DEC announces resolution to parking, docking, access, and private use of Forest Preserve issues
The New York State Department of Environ-mental Conserva-tion (DEC) announced Thursday that the public parking and use of Stillwater Reservoir at the end of the Stillwater Road will be much improved for the coming summer recreation season.
The reservoir is located in the Adirondack Forest Preserve in the Town of Webb.
Related issues have been resolved through the use of Temporary Revocable Permits (TRP) allowing for limited private use of state land at the Stillwater public dock and Grassy Point.
“Parking and use of the docks at Stillwater by the public who are recreating on the reservoir had become increasingly difficult due to the private uses of these facilities,” Judy Drabicki, DEC Regional Director said.
“We feel there is a solution that will greatly enhance the public’s use of the Stillwater facilities—which were built for them to use on these public lands, while still allowing for limited private uses of these facilities,” she said.
Town of Webb Supervisor Robert Moore acknowledged that establishing suitable Stillwater parking and Beaver River docking and access was a challenge, but he said he is glad the parties were able to come together for a solution.
“I would be remiss not to expressly thank Senator Seward and the DEC staff for having empathy and seeing things from others point of view,” Supervisor Moore said.
In September 2009, the Department sent letters directing those who had left their boats and trailers unattended in state parking lots in Stillwater to remove them.
In the spring 2010, DEC posted signs stating that parking is limited to people who are present at that time on the reservoir or surrounding land and that parking for more than four days without a valid camping permit is prohibited.
Beaver River is a hamlet of 125 seasonal residents, a handful of permanent residents, and two businesses east of Stillwater reservoir which is surrounded by Forest Preserve and no road access.
Despite concerns that the parking enforcement would inconvenience Beaver River residents who want to leave their boats in Stillwater they have been able to find alternatives parking arrangements.
The local DEC Forest Ranger has received a number of compliments from the public because of the increased availability of parking, the agency said.
