DEC Announces Proposed Modifications to Long Pond Conservation Easement

DEC Press Release

30-Day Public Comment Period Opens September 19 and ends October 19

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today proposed modifications to the Long Pond Conservation Easement (CE) in St. Lawrence County. The proposed modification would allow 15 of the camps where rights have expired to stay in perpetuity, with each camp retaining a one-acre camp envelope, in addition to the six camps that had rights to stay in perpetuity when the easement was purchased in 1999.

The proposed modifications would result in a total of 21 camps on the Long Pond Conservation Easement lands when it is finalized. Any modification to a Conservation Easement must result in a net conservation benefit to the State of New York. The State will be relinquishing fifteen (15) one-acre camp envelopes in exchange for approximately 300 acres to add to the Whiskey Flats State Forest in the town of Hopkinton, St. Lawrence County. This new acreage will provide additional public recreational opportunities and open space conservation benefits.

DEC encourages the public to review these proposed modifications and share their comments during the 30-day public comment period that opens on September 19. All comments must be received by October 19, 2018. Public comments can be submitted by mail or email to:

Fred Munk, Regional Natural Resources Supervisor, NYSDEC

317 Washington Street

Watertown, NY 13601

Email: [email protected].