The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking public input regarding public recreation on the 39,579-acre Perkin’s Clearing – Speculator Tree Farm Conservation Easement Tract in the towns of Arietta, Lake Pleasant, and Wells in Hamilton County.

The area shares boundaries with the Siamese Ponds Wilderness, Jessup River Wild Forest, and West Canada Lake Wilderness.

Written comments will be accepted until May 11, 2018.

After receiving comments, DEC is expected to complete a Draft Recreation Management Plan (RMP) in accordance with the easement agreement and in conjunction the landowner’s timber management plans and camp leasing program.

A public meeting will be held at 6:30 pm on April 25, at the Lake Pleasant Central School, 120 Elm Lake Road, Speculator. The meeting will provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the tract, easement agreement, and recreational opportunities. In addition, the public may also provide comments on recreational opportunities on the Perkins Clearing – Speculator Tree Farm Conservation Easement Tract. The meeting facility is wheelchair accessible. Provide any requests for specific accommodations to (518) 897-1248 at least one week in advance.

The lands of the Perkin’s Clearing – Speculator Tree Farm Conservation Easement Tract are owned by Lyme Timber Adirondack Forest Company, which still is actively conducting timber operations on the property, and contain 31 miles of designated motor vehicle roads accessible from State Route 30. Public recreational opportunities are provided under a conservation easement agreement with DEC.

Trailheads to Spruce Lake, Long Pond, Pillsbury Mountain, and the Kunjamuk Trail are accessible from the designated road system. The interior of the area offers opportunities for fishing, hunting, and trapping, part of the local snowmobile trail system, and 118 privately leased hunting camps.

Issues to be considered while developing the plan include snowmobile trails, ski trails, horse trails, hiking trails, bike trails, camping and recreational access, and motorized and non-motorized use of interior roads, ponds and rivers.

A draft RMP will be developed that identifies a series of management actions to be implemented. The completed draft plan will be distributed for final public review and comment.

Written comments will be accepted until May 11, 2018, and may be sent by mail to Forester Allison Buckley, NYSDEC, PO Box 1316, Northville, New York 12134 or by email to r5ump@dec.ny.gov and include Perkin’s Clearing/Speculator Tree Farm in the subject line.

Map illustration of Perkin’s Clearing/Speculator Tree Farm courtesy AdirondackAtlas.org.