DEC recently held public meetings at the Newcomb Central School and the Indian Lake Theater in regards to the Essex Chain Lakes Complex Draft Plan. I attended the meeting at the Indian Lake Theater last week (July 9th). It wasn’t a packed house, but it was well attended.
For snowmobiling, the biggest push in this plan is to construct a bridge over the Cedar River on Chain Lakes Road, near where the old bridge got washed out in the 1970s. Another facet of the plan is to maintain the present Polaris Bridge over the Hudson River to facilitate a connection from Indian Lake to Minerva.
Click onto the following thumbnail to get a close up of what DEC wants to do:
Keep in mind that Alternatives “A” and “B” into the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest are just that: Alternatives. DEC would not be constructing both trails. I favor Alternative “B” because that would give a more direct connection to Minerva from Indian Lake.
As I demonstrated a couple of years ago, the Essex Chain Lakes Complex is NOT pristine “wilderness.” To DEC’s credit, they recognize the infrastructure of pre-existing roads and bridges.
Here is where we need YOUR help. Write a letter or email to DEC today supporting their plan to build the Cedar River Bridge and maintain the Polaris Bridge!
WHY?
Because DEC is facing stiff opposition from the usual “preservationists” who want to keep people out of the Essex Chain Lakes Complex. If we don’t get the Cedar River Bridge, this new State land will be virtually useless for the Town of Indian Lake. If the Polaris Bridge is dismantled, it would hamper DEC’s plan to connect to Minerva.
HOW?
Simple! You can write a short letter or email stating:
“I support DEC’s plan to build the Cedar River Bridge and maintain the Polaris Bridge in the Essex Chain Lakes Complex.”
That’s all you need to say because everything else hinges on those bridges.
If you want to write a more elaborate letter, don’t let me stop you. Go to DEC’s website to review the full Essex Lakes Management Complex Draft Plan and craft the best letter you can muster.
Do this TODAY because written comments will only be accepted until Monday, July 27th. It’s summer and time will fly by before you know it.
Remember to include your full name and address in your letter or email so it can be counted as legitimate commentary.
Send comments to:
Corrie O’Dea, Forester
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
232 Golf Course Road
Warrensburg, NY 12885
Or email: r5.ump@dec.ny.gov
While you’re at it:
Share this with your snowmobiling friends and urge them to action!
Let me know in the comments section whether you have contacted DEC.
For the ilsnow nation,
Darrin
