DEC Opens New Road and Land in the Adirondacks to Improve Public Access to Big Game Hunting and Outdoor Recreation

Thousands of acres of land and miles of roads in the Adirondacks are now open for the big game hunting season, including a new road and conservation easement land opened for the first time this year. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages now have improved access to premier campsites and an abundance of pristine land in the forest preserve just in time for the Northern Zone regular big game hunting season, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 5 Director Robert Stegemann announced today.

"Governor Cuomo's NY Open for Fishing and Hunting initiative has supported DEC in creating and enhancing opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors," Director Stegemann said. "DEC crews worked hard to open roads and other facilities so hunters, trappers and others can access these lands."

Popular Adirondack lands now open for public use include:

Township 20 Conservation Easement Lands

The Minerva Club Road, off State Route 28N between Long Lake and Newcomb on the Township 20 Tract is open to the gate at Sixmile Brook. The lands are owned by Upper Hudson Woodlands ATP.

The public use area is from the road west and north of Sixmile Brook and abuts Blue Mountain Wild Forest. Non-motorized uses allowed on entire tract include hunting, fishing, hiking and biking. Visitors are asked to please respect private property and not to pass the gate or cross Sixmile Brook.

Lake Desolation Road Easement Tract

The Lake Desolation Road Conservation Easement in located in the town of Greenfield, north of Lake Desolation. The lands are owned by Upper Hudson Woodlands ATP and are approximately 2,128 acres in size.

The tract borders Lake Desolation State Forest and Wilcox Lake Wild Forest. Additional nearby state lands include Daketown State Forest and Middle Grove State Forests.

Access is from Lake Desolation Road; roads from the other side are very rough and impassible. The tract can also be accessed by a car-top boat launch at Archer Vly. Two primitive tent sites have been established on Archer Vly. Backcountry camping is permitted but the same rules for state land apply. Camp sites must be150 feet of any waterbody, road or trail. Camping for more than 3 days requires a permit.

Non-motorized uses allowed on entire tract include hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, etc. ATV use is not permitted. No vehicles are permitted past gates or signs. Please respect private property; several inholdings are throughout the property.

These new lands opened for public access are part of Governor Cuomo's NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women and to boost tourism activities throughout the state. This Initiative has expanded recreational opportunities for residents and tourists, positioning New York State as a recreation destination, and streamlined fishing and hunting licenses, reduced license fees, improved access for fishing and increased hunting opportunities in New York State.

To further advance this initiative, the 2015-16 Enacted Budget included an additional $12 million in NY Works funding dedicated to support several fish hatchery repairs and more than 50 new land and water access projects such as boat launches, hunting blinds, trails, parking areas and the Township 20 and Lake Desolation Road Conservation Easement Lands. The Budget also creates a new capital account which along with federal Pittman-Robertson funds will be used to manage, protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat, and to improve and develop public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation.

For general information about hunting or trapping in New York, or to get additional information about specific opportunities, visit DEC's hunting or trapping pages. Hunters and trappers should be sure to confirm the exact dates, bag limits, legal implements, and other regulations pertaining to any area that you plan to hunt or trap before going afield.

DEC, in partnership with ParksByNature Network®, has launched the New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App for iPhone and Android. Download the App on the Apple App Store or Google Play store, or by going to the Pocket Ranger website. (all links leave DEC website)