by Jay Lawson
New York State has announced that it is looking to improve the public facilities at the Fourth Lake Day-Use Area and the Alger Island Campground, both located in the Town of Webb.
The Department of Environ–mental Conservation (DEC) described the improvements in a draft Unit Management Plan (UMP) for Alger Island Campground that it announced Thursday, March 26.
The announcement was made by DEC Regional Director Judy Drabicki.
The Fourth Lake Day-Use Area draft plan calls for replacing two visitor docks, upgrading an access road and parking lot, and correcting a land classification error.
For Alger Island, the draft plan includes repairing 500 feet of wood and stone cribbing, addressing waste management, campsite improvements and repairing two docks on the east end of the Island.
The public is invited to comment on the draft plan, which will guide management of the campground and day-use area for the next five years.
DEC will consider all public comments as it finalizes the management plan.
DEC will host a public availability session to receive public input on the draft plan and answer questions about campground management on April 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Town of Webb Municipal Offices, 3140 State Route 28 in Old Forge.
Alger Island Campground (45 acres) and Fourth Lake Day-Use Area (10.5 acres) are located on the Fourth Lake of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, approximately five miles northeast of the Hamlet of Old Forge.
The 17 campsites on Alger Island are only accessible by water and are primitive in nature.
Parking and boat launching access (car-top boats only) are gained from the adjacent DEC-owned fishing and waterway access site at the Fourth Lake Day-Use Area.
This is located at the west end of the lake.
Boats can also be launched from private boat launches at Old Forge and the DEC-operated boat launch site at Inlet.
The public can view the draft management plan on DEC’s website at: http://www
.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24451
.html.
Draft plans are also available on computer disc and may be obtained by calling (518) 457-2500.
Public comment on the draft Alger Island Camp-ground UMP will be accepted through April 30.
Comments can be submitted by mail to NYS DEC Bureau of Recreation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-5253.
Comments can be emailed to campinfo@dec.ny.gov.