Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced four new outdoor access projects are now complete and open for public use. These projects, which are part of the Governor's multi-faceted effort to create 50 access sites across the State, are designed to expand recreational opportunities for New Yorkers, and continue to boost tourism. The latest projects total a $428,660 investment in the State's outdoor destinations through the NY Works Program.
"New York is home to some of the finest outdoor recreation areas in the world, and these upgrades will make the sites more accessible to visitors," Governor Cuomo said. "These NY Works projects continue to showcase New York's beauty while offering a wide variety of activities that people of all ages and interests can enjoy."
DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said, "Governor Cuomo continues to show a major commitment to opening up New York lands to people with all abilities, whether you're a hunter, angler, boater or nature observer. There is something for everybody out there, and we want to welcome New York residents and visitors to these outdoor destinations."
Governor Cuomo continues to position New York as a recreation destination. This year's state budget included $6 million in NY Works funding to support the creation of 50 new land and water access projects connecting hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others to more than 380,000 acres of existing state and easement lands that have previously been underutilized. To date, construction has started on all 50 sites, with nearly 20 of them complete.
The new outdoor access projects include:
Huckleberry Ridge State Forest and Shawangunk Ridge, Orange County: $200,000
Located just north of Port Jervis along the Interstate 84 corridor, the Huckleberry Ridge State Forest offers opportunities for hunting, trapping, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife observation. This funding enabled DEC to complete the construction of four parking lots that provide access to more than 1,450 acres of state forest lands on the Shawangunk Ridge in the towns of Greenville and Deerpark, Orange County. The new parking lots are located on Old Greenville Turnpike, Route 6, Greenville Turnpike and Raymond Drive. The new Greenville Turnpike parking lot provides direct access to the Shawangunk Ridge Trail, a long-distance trail running along the Shawangunk Ridge from Port Jervis to Minniwaska State Park, traversing the length of the Huckleberry Ridge State Forest. Kiosks with information and trail maps are now installed at each of the new parking lots.
Black River Wild Forest, Mill Creek Road Project, Town of Ohio, Herkimer County: $130,000
This area is a prime destination for deer hunting in the fall, as well as camping, biking, canoeing, kayaking and hiking year round. The funding enabled DEC to repair the first two miles of gravel forest access roadway in the 127,135-acre Black River Wild Forest, a popular recreation destination. Mill Creek Road, leading into the Wild Forest, is the eastward extension of Bear Creek Road which starts in the community of Woodgate on State Highway 28. The road had become un-drivable to the majority of the public due to its poor condition, and foot travel became the preferred mode of access to places like Gull Lake and Chub Pond. This funding improved driving conditions along the road, which is also a convenient point to access a number of longer hiking trails to Woodhull Lake and North Lake and leads into the snowmobile trail network in the winter months.
In addition, DEC completed work to maintain a few existing campsites along Mill Creek Road and constructed a small parking lot near the Gull Lake Trail, making it a short one mile hike to Gull Lake. DEC will work with the Adirondack Park Agency to designate additional campsites along the road.
To check out other accessible recreation features of Black River Wild Forest visit:http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/75310.html.
Spicer Creek Wildlife Management Area Access Project, Town of Grand Island, Erie County: $81,500
Waterfowl hunting and waterbird observation have a long and rich history on the Niagara Frontier of Western New York. A second accessible hunting blind/observation deck was developed on Spicer Creek Wildlife Management Area in the Town of Grand Island in Erie County thanks to this funding. The project involved developing a 1,300-foot accessible trail to the shoreline blind on the Niagara River and will provide waterfowl hunting and wildlife observation opportunities for the public to enjoy.
Colliersville Boat Launch, Town of Milford, Otsego County: $17,160
The Colliersville Boat Launch Site in the Town of Milford, easily accessible on NYS Route 7, east of Oneonta, now has a canoe/kayak slide and stairs to access the Susquehanna River thanks to this funding. In combination with the existing Emmons Boat Launch Site, located about three miles downriver, this location is ideal for a family paddling outing. The general area is also very popular with families attending local baseball camps and the Baseball Hall of Fame during the summer.
For more information on these access projects, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov.
Additional news available at www.governor.ny.gov
New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office@exec.ny.gov | 518.474.8418
