The High Peaks Wilderness Complex and the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest Draft Unit Management Plan Amendments have been released and public input is sought by June 27th.
Two public meetings will be held; on May 23, 2018, at 10 am at DEC Headquarters, 625 Broadway, in Albany; and the same day at 6 pm at Newcomb Central School, 5535 State Route 28N, in Newcomb.
The meetings will provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about the proposed management actions and comment on the proposals.
The High Peaks Complex Draft UMP Amendment proposes management actions for lands in the southern and eastern portion of the High Peaks, and along State Route 73. Some of the significant proposed management actions are described here.
The High Peaks Wilderness Draft UMP Amendment can be found on the DEC website.
The Vanderwhacker Wild Forest Draft UMP Amendment is also available on the DEC website.
Copies of both Draft UMP Amendment are also available on CD at DEC Headquarters, Albany, NY; DEC Region 5 Headquarters, Ray Brook NY; and DEC Region 5 Office, Warrensburg NY.
Written comments regarding the management proposals in either of the Draft UMP Amendments may be mailed to Robert Ripp, Forester, NYSDEC, 232 Golf Road, Warrensburg, NY 12885.
The Adirondack Park Agency is also conducting a public review of the Draft UMP Amendments’ compliance with the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan.
Comments regarding the management proposals in either of the Draft UMP Amendments and their compliance with the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan may be emailed to Info.r5@dec.ny.gov or mailed to Kathy Regan, Deputy Director for Planning, NYS Adirondack Park Agency P.O. Box 99, Ray Brook, NY 12977.
Written comments are due before the close of business on June 27, 2018.
Read more about Changes in the High Peaks here.
I would like to attend, but unfortunately these officials don’t work on weekends when most citizens DON’T have to work. I guess they will just get another email from me that they can ignore. I would prefer to be ignored in person.
Maybe they have a Skype thing or something, that would be a good idea. It would allow anyone to make a public comment during (Albany) and after (Newcomb) work hours. Or if you work the night shift switch that!
Just because someone doesn’t do exactly what you want doesn’t mean you are being ignored. As we have discussed before public comment is only one part of the story. These folks have to make tough decisions where someone is always going to be disappointed with the outcome.
Does anyone doubt – short of a pitchfork-wielding demonstration – the decision(s) have already been made?
I’d show up with a pitchfork, but I’m afraid it wouldn’t make them change their decision that was probably made before the purchase.
Sadly, Boreas, no. There’s no evidence or reason to believe that this isn’t already decided – and probably contrary to the advice the on-the-ground land managers provided for the process. Everything is political. Plans see only so far as the next election cycle regardless of the consequences.
“There’s no evidence or reason to believe that this isn’t already decided”. In fact all the evidence points to the fact that a decision has yet to be made. Please provide us some specific evidence that a decision has already been made.
At least, if necessary, the UMP can be amended down the road more easily than re-classification – but this is a double-edged sword.
You folks have no evidence that a decision has already been made. But keep on claiming that it has. This is crazy. This is your standard conspiracy theory in action.
Crazy people have opinions too. When decisions are made behind closed doors, it invites such commentary. The point is, are the two comment meetings going to make any difference to the proposed UMP? Do you have evidence to support that it will?
A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation, so it could be that, but it isn’t a conspiracy (a secret plan between a group to do something unlawful or harmful…) It’s just Boreas and I expressing frustration with the process, so relax – EVERYTHING in life isn’t an “Us vs Them” situation. I am happy that you believe whatever it is that you believe.