Reporter Pete Klein reports that at a meeting on July 9th, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation did its best to explain the Essex Chain Lakes Management Complex Draft Plan to a group of about 50.

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INDIAN LAKE — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation did its best to explain the Essex Chain Lakes Management Complex Draft Plan to a group of about 50 who gathered at Indian Lake Theater here Thursday evening, July 9.

The Essex Chain Lakes Complex is part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. The plan attempts to protect the environment while allowing access and recreational opportunities to the public who in theory own the land.

The Essex Chain Lakes Complex is in the Central Adirondacks, in the towns of Minerva and Newcomb in Essex County and the Town of Indian Lake in Hamilton County. It includes the Essex Chain Lakes and the Pine Lake primitive areas and portions of the Blue Mountain and Vanderwacker Mountain wild forest units.

The draft plan calls for trails for bicycles and horseback riding; extending the Upper Hudson Ski Loop to the Ord Road and ultimately to the Town of Newcomb; designated routes for public motor vehicle access, including parking; designated administrative routes to facilitate the maintenance of bridges and trails; a community connection, multiple use trail connecting Indian Lake to Minerva; construction of a bridge over the Cedar River to provide a route for four season recreation including hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; campsites and waterway access for the disabled; additional canoe carries between the Essex Chain lakes and along the Hudson River; lean-tos; continued floatplane use at designated tent sites on First and Pine lakes; maintaining 2.5 miles of public motor vehicle roads for access and camping during big game hunting season; and maintaining the historic farmhouse at the Outer Gooley Club until a final decision is reached for the structure.

COMMENTS

Of the over 50 people who attended the meeting, 22 made comments limited to three minutes each.

“No one gets everything they want,” Indian Lake Supervisor Brian Wells said, but, “The Town of Indian Lake supports the plan. It is a common sense plan.”

Neil Woodworth, executive director of the Adirondack Mountain Club, said, “There is a lot to like about this plan.” He said ADK would support a bridge over the Cedar River but opposes the Polaris Bridge.

Some thought there should be more access, especially for the elderly and disabled. Others support the plan but think protecting the waters from invasive plants should be included.

Several people confined their support to the proposal to maintain the historic farmhouse at the Outer Gooley Club, but went a step further. They want the open view of the river from the farmhouse to be kept open.

Lou Spada of Indian Lake fully supports the plan, but wants preserving the buildings of the Inner Gooley Club added.

More were in favor of the plan than opposed, primarily due to the planned greater access for all. The main objections focus on motorized access and bridges for snowmobiles.

The strongest objection came from Peter Bauer, executive director of Protect the Adirondacks, who began by saying, “I am here to speak for those who have no voice, the trees and the rocks.” He went on to voice total objection to the plan, saying it violates the Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act and the State Land Use Master Plan.

The DEC will accept written comments until July 27. Send them to Forester Corrie O’Dea, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 232 Golf Course Rd, Warrensburg NY 12885.

Reporter Ashleigh Livingston reports that the Adirondack Park Agency is considering Verizon’s request to erect a cellphone tower in Chazy Lake.

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DANNEMORA — The Adirondack Park Agency is considering Verizon’s request to erect a cellphone tower in Chazy Lake.
Dannemora Town Supervisor Bill Chase told the Press-Republican he was recently notified by the APA that the cellular company’s permit application was under formal review.

If approved, the tower would occupy property behind the town’s Municipal Center in the town hamlet of Chazy Lake and provide cellphone service to that area.

Anyone wishing to write the APA in regard to the project may do so until July 23.
Letters should make reference to project number 2014-227 and be addressed to: NYS Adirondack Park Agency, Environmental Program Specialist, P.O. Box 99, 1133 NYS Route 86, Ray Brook, NY 12977.

Reporter Anthony F. Hall reports on a new effort for an Adirondack Park-wide program to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic species.