DEC Seeks Input on Carpenter Falls Public Access Improvement Project

Public Meetings Scheduled for August 21

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will host two public meetings to present specific project designs and accept feedback on the Carpenter Falls Public Access Improvement Project located in the town of Niles, Cayuga County.

DEC will open a 30-day comment period on the project design with two public information sessions on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, from 2 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room at the Niles Town Hall, 5923 New Hope Road, Moravia, NY 13118.

DEC is in the process of developing site upgrades to improve public access to the popular waterfalls that are located on Carpenter Falls Unique Area. Improvements will include a parking lot, boardwalk, and observation platform to view Carpenter Falls, all designed to welcome individuals with mobility impairments.

The project area is part of the larger Hewitt-Cayuga Highlands Management Unit. On June 7, 2018 DEC presented the concept of improving public access to Carpenter Falls as part of the unit management plan update. DEC considered project comments during the design process, which included requests for additional opportunities to comment on a specific project design.

DEC welcomes public comments until Monday, September 23 via email with the subject line "Carpenter Falls Public Access Improvement Project" to R7.UMP@dec.ny.gov, and by U.S. mail or phone to: John Clancy, Supervising Forester, NYSDEC Region 7, 1285 Fisher Ave., Cortland, NY 13045, (607) 753-3095 ext. 224.