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Entries from May 27th, 2011

Moose River Plains Road Partially Open for Memorial Day Weekend

May 27th, 2011 · No Comments · Adirondack News

NYSDEC LogoThe Moose River Plains road system in Hamilton County was partially opened today in time for the Memorial Day Weekend the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced.

The Moose River Plains (Limekiln Lake-Cedar River Road) has been opened to motor vehicles from the Limekiln Lake gate at the western end near Inlet and to the Lost Ponds access road. Also the Otter Brook Road is passable to motor vehicles to the Icehouse Pond trailhead.

Moose River Plains

Rock Dam Road, the Cedar River Gate and the Wakely Dam camping area at the eastern end of the main road remain closed at this time.

The open section of the road provides access to 30 roadside campsites and numerous waters popular with anglers including Icehouse Pond, Helldiver Pond, Lost Ponds, Mitchell Ponds and Beaver Lake.

Other roads in the Adirondack Forest Preserve that have been reopened since yesterday include the Powley-Piseco Road in the Ferris Lake Wild Forest in Hamilton and Fulton Counties and the Jabe Pond Road in the Town of Hague, Warren County.

The opening of the Moose River Plains roads is due to the hard work of the local highway department staff and the successful partnership between DEC, the Towns of Inlet and Indian Lake and Hamilton County.

More details on road closures and openings, trail conditions and more can be found on the Adirondack Trail Information web pages, along with links to current weather forecasts, regulations, and safety tips.

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DEC’s Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area Kicks Off 2011 Season May 27

May 26th, 2011 · 1 Comment · Adirondack News

NYSDEC LogoThe Hinckley Reservoir Picnic and Day Use Area will be opening on Friday, May 27, for the 2011 summer season, New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Judy Drabicki announced today. Located on Stormy Hill Road in the Town of Russia, Herkimer County, the DEC Hinckley Day Use Area is just a short drive from Utica, Rome and Herkimer.

Hinckley Reservoir Picnic and Day Use Area

“Hinckley Reservoir Picnic and Day Use Area is a local getaway spot on the edge of the Adirondack Park, with plenty of fresh air and clean water,” Drabicki said. “Our DEC staff have worked hard to get the site open and running and to provide these facilities to the public for yet another great year of summer outdoor fun.”

The roadways have been freshly paved and some of the out-buildings have been renovated. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors that Hinckley provides as well as opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking or picnicking. The large pavilions provide great spots for larger groups, such as Boy Scout and Girl Scout field trips or barbecues, birthday parties or office picnics.

Amenities include:

  • Full staff, including life guards
  • Large swimming area
  • Fishing
  • Picnic tables
  • Public grills
  • Volleyball court
  • Basketball net
  • Horse shoe pits
  • Hiking and Biking trails

To help defray operational costs, the DEC charges day use fees of $10 per passenger vehicle and $50 per bus. Pavilions can be reserved for $50 per day. The Hinckley Reservoir Day Use area is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, through Labor Day. For more information please contact the Hinckley staff at (315) 826-3800 or DEC Herkimer Office at (315) 866-6330.

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DEC Proposes the Use of Electric Motors Only on Thirteenth Lake

May 26th, 2011 · No Comments · Adirondack News

NYSDEC LogoA proposed regulation that would limit motorized boating on Thirteenth Lake to electric motors only was released for public comment today by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Interested parties have until July 2 to provide comments on the proposed regulation.

Thirteenth Lake lies in the northeastern portion of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area in the Town of Johnsburg, Warren County. The lakeshore is predominately state-owned lands classified as wilderness.  Some privately owned parcels adjoin the lake.

13th Lake class=

During the development of the Unit Management Plan for the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area, DEC received numerous comments from private homeowners on the lake and from other users requesting that motorboats be prohibited on Thirteenth Lake due to noise, air pollution and water pollution issues. In response to these concerns, the Siamese Ponds Unit Management Plan calls for limiting motorized boating on the lake to electric motors only. This regulation implements that directive.

The use of electric motors will allow anglers to troll for trout and people with mobility disabilities to access the lake and adjoining wilderness lands.

The full proposed regulation and additional information regarding the purpose of the regulation can be viewed on the DEC web site. Notices have also be posted in the DEC Environmental Notice Bulletin and the State Register (pdf).

Comments will be accepted until July 2, 2011.  Comments or questions may be directed to Peter Frank, Bureau of Forest Preserve, Division of Lands & Forests, by mail at 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4254; e-mail at pjfrank@gw.dec.state.ny.us or by telephone at 518-473-9518. 

Siamese Ponds Wilderness Unit Management Plan (3.65 MB, pdf)

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