Actions will be taken towards increasing both non-motorized and motorized public access to a contiguous tract of lands in Franklin County.
Photo credit: Ethan Miller
After accepting comments and suggestions from the public, the DEC has released the Final Kushaqua Tract Conservation Easement Lands Recreational Management Plan (RMP). This plan opens 18,000+ acres of lands, providing the public with additional recreational access.
Included in the RMP are the construction of 12 campsites, six parking lots, and four trails. A universally accessible dock and boardwalk will be installed for fishing, paddling, and boating on Mountain Pond.
Upgrading and opening roads is a big part of the RMP, with a few of the roads aiming to increase access for those with disabilities. A total of 100 miles of existing roads will be revamped for non-motorized use, with 35 miles of roads to allow limited motorized use.
Motorized recreation includes ATVs, snowmobiles, and motor vehicles; non-motorized recreation refers to activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Gates and other barriers will be constructed to prevent illegal motorized use on sections of roads not open to public use; boundary line, safety, and informational signage will be added as well.
The Kushaqua Tract covers land in the towns of Franklin and Brighton. Originally owned by the International Paper Corporation, the DEC purchased a working forest conservation easement on the lands in 2004; an easement is a right held by one property owner to make use of the land of another for a limited purpose. The Lyme Timber Company then purchased the lands in 2006, and continue to actively manage the lands for timber.
“Governor Cuomo is committed to encouraging people to safely enjoy New York’s outstanding natural resources, and the Kushaqua Tract plan creates additional opportunities for the public to enjoy this land,” Acting Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a statement. “DEC worked cooperatively with private landowners and land managers to develop public access, while ensuring the protection of natural resources and retaining vital timber management jobs.”
