Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled 50 proposed new outdoor access projects to connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and other outdoor enthusiasts to 380,000 acres of untapped State-owned lands across New York. The new access points will allow for more than $6 million in projects for access to hunting and fishing, boat launches, and new hiking opportunities.
“Expanding access to more of the beautiful lands that New York has to offer will open recreational opportunities that for too long have not been available to our residents and tourists,” Governor Cuomo said. “These projects will enrich the outdoor activity offerings, improve the quality of life in our communities, and position New York State as a recreation destination.”
The universally designed projects will provide people of all ages and abilities access to a variety of beautiful natural areas and a range of activities and experiences. In addition to hunting access, boat launches, fishing platforms and hiking trails, there will be improved access to existing recreational trails, additional parking areas, trail maps, signage and kiosks. Many projects will make trails and launches available to persons with disabilities for the first time.
These plans also support the NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative, which aims to boost tourism opportunities throughout the state by improving recreational activities for in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and sportswomen. This includes the streamlining of hunting and fishing licensing, reducing license fees, and improving access for fishing and hunting opportunities at various sites across the state.
Additional actions intended to help make New York a world-class destination for year-round recreation include:
Unveiling the new NYS Adventure License to allow outdoor enthusiasts, boaters, anglers and hunters to consolidate their recreation licenses and benefits onto their New York State Driver’s License (please visit the NYS License Center website for more information on licensing or to apply for an outdoor recreational license);
Debuting the Lifetime Empire Passport, which offers visitors to State Parks the option of paying a one-time fee to experience all that New York State Parks has to offer throughout their lifetime;
Introducing New York State Adventure License Plates, featuring nine plate designs available for free to those buying new lifetime hunting, fishing or park licenses in 2014; and
Proposing to limit the liability of landowners who allow recreational activities on their properties, which could open up vast, untapped resources for additional hunting, fishing and many other recreational pursuits;
Proposing to allow crossbow hunting once again in New York State.
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens said, “For generations, New Yorkers and visitors to our state have enjoyed recreational activities in our spectacular forests and scenic trails, and on pristine lakes and rivers. Governor Cuomo’s commitment to expanding outdoor access and recreational opportunities builds on New York’s rich outdoor heritage and will be benefit hunters, anglers and people of all ages.”
The proposed properties are as follows:
Capital Region
Hand Hollow State Forest – new acquisition, Columbia County
Washington County Grasslands State Forest Area, Washington County
Saddles State Forest, Warren County
Central New York
Skaneateles Lake Fishing Access, Cayuga County
Three Rivers WMA, Onondaga County
Deer Creek Marsh WMA, Oswego County
Cleveland Dock Fishing Access Site, Oswego County
Redfield Island Boat Launch – Upper Salmon River, Oswego County
Finger Lakes
Sandy Creek Fishing Access Site, Monroe County
Black Creek Fishing Access Site, Monroe County
Braddock Bay Fish and WMA, Monroe County
Fishing Access Sites at Waneta Lamoka Lake, Cayuta Lake, Seneca River, Port Bay West Fishing Access, Schuyler, Seneca and Wayne Counties
High Tor WMA – Bristol Hills Branch of Finger Lakes Trail, Ontario and Yates Counties
Long Island
Rocky Point Natural Resource Management Area, Suffolk County
Underhill Unique Area, Nassau County
Kings Park Unique Area, Suffolk County
Otis Pike Preserve, Suffolk County
Mid-Hudson
Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area, Dutchess County
Lower Esopus Fishing Access Site, Ulster County
Vernooy Kill State Forest and Sundown Wild Forest, Ulster County
Stewart State Forest, Orange County
Stewart State Forest, Orange County
Huckleberry Ridge State Forest, Orange County
Mount Tremper Day Use Area, Ulster County
West Mountain State Forest, Dutchess County
Mohawk Valley
Black River Wild Forest – Mill Creek Road, Herkimer County
Utica Marsh Trails, Oneida County
Susquehanna State Forest, Otsego County
Goodyear Lake, Otsego County
Colliersville Fishing Access Site, Otsego County
Looking Glass Pond Schoharie Reforestation Area, Schoharie County
Hand Hollow State Forest – new acquisition, Columbia County
New York City
North Mount Loretto State Forest, Richmond County
Mount Loretto Unique Area, Richmond County
St. Francis Woodlands, Richmond County
Old Place Creek Fishing Access, Richmond County
North Country
Grass River Conservation Easement, St. Lawrence County
East Branch of Fish Creek South Easement, Lewis County
Oswegatchie Waterway and State Forest Access Site at Wegatchie, St. Lawrence County
Fish Creek WMA, St. Lawrence County
Vanderwhacker Mt. Wild Forest, Essex County
Meacham Lake Campground and Debar Mountain Wild Forest, Franklin County
Township 19 Conservation Easement, Hamilton County
Blue Ridge, Township 20, Township 33, Somerville road, Lake Desloation
Tract Conservation Easements, Hamilton and Essex Counties
Southern Tier
Birdseye Hollow and Moss Hill State Forests, Steuben County
Sanford Lake Recreation Area, Steuben County
Western New York
Spicer Creek WMA, Erie County
Phillips Creek Horse Trails, Allegany County
Welsville-Addison-Galeton Railroad Trail, Allegany County
Watts Flats WMA, Chautauqua County
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About New York State
New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York’s attractions feature landmarks such as Niagara Falls, the largest park in the continental U.S. in the Adirondacks and treasures such as the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and the Corning Museum of Glass. New York State offers diverse activities for all: outdoor fun – snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding, fishing, hiking and boating, year-round festivals and exploring the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies. Visitors also enjoy the fine cuisine, beverage trails and farm-to-table fresh foods. For more information, visit http://www.iloveny.com. Media can find press releases and more at thebeat.iloveny.com.
CONTACT: Melanie Klausner
Finn Partners
(646) 307-6310
Melanie.klausner@finnpartners. com
Eric Scheffel
Empire State Development
(518) 292-5274
escheffel@esd.ny.gov
.