DEC announces completion of projects improving access to outdoor recreation in Adirondacks

DEC announces the completion of  $214,000 projects to improve access to outdoor recreation in the Adirondacks.

Improvements Support Governor Cuomo’s Adventure NY Initiative to Connect New Yorkers with Nature

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the completion of $214,000 improvements to the Ausable Point Campground and the Santa Clara Conservation Easement Tract.

The improvement projects are part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Adventure NY initiative to connect more New Yorkers with nature and the outdoors.

“With the completion of these new accessible features and improvements, even more visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities at the Ausable Point Campground and the Santa Clara Conservation Easement Tract,” said Commissioner Seggos.

“These improvements, through Governor Cuomo’s Adventure NY Initiative, are just a sample of the recreational upgrades New York has underway to better serve everyone who wants to enjoy our state’s great outdoors.”

DEC staff installed a new playground and paved the entrance road at the Ausable Point Campground (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24452.html<http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24452.html>) in the town of Peru, Clinton County. The new natural wood “Bears” playground is designed for children ages 5-12.

The main structure includes slides, bridges, climbing wall, sliding poles and more surrounded by a soft, woodchip covered surface. Nearby bouncy rides and a swing set have sand surfaces. The new pavement begins at the bridge approximately 200 yards from NYS Route 9N and ends at the entrance booth to the campground. Ausable Point Campground has 123 campsites along a natural sand shoreline with gentle slopes on the shores of Lake Champlain.

The campground is next to the 660-acre Ausable Marsh Wildlife Management Area (https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24400.html) which offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing opportunities. The total cost of improvements at the campground was approximately $195,000.

DEC opened a 1.3-mile seasonal access road off Howe Road in the town of Hopkinton, St. Lawrence County to public motor vehicle use on the Santa Clara Conservation Easement Tract (https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/9162.html).

The road provides access for people of all abilities to Dexter Lake Outlet and the Lake Ozonia Outlet for fishing, as well as access to the surrounding lands for hunting, wildlife viewing, and other activities. The total costs of improvements at Santa Clara was approximately $19,000.

Under Governor Cuomo’s Adventure NY initiative, DEC is making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active outdoor recreation, connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors, protect natural resources, and boost local economies.

This initiative will support the completion of more than 75 projects over the next three years, ranging from improvements to youth camps and environmental education centers to new boat launches, duck blinds, and hiking trails. Read more about the Adventure NY initiative (http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/administration_pdf/adventureny.pdf).

For more information on planning an outdoor adventure in New York State, visit DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor.