The Barkeater Trails Alliance has done a great job building mountain-bike trails in Wilmington, Lake Placid, and Saranac Lake. A proposed management plan for the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest calls for the construction of 35 more miles of bike trails in the region. You can read about the plan in the forthcoming issue of the Adirondack Explorer. The state Department of Environmental Conservation and Adirondack Park Agency are seeking comments on guidelines for bike trails in the Forest Preserve. You can read the draft guidelines on the APA website. You have until September 29 to weigh in. Following is a joint news release from the agency and DEC.
APA AND DEC HOLD PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
FOR PROPOSED MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE
For the Siting, Construction and Maintenance of Single-track Bike Trails
On Forest Preserve Lands in the Adirondack Park
Comments Accepted Until September 29, 2017
RAY BROOK, NY – The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) and the Department of Environmental Conservation are holding a joint public comment period to solicit comments regarding proposed management guidance for the siting, construction and maintenance of single-track bike trails on State Land in the Adirondack Park. The APA and DEC will accept comments until September 29, 2017.
The guidance will establish criteria for building designated non-motorized bicycle trails on Forest Preserve lands classified as Wild Forest. Trail guidance is intended to establish reasonable access for bicycle use in a manner that ensures trails are sustainable and have minimal effects on the environment and character of the Forest Preserve.
The proposed guidance addresses trail style, riding opportunities and specific design and construction techniques such as the following:
- Alignment
- Grading
- Drainage
- Parallel Feature Trail
- Insloped Corners
- Side Slope Management
For more information or to download the proposed Bicycle Trail Guidance for the Adirondack Park please go to the Agency’s website (apa.ny.gov).
Please address all written comments pertaining to the proposed guidance and its conformance to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan to:
Kathy Regan
Deputy Director for Planning
NYS Adirondack Park Agency
P.O. Box 99
Ray Brook, NY 12977
Fax: 518-891-3938
Email – SLMP_Comments@apa.ny.gov
Please submit all written comments to the APA by September 29, 2017.
