The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today opened a public comment period on a draft amendment to the East Branch of Fish Creek Recreation Management Plan (RMP).  Comments will be accepted through Thursday, May 19. The draft amendment proposes an additional 20 miles of outdoor recreation trail that would connect with existing planned trails. 

“These trails would provide for additional recreational opportunities for four season recreational use,” said DEC Regional Director Judy Drabicki. “Snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, all great uses for the trail.  The draft amendment connects properties and provides access to isolated parcels that are currently not accessible by road or trail.”

Once all trails are completed they would provide a trail that would traverse the core forest of Tug Hill properties in a North-South direction between the Osceola Road (County Route 46) and the northern boundary of the Easement.  If determined feasible, some trail sections may be constructed to ADA standards to provide access for persons with disabilities.        

DEC encourages the public to review the draft amendment and provide comment.  Information obtained and reviewed through the planning process helps to build a solid foundation to support specific goals, objectives and management actions.

Public comments will be accepted until close-of-business on Thursday, May 19.  Written comments can be mailed to Michael Giocondo, Forester 1, NYS DEC, 7327 State Route 812, Lowville NY 13367 or sent by e-mail to: r6.ump@dec.ny.gov.

The draft amendment can be viewed in full on DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/36158.html.