The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) are preparing a Unit Management Plan (UMP) for both the Crown Point State Historic Site and the Crown Point Campground and Day Use Area.

Public comments are sought on the UMP, which will address the future management of both properties, including 440-acres along the shores of Lake Champlain.

A public meeting to start the planning process will be held on Thursday, March 28, at 6 pm in the auditorium of the Crown Point State Historic Site Museum, 21 Grandview Drive, Crown Point.

The two facilities, known collectively as the Crown Point Reservation, are located on the shore of Lake Champlain in the Town of Crown Point in Essex County. The entire Crown Point Reservation is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated National Historic Landmark.

The Crown Point Historic Site, located on the west side of Bridge Road (State Route 185), is managed by State Parks and contains the ruins of Fort St. Frederic and Fort Crown Point. The forts were built during the 18th Century – St. Frederic by the French and Crown Point by British and Provincial troops – and have been designated as National Historic Landmarks. The site is also home to a museum that contains displays and presentations on the history of the site and surrounding area.

The Crown Point Campground and Day Use Area is located on the shore of Lake Champlain on the east side of Bridge Road and is managed by DEC. The Campground contains 66 campsites and the Day Use Area includes a boat launch, picnic area, and two historic structures – Crown Point Pier and Champlain Memorial Lighthouse. Scenic views of Lake Champlain, the surrounding landscapes of New York and Vermont, as well as the award-winning Crown Point Bridge connects the two states, can be easily found from many locations.

Information, including meeting agenda, purpose of the meeting, tentative timeline, next steps, background information, and a map of the area, can be viewed or downloaded from the DEC website. This information will also be available at the public meeting March 28th.

The public meeting facility is wheelchair accessible. Provide any requests for specific accommodations to (518) 897-1248 at least one week in advance. DEC and State Parks will provide information about the facilities and the planning process.

Public input can be provided at the meeting or mailed to Rebecca Terry, NYSDEC, 232 Golf Course Road, Warrensburg, NY 12885 or emailed to r5.ump@dec.ny.gov.

In addition, the public can visit the Crown Point Campground Survey to share comments on recreational opportunities. Comments will be accepted until May 31, 2019.

Photo of Crown Point Ruins by John Warren.