The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) will hold a series of what it’s calling “public listening sessions” to solicit comments regarding their plan to amend the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan (SLMP).  The SLPM was written to govern management of the constitutionally protected “forever wild” lands in the Adirondack Park.

Changes to the plan for state lands in the Adirondacks are currently being considered, including: allowing the use of “all-terrain bicycles” in the Essex Chain Lakes tract, building a steel bridge over the Cedar River for snowmobiles, and other wider changes. For example, snowmobile and ATV owners are also pushing for wider motorized access to Adirondack Forest Preserve and there could also be a push by the Adirondack Powder Skier Association to clearly allow cutting backcountry glades for skiing.

The public will have the opportunity to be heard on changes to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan at the following four meetings:

October 29, 2014 – 5 pm to 8 pm

APA Headquarters
New York State Office Complex
1130 State Route 86
Ray Brook, NY

November 3, 2014 – 4 pm to 7 pm

Newcomb Central School
5535 State Route 28N
Newcomb, NY 12852

November 17, 2014 – 11 am to 2 pm

NYS DEC Headquarters
625 Broadway
Albany, New York 12233

November 18 – 5 pm to 8 pm

Town of Webb Union Free School District
School Gymnasium
3002 State Route 28
Old Forge, NY 13420

The meeting format is expected to include opportunities for individuals to interact directly with APA staff, ask questions and provide suggestions.  The public is encouraged to bring written comments to support their input.

APA will accept written comments on APSLMP amendments until December 5, 2014 addressed to: Kathy Regan, Deputy Director, Planning, PO Box 99, Ray Brook, NY 12977 or via email – PublicComment@apa.ny.gov

You can read all of the Adirondack Almanack stories about amending the state land master plan here.