The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is beginning the process of developing the Unit Management Plan (UMP) for 3,464 acres of State Forest land in the Kasoag, Klondike, Orton Hollow, and Stone Hill State Forests, DEC Region 7 Director Matthew Marko announced today. The lands are located in the Oswego County towns of Amboy and Williamstown. UMPs assess the natural, physical, social, and recreational resources of the landscape and provide a solid foundation for the development of long-term land management goals, objectives, and actions.

“The unit management plan is a valuable tool for the public and the DEC,” said DEC Regional Director Matthew Marko. “DEC recognizes that public participation plays a critical role in the creation of Unit Management Plans and is asking for public input and ideas as the plan is developed. The planning process helps build and strengthen partnerships with everyone who enjoys the recreational opportunities and natural resources these forests have to offer.”

The public is invited to share ideas about plan development during the scoping period, which runs from February 15 – March 15, 2017. The public is invited and encouraged to provide feedback in a number of ways, including:

(1) In person: Two public input sessions at Williamstown Community Center located at 2910 County Route 17, Williamstown, NY 13493, are scheduled for:

Tuesday, February 28 (snow date Tuesday, March 7) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 2 (snow date Tuesday, March 7) from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

The public is encouraged to visit either session at any time during these hours. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Please provide any requests for specific accommodation in advance to DEC at (315) 298-7467. These sessions provide an opportunity for the public to meet with DEC staff and share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions regarding the management of lands in these forests. These sessions are the first of many opportunities for the public to be involved in the planning process.

(2) By mail: Written comments/ideas for the draft UMP development should be mailed by March 15 to:

NYS DEC
Attn: Erin Jennings, Forester and Land Manager
Division of Lands and Forests
2133 County Route 22
Altmar, NY 13302

(3)By email: Comments and ideas can be emailed to UMP@dec.ny.gov by March 15.

(4) By Phone: Questions and comments can also be directed by phone to DEC Forester and Land Manager Erin Jennings at (315) 298-7467.

Additional information on the State Forests found on the Fish Creek Unit is available on DEC’s website:

Kasoag State Forest– http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/63170.html

Klondike State Forest – http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/63195.html

Orton Hollow State Forest – http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/63334.html

Stone Hill State Forest – http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/63951.html