New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has been improving trails, campsites, access roads, and trailhead parking lots to make state lands more welcoming and safe for visitors. Small projects that enhance public safety and convenience are not only important for ensuring access to state lands — they also help reduce harmful impacts to our wild places.
Below are two projects that took place this year in Lake George Wild Forest in the Adirondack Park to create a safe environment for recreationists and improve trail sustainability. The two projects are funded by the Environmental Protection Fund. Overuse, which was specifically allocated by the legislature as a dedicated source of revenue for areas in the Adirondack and Catskill Preserves that accommodate more visitation, relieving pressure on other high-use areas.
Shelving Rock Special Management Area, Washington County
Shelving Rock Special Management Area is a high public use area in Lake George Wild Forest on the eastern shore of Lake George.
Since the network of trails in this area receives limited maintenance, fallen trees and debris from over the years had made the trails difficult to navigate for equestrian users and hikers. DEC Region 5 Warrensburg contracted with Adirondack Mountain Club to remove over 60 hazard trees from 13 primitive tent sites and clear blowdown trees on five miles of trail.
Clearing this trail network promotes trail safety and sustainability by preventing the establishment of user-created trails, maintaining safe trails for emergency response, and opening the trail network to disperse use from other heavily visited trails in the area.
In addition, the removal of hazard trees at primitive tent sites maintains a safe environment for campers.
Jabe Pond Road, Town of Hague, Warren County
Jabe Pond and Little Jabe Pond are popular locations for fishing, canoeing, and camping in Lake George Wild Forest. Seven primitive water-access tent sites are located along the shoreline of Jabe Pond. Both ponds can be accessed through the DEC-owned Jabe Pond Road in Hague, Warren County.
The Town of Hague recently assisted DEC’s maintenance efforts by hauling and spreading 120 tons of crushed stone to fill potholes and create safe travel for the public who walk, bike, and drive on Jabe Pond Road.
The Town of Hague also installed five new culverts, cleaned existing ditches, and graded the road to divert melting snow and excess water away from the road. This upgrade should last 10 years with annual spot checks and improvements, providing safe access to these popular Adirondack sites.
Photos of Shelving Rock sign, a shelving Rock Campsite and a new culvert on Jabe Pond provided by DEC.
Jabe Pond has a 10hp maximum for watercraft per verbal conformation from a DEC officer. Their website states no motors but the DEC sign states 10hp.