On March 29, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the agency is holding an information session to solicit public input on the Broadalbin public boat launch draft Unit Management Plan (UMP). The meeting will include a short presentation by DEC Region 5 Fisheries Manager Rob Fiorentino, followed by an open table session with DEC staff to facilitate conversation and answer questions.

Where: Broadalbin– Perth High School Cafeteria, 100 Bridge Street, Broadalbin, NY 12025. This location is handicap accessible.

When: April 18, 2023, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The Broadalbin Boat Launch is located on Forest Preserve lands along Lakeview Road in the town of Broadalbin, Fulton County. The launch is managed by the DEC Bureau of Fisheries and provides access to the southeastern end of Great Sacandaga Lake north of the village of Broadalbin and is the only major public boat ramp on the southern portion of the lake. The existing launch site was constructed in 1998.

Management goals include providing waterway access for motorized and non-motorized boaters and anglers including those with disabilities, establishing site conditions that reduce illegal activities, ensuring compliance with the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan, and protecting Great Sacandaga Lake’s shoreline and aquatic habitat.

The draft UMP proposes the following management activities:

• Repurpose the beach portion of the site to provide additional non-motorized boating access;
• Reduce the prevalence of illegal activities and alleviate the need for additional law enforcement and site management resources;
• Install a new pathway to the water;
• Install a boarding dock at summer pool elevation; and
• Restore the beach area with stone and a mix of native plants to deter swimming and limit erosion of the shoreline.

The draft UMP for the Broadalbin boat launch and a presentation of the draft plan can be viewed and downloaded at APA’s website. Questions regarding the information session can be directed to Erin Hanczyk via email at erin.hanczyk@dec.ny.gov or by phone, 518-897-1200.

Photo at top courtesy of the NYS DEC.