Third meeting on High Peaks amendments to take place in Lake Placid

A third public meeting seeking public comment on the High Peaks Wilderness Complex and the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest Draft Unit Management Plan Amendments has been scheduled, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today.

The meeting is scheduled for June 21, at 6 pm in the Lussi Ballroom of the Olympic Conference Center, 2364 Main Street, Lake Placid. The meeting will provide the public another opportunity to learn more about the proposed management actions in the Draft UMP Amendments and comment on the proposals. The meeting facilities are wheelchair accessible. Please provide any requests for specific accommodations to (518) 897-1361 at least one week in advance of the meetings.

The High Peaks Complex Draft UMP Amendment proposes changes to the recreational infrastructure along State Route 73 to address safety and overuse issues currently experienced in these areas. This includes relocating the Cascade Mountain Trailhead to the Olympic Sports Complex within the Mt. VanHovenberg Intensive Use Area. A new trail is proposed to be constructed in the Intensive Use Area and connect to a proposed new trail to the summit of Cascade Mountain in the High Peaks Wilderness. Also new sections of the Mt. VanHovenberg Trail are proposed to be constructed while other sections will be rerouted and improved.

The High Peaks Wilderness Draft UMP Amendment (www.dec.ny.gov/lands/28320.html<http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/28320.html>) is available on the DEC website to view or download. The Vanderwhacker Wild Forest Draft UMP Amendment (www.dec.ny.gov/lands/22587.html<http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/22587.html>) is available on the DEC website to view or download.

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.

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.

The public is encouraged to attend the public meeting or provide written comments before close of business June 27, 2018.