Public Input Sought On Forest Preserve Work Plan Policy

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking public input on a newly developed policy to guide how DEC evaluates and reviews work plans for projects in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve.

The draft Commissioner Policy is available for public comment until February 27th.

DEC drafted the Forest Preserve Work Plan Policy with the Trail Stewardship Working Group’s input and in collaboration with partners at the Adirondack Park Agency (APA). The Trail Stewardship Working Group includes members from local government, environmental groups, recreation groups, trail builders, and APA staff.

After the public comment period closes, DEC will review the comments and make necessary revisions before approving and adopting the policy. Once adopted, the policy will establish administrative procedures for assessing the impacts of construction and maintenance activities and for drafting site-specific work plans on the Forest Preserve permissible within the parameters established by Article XIV of the New York State Constitution, the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan, the Catskill Park State Land Master Plan, Environmental Conservation Law, and DEC rules, regulations, and policies.

Comments can be submitted to:
Peter Frank, NYS DEC – Division of Lands and Forests
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-4254

Public comments will be accepted on the draft Forest Preserve Work Plan Policy until February 27th, 2023. A copy of the draft Forest Preserve Work Plan Policy is available at DEC’s website.