The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released for public review a Draft Amendment to the Moose River Plains Wild Forest Unit Management Plan, which proposes to improve mountain biking opportunities, DEC Regional Director Robert Stegemann announced today.

“DEC continues to make improvements to backcountry infrastructure to ensure the Adirondacks are a premier outdoor recreation destination,” said Director Stegemann. “The combination of the natural beauty, variety of quality outdoor recreation opportunities, and the amenities found in the communities attracts visitors from across the northeast, the country and the world.”

The Draft Amendment proposes the following to improve the Moose River Plains trail network and access:

• Add approximately 25 miles of trails designed for mountain bicycle use;
• Improve bridges to accommodate bikes;
• Clear vegetation from existing overgrown trails;
• Construct two parking areas along State Route 28 including accessible parking to accommodate the anticipated increase in public use;
• Modify two trails to improve accessibility to recreational facilities for persons with disabilities.
• Reroute approximately two miles of current mountain bike trails to avoid steep grades, poor drainage, or other potential problems; and
• Close sections of Seventh Lake Trail with steep slopes to mountain bikes. 

The 81,800-acre Moose River Plains Complex is located in Hamilton and Herkimer Counties and contains more than 100 primitive roadside campsites, 130 miles of marked trails and numerous lakes and ponds for boating and paddling. Amenities can be found in the nearby communities of Inlet, Eagle Lake, Raquette Lake, Indian Lake, Speculator and Piseco.

The Draft Amendment may be viewed and downloaded from the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/22571.html.

Comments may be sent to McCrea Burnham, 625 Broadway, 5^th Floor, Albany, NY 12233-4254 or e-mailed to adirondackpark@dec.ny.gov. The deadline for comment is July 8, 2016.