposed recreation and management plan for six parcels totaling 6,032 acres of Forest Preserve land in the town of Shandaken, Ulster County, and the town of Lexington, Greene County. Collectively these lands are classified and managed by DEC as the Shandaken Wild Forest as defined in the Catskill Park State Land Master Plan.

“The Shandaken Wild Forest is well-suited to provide a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “With these proposed revisions, DEC is putting forward a plan to help expand the trail system and offer mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and hiking for visitors to the majestic Catskills, and we continue to encourage everyone enjoying the outdoors to recreate responsibly.”

The original management plan for the Shandaken Wild Forest was completed in 2005. Since that time, DEC has acquired 1,200 acres on the eastern slopes of Belleayre Mountain, 610 acres of which were added to the Shandaken Wild Forest.   

In 2019, with funding from the Catskill Watershed Corporation, the contractor Tahawus Trails was hired to develop a conceptual trail plan for these acquisition lands that were added to the Shandaken Wild Forest and Belleayre Mountain Ski Center Intensive Use Area. A public meeting was held on Jan. 18, 2018, at Belleayre Mountain Ski Center Discovery Lodge where Tahawus Trails/Sinuosity LLC presented the conceptual recreation plan. Public comments were accepted and the proposals and were incorporated into the 2020 draft Shandaken Wild Forest Unit Management Plan.   

The draft 2020 Shandaken Wild Forest plan proposes:

• Developing 10.1 miles of new and improved multi-use trails on the newly acquired lands on Belleayre Mountain that are now a part of the Shandaken Wild Forest; 
• Building an accessible fishing platform to expand fishing opportunities on the Allaben parcel; 
• Removal of buildings and debris on the Lower Birch Creek parcel that pose a threat to public health and safety;  
• Improvements to the impoundment on the Lower Birch Pond on the Lower Birch Creek parcel; and
• Establishing a scenic vista on the Giggle Hollow parcel. 

DEC encourages the public to comment on the draft plan, which is available on DEC’s website, along with a pdf of a powerpoint presentation of the unit and the proposals.  

Public comment will be accepted through Sept. 28, 2020. Following a review of public comments received, DEC will finalize the plan and begin the process of implementation. Comments can be submitted by email to r3UMP@dec.ny.gov, by mail to NYSDEC 21 South Putt Corners Rd. New Paltz, NY 12561 Att: Pine Roehrs, or by phone (845) 256-3075.  

Under Govenor Andrew M. 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. Read more about the Adventure NY initiative.

DEC encourages all visitors to State lands to practice Leave No Trace Principles when recreating to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on natural resources, and avoid conflicts with other users. For more information visit DEC’s website.