History, Natural History & the Arts
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and New York State Canal Corporation have released a study of recreational amenities along the Erie Canal.
The study offers a comprehensive conditions evaluation and long-term plan for recreational amenities like rest rooms, water, charging stations, and storage facilities. [Read more…] about Erie Canal Amenities Study Released
The small community-operated Hickory Ski Area in the Southern Adirondack community of Warrensburg, NY is launching a fundraising effort to design “the first fully adaptive mountain biking trail system in New York and only the second one in the Northeast.” [Read more…] about Hickory Ski Area Planning Adaptive Mountain Biking Trail System
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has announced the start of a $3.6 million transformation of the “kiddie pool” area of the Peerless Pool complex at Saratoga Spa State Park. Peerless Pool is an affordable swimming option for families to escape the heat and cool off during summer. [Read more…] about $3.6M Renovation of ‘Kiddie Pool’ at Saratoga Spa State Park
Adirondack conservation organizations issued a press release on Monday saying they were “pleased that the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) was pumping its brakes on a controversial amendment to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan that would create an administrative loophole and open remote wilderness areas to motorized vehicles.” [Read more…] about Conservationists: State Should Drop Motor-Vehicle Expansion Plan for Adirondack Park
For decades the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan (APSLMP) has required that State Land Unit Management Plans “will address, on a site specific basis the identification, in intensive use, historic and appropriate portions of wild forest areas accessible by motor vehicles, of measures that can be taken to improve access to and enjoyment of these lands, and associated structures and improvements, by persons with disabilities.”
Wilderness areas are left off this UMP requirement because the prohibition on use of motor vehicles applies to people of all abilities and is fundamental to Wilderness definitions, legal guidelines, and preserving wilderness values.
Now, the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) is proposing to delete the above requirement and replace it with a requirement that UMPs will address “the identification of management actions to improve access to and enjoyment of the unit’s lands and waters by persons with disabilities,” inclusive of motorized access and irrespective of how the Forest Preserve unit is classified. [Read more…] about APA Appears Poised to Cede Authority Over State Land Master Plan
The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) is proposing amendments to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan (Master Plan) that will for the first time open Wilderness, Primitive and Canoe areas to cars, trucks, ATVs, golf carts, Segways and other motorized vehicles for persons with disabilities. According to Adirondack Park preservation advocates Protect the Adirondacks, “the Americans With Disabilities Act does not require such drastic actions.”
APA is accepting public comments on the proposed changes until December 2, 2024. [Read more…] about NY Sate Seeks Another Expansion of Motor Vehicles in Adirondack Park
Former member of the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) and former chair of its State Land Committee, Dick Booth, offered this advice about the most significant, controversial legal issues facing APA during his time (2008-16): prioritize, anticipate, prepare, be transparent, and issue explanatory memoranda placing the matter in legal context and how the contemplated actions complied with the law: the APA Act or the State Land Master Plan. Booth argued that those memos should be publicly accessible.
In too many instances, Booth’s advice was ignored. [Read more…] about Bearing Responsibility for the State Land Master Plan
You’re headed for an adventure when you visit the Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Located on the Helderberg Escarpment in Berne, Albany County, roughly 11 miles west of Albany, it comprises about 4,500 acres of hardwood forests, ponds, and wetlands, and is open year-round. [Read more…] about Featured Hike: Partridge Run on the Helderberg Escarpment
The Finger Lakes Museum has hosted paddling programs at their museum location for several years. These programs include lessons, free community paddles, kayak instructor training and guided evening paddles. [Read more…] about Finger Lakes Museum Welcomes Paddlers with EZ Dock
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced a new easy-to-use map of accessible recreation features and the completion of more than $5 million in recreation upgrades to enhance the experience of persons with disabilities who access State lands and services. [Read more…] about DEC Announces Accessible Outdoor Recreation Enhancements
The Adirondack Land Trust has received a $10,000 grant from the Cloudsplitter Foundation toward the creation of universally accessible trails at Glenview Preserve in Harrietstown, Franklin County, an award that was leveraged to secure an additional $100,000 grant from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program for infrastructure that will welcome people of all abilities. [Read more…] about Glenview Preserve Universal Access Project Receives Grants
The New York Civil Rights History website has primary sources for teachers and students on histories of oppression, ableism, racism, and resistance, material that is often left out of the curriculum.
The project was inspired by New York City high school student activists who wanted to better understand the history of their city and their schools. [Read more…] about New York City Civil Rights History Resources
Recently, work was completed on two reconstructed jetties at the north end of Onondaga Lake in Onondaga County, NY. A new Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant jetty is located at the Willow Bay area of the County’s Onondaga Lake Park. [Read more…] about Enhanced Recreational Opportunities on Onondaga Lake
A new boat launch has been completed on the Barge Canal at Cove Road in the town of Verona, Oneida County. The launch, which is expected to enhance fishing and boating opportunities, including for people with disabilities, connects to Oneida Lake’s world-class fishing. [Read more…] about New Barge Canal Boat Launch in Verona, NY
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the award of a Visitor Use Management (VUM) planning contract to help develop recreation plans for two highly visited regions of the New York State Forest Preserve — a high-use portion of the High Peaks in the Adirondack Park and the Kaaterskill Clove area in the Catskill Park. [Read more…] about DEC Privatizes Management Planning for Popular Areas of Adirondack, Catskill Parks
In partnership with the Fitness Inclusion Network at SUNY Upstate’s Golisano Center for Special Needs, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has announced the launch of a Virtual 1st Mile Challenge for people with mobility challenges. [Read more…] about Erie Canalway Virtual 1st Mile Challenge Launched
Work has begun at the new boat launch on the Barge Canal at Cove Road, in the town of Verona, Oneida County. [Read more…] about Oneida Lake Boat Launch Construction Starts
The Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site in Yonkers, Westchester County, has reopened after a $20 million renovation of the building and grounds, as well as the design of new exhibits.
These new exhibits advance a recent Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation initiative to ensure that the state’s historic sites embrace stories that reflect the diversity of the state and nation’s history. [Read more…] about Philipse Manor Hall Reopens With Improved Accessibility
New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) has announced the completion of the Fisher Trail at DEC’s Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in the town of Bethlehem, Albany County.
Most of the trail’s 0.66-mile length is constructed in compliance with DEC accessibility guidelines for people with mobility disabilities and expands access to outdoor recreation opportunities on DEC lands. The trail was officially opened to the public during a ribbon cutting at Five Rivers with the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, Friends of Five Rivers, members of the DEC Accessibility Advisory Committee, and other partners. [Read more…] about New Accessible Trail Open at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Moreau Lake State Park has announced a new fully accessible trail system on is in the works.
The project will include a trailhead kiosk and interpretive signs geared towards neurodivergent visitors and those with disabilities. The trail will lead to an accessible platform and fishing pier that has been completed as an Eagle Scout project. [Read more…] about Moreau Lake State Park Getting Accessible Trail System
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