The hamlet of Old Forge will host an Adirondack Park Agency (APA) public listening session on November 18, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Town of Webb’s school gymnasium.
The APA is soliciting comments on possible amendments to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan.
The Master Plan defines permissible activities on State-owned Forest Preserve land in the Adirondack Park.
It was written in 1972.
Since 1987 there have been no major amendments to the Master Plan, despite changing recreational activities, such as mountain biking.
Of particular interest for Tuesdays listening session are proposed changes to the Essex Chain Lakes classification.
At the listening session agency staff will present an overview of the process required to amend the Master Plan.
The Old Forge session is the final in a series that included sessions in Ray Brook, Newcomb and Albany.
The meeting format will include opportunities for individuals to interact directly with APA staff.
They can ask questions and give suggestions about possible revisions to the Master Plan for further consideration.
The public is encouraged to bring written comments to support their input.
At the conclusion of the public sessions, the APA will discuss topics for further consideration with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The agency will also engage stakeholders to find amendment recommendations.
Following this public and stakeholder engagement, the APA will undertake the State Environmental Quality Review Act process on the Essex Chain Lakes Complex proposals.
APA will also develop a timeline to consider other possible Master Plan amendment recommendations.
As for the Essex Chain Lakes proposals, APA is considering amendments that would allow the use of all-terrain bicycles in the Essex Chain Lakes Primitive Area.
It is also considering use of non-natural materials for the construction of a bridge over the Cedar River.
The mission of the Adirondack Park Agency is to protect the public and private resources of the Adirondack Park through the exercise of the powers and duties of the Agency as provided by law.
In addition to the listening sessions, the APA will accept written comments on Master Plan amendments until December 5, 2014.
Those comments can be sent to: Deputy Director, Planning Kathy Regan; PO Box 99; Ray Brook, NY 12977.
Comments can also be emailed to SLMP_Comments@apa.ny.gov.
