News from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

For more information contact: Diane Carlton, 315-426-7413

DEC Announces Development of the Rapid Waters Unit Managment Plan

Meeting Planned for Oct. 25

ALBANY, NY (10/05/2007; 1204)(readMedia)-- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the initiation of the Rapid Waters Unit Management Plan (UMP). Unit Management Plans assess the natural, physical, social, and recreational resources of the landscape. This assessment provides a solid foundation for the development of management goals and objectives.

The Department recognizes that public participation is very important and is asking for comments as the plan is developed. As such, the public is invited to share their ideas and learn more about the plan at an informational meeting being held at the Candor High School Auditorium, Candor, Tioga County, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 25, 2007.

Located in New York’s Central-Southern Tier region, the Rapid Waters Unit includes both the Shindagin Hollow State Forest and Danby State Forest. Together, both State Forests encompass nearly 12,600 acres of land in Tompkins and Tioga counties. Because of their size and proximity to the city of Ithaca, Cornell University, and Ithaca College, the forests are highly valued for the many recreational services they provide to the public.

“The Rapid Waters Unit Management Plan is being developed to address both short and long term land management opportunities and needs on these State Forests,” Commissioner Grannis said. “Unit management plans provide a framework to address the past, present, and future management of forest ecosystems, wildlife habitat, and recreational trails. As such, the Rapid Water Unit Management Plan will provide strategies to conserve, protect, and enhance the many values, products, and ecosystem based services that these State Forests provide to the public.”

Public input is an important and necessary part of the planning process. Additionally, the DEC depends on volunteers to maintain the many miles of recreational trails on the Unit, and the planning process helps foster new partnerships with volunteers and other stakeholders.

It is the policy of the Department to manage State lands for multiple values and benefits to serve the people of New York State. The Danby and Shindagin Hollow State Forests provide many recreational opportunities including: hiking, mountain-biking, camping, bird watching, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, trapping, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and all terrain vehicle (ATV) access for people with mobility impairments.

An informational package is available for the Rapid Waters UMP. For additional information, please contact: Senior Forester John Clancy, NYS DEC, Division of Lands and Forests, 1285 Fisher Ave. Cortland, NY 13045-1090; (607) 753-3095 ext. 258, or jmclancy@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

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