Draft Unit Management Plans (UMPs) for three NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campgrounds in the Adirondacks are now available for public review and comment. The Draft Plans for Limekiln Lake, Eighth Lake and Lake Durant campgrounds identify facilities and infrastructure to be upgraded or replaced during the next five years.

DEC is accepting public comments on the Draft Plans until April 8, 2016.  A public information session will be held from 10 am to 2 pm on March 29, at the Raquette Lake Union Free School, 115 State Route 28, Raquette Lake. The event will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the proposed management actions in the Draft Plans and to comment on the proposals.

Limekiln Lake Campground Draft UMP

The 312-acre Limekiln Lake Campground is located 1.5 miles east of the community of Inlet. It lies in both the town of Ohio, Herkimer County and the town of Inlet, Hamilton County. The campground has 271 tent and trailer sites, flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station, recycling center, mobility impaired accessibility, sand beach, swimming area, bathhouse, nature trail, small boat launch, canoe rentals, and a picnic area with tables, fireplaces, and a pavilion. Other available outdoor recreational activities at the campground include boating, paddling, fishing, swimming and hiking.

The Draft Plan for the Limekiln Lake Campground can be viewed and downloaded here, and proposes the following management activities:
•Replacing two comfort stations;
•Constructing two additional trailer dump stations;
•Converting eight existing campsites to universal campsites;
•Rehabilitating overused campsites and replacing worn picnic tables and fireplaces;
•Repairing the dam;
•Replacing the registration booth;
•Rehabilitating the water distribution system, a sewage lift station & overhead power lines by moving them underground; and
•Landscaping.

Eight Lake Campground Draft UMP

The 242-acre Eighth Lake Campground is located five miles northeast of the community of Inlet in the town of Inlet, Hamilton County. The campground has 126 tent and trailer sites, flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station, recycling center, mobility impaired accessibility, firewood sales, sand beach, swimming area, canoe & boat rentals, hiking trails and a picnic area with tables and fireplaces. Other available outdoor recreational activities at the campground include boating, paddling, fishing, swimming and hiking.

The Draft Plan for the Eighth Lake Campground can be viewed and downloaded here, and proposes the following management activities:
•Resurfacing campground roads,
•Constructing two new shower buildings;
•Constructing a picnic pavilion;
•Rehabilitating the Bug Lake Trail Parking Lot;
•Improving overused campsites;
•Installing a new drinking water distribution system;
•Relocating and replacing the registration booth;
•Rehabilitating the sewage system; and
•Landscaping.

Lake Durant Campground Draft UMP

The 35-acre Lake Durant Campground is located five miles northeast of the community of Inlet in the town of Indian Lake, Hamilton County. The campground has 61 tent and trailer sites, flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station, recycling center, firewood sales, mobility impaired accessibility, sand beach, boat launch, bathhouse, hiking trails and a picnic area with tables and fireplaces. Other available outdoor recreational activities at the campground include boating, paddling, fishing, swimming and hiking.

The Draft Plan for the Lake Durant Campground can be viewed and downloaded here, and proposes the following management activities:
•Constructing an eight-unit shower building;
•Rehabilitating the Day Use Area and constructing a picnic pavilion;
•Rehabilitating the fishing pier;
•Restoring campsites;
•Constructing a new registration booth;
•Constructing a workshop garage;
•Upgrading the electrical system;
•Installing utility sinks; and
•Monitoring boat launch usage.

Copies of the draft plans are also available on disc by calling (518) 457-2500.

Public comment on any or all of the Draft Campground UMPs will be accepted through April 8, 2015, and can be submitted by mail to: NYS DEC Bureau of Recreation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-5253, or by e-mail to campinfo@dec.ny.gov.

Photo of fishing pier at Eighth Lake Campground courtesy of DEC.