The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) is accepting public comments on how their Essex Chain Lakes Complex Plan conforms to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan. The comment period will conclude on October 16, 2015.

The plan addresses the continued development of controversial bicycling and snowmobiling projects, including the construction of a bridge over the Cedar River continued maintenance of the Polaris (Iron) Bridge over the Hudson River, and the construction of a new snowmobile trail between Indian Lake and Minerva.

The Essex Chain of Lakes Complex Area includes the Essex Chain Lakes Primitive Area, the Pine Lakes Primitive Area and portions of the Blue Mountain Wild Forest and the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest.  The Complex is located in the Towns of Newcomb and Minerva, Essex County and the Town of Indian Lake, Hamilton County.

The Complex Area contains a spectacular variety of ecologically significant resources, including pristine lakes and ponds, large wetland complexes and scenic stretches of the Cedar and Hudson Rivers.

More information about the controversies surrounding management of the Essex Chain Lakes, the Upper Hudson River and the Cedar River can be found here.

The Essex Chain of Lakes Complex UMP is available online for viewing or download.  The Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan is available here.

All written comments should be addressed to:

Kathy Regan
Deputy Director for Planning
NYS Adirondack Park Agency
P.O. Box 99
Ray Brook, NY 12977

Email – SLMP_Comments@apa.ny.gov

The comment deadline is October 16, 2015.