New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has finalized DEC’s Commissioner Policy 78 (CP-78), the Forest Preserve Work Plan Policy. This policy is expected to serve as a guide for newly proposed projects and the evaluation of their site-specific impacts to the environment and character of the New York State Forest Preserve. [Read more…] about DEC Releases New Forest Preserve Work Policy
trails
Landowners Close Public Access to Chimney Mountain Trailhead
The new owner of Cabins at Chimney Mountain has closed public access to the trailhead to 2,710-foot Chimney Mountain, a peak in the state-owned Siamese Ponds Wilderness in the Adirondack Park which features unique rock formations and caves. [Read more…] about Landowners Close Public Access to Chimney Mountain Trailhead
New Trail, Parking, Campsite Closures Planned For Sundown Wild Forest
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has finalized the Sundown Wild Forest Unit Management Plan (UMP) Amendment. It’s hoped the amendment will improve infrastructure, increase public safety, enhance natural resource protection, and improve visitor experiences in the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor in the Catskills town of Denning, Ulster County. [Read more…] about New Trail, Parking, Campsite Closures Planned For Sundown Wild Forest
Ulster County’s Historic ‘Osterhoudt Flats’ Protected; New Trail Planned
In July, the Open Space Institute (OSI) has acquired the historic 90-acre Osterhoudt Flats property that is expected to host a multi-use community trail in the Town of Marbletown, Ulster County, NY. OSI purchased the 90-acre property on Atwood Road from landowners Claude and Holly Osterhoudt. [Read more…] about Ulster County’s Historic ‘Osterhoudt Flats’ Protected; New Trail Planned
Side Paths: New York State’s 1890s Bike Trail Network
As the 1890s took New York State toward a new century, the use of the bicycle for recreation by both the young and old was sweeping the country. One reason for this growth was the development of a safer, easier-to-ride machine with a smaller front wheel than the earlier high-wheeled bicycles.
Other advances in the development of the bicycle at this time were pneumatic tires and a chain drive that further eliminated the need for the large front tire. [Read more…] about Side Paths: New York State’s 1890s Bike Trail Network
Hikers Advised to Avoid High-Elevation Trails and Trails that Cross Rivers and Streams
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a high-water advisory following recent heavy rains and is urging hikers to postpone hikes near waterways and on high-elevation trails. DEC advises hikers on how to recreate safely and reduce negative impacts on trails to help protect natural resources throughout the Adirondack Park during this time. [Read more…] about Hikers Advised to Avoid High-Elevation Trails and Trails that Cross Rivers and Streams
Allegany State Park Bike-Hike Trail Expansion
A new $6.8 million multi-use trail at Allegany State Park has been completed that provides an accessible alternative for bikers, hikers and campers to reach the park’s popular Quaker Lake beach area.
[Read more…] about Allegany State Park Bike-Hike Trail Expansion
Report: Crowds Impacting Adirondack High Peaks
The Adirondack Council has released a report commissioned in early 2021 looking at visitation and recreation patterns in specific areas of the High Peaks Wilderness Complex in the Adirondacks. [Read more…] about Report: Crowds Impacting Adirondack High Peaks
Nearly 100 Miles of New Greenway Trails in NYS Since Opened Since 2021
Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) have announced the release of the New York State Greenway Trails Progress Report (August 2021-December 2022), which outlines the accomplishments made, the projects initiated, and the funding secured by state, local, and non-profit partners between August 2021 and December 2022. The report identifies 97.1 miles of new trails completed and 372.7 additional miles of trail in progress in that time frame. [Read more…] about Nearly 100 Miles of New Greenway Trails in NYS Since Opened Since 2021
DEC & APA Defy The Courts And Keep Unconstitutional Trails Open
It’s been nearly two years since the New York Court of Appeals, the State’s highest court, ruled that extra-wide Class II Community Connector Snowmobile Trails designed, approved, and constructed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) violate Article 14, Section 1, of the New York State Constitution, the famed the “Forever Wild” clause.
The high court’s decision followed a decision in 2019 by the Appellate Division, Third Department, that Class II trails violate Article 14. The Court of Appeals decision came out in May 2021 and we’re now into our second winter where the DEC and APA continue to operate unconstitutional Class II trails as if the courts have not ruled against them. Protect the Adirondacks is now back in court in an effort to get the state to comply with the appellate court decisions. [Read more…] about DEC & APA Defy The Courts And Keep Unconstitutional Trails Open