EDWARDS - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking public comment on the development of a draft Recreation Management Plan (RMP) for the Western Lassiter Tracts, which is comprised of two privately owned conservation easements—the Beers Lot and Pine Hill conservation easements—that encompass approximately 2,200 acres in the town of Edwards. DEC is encouraging the public to comment until June 30.

The two conservation easements contain commercially managed forestland and are primarily comprised of a northern hardwood forest and multiple small streams and wetlands, including portions of the Beaver Lake complex. The Pine Hill conservation easement shares approximately 900 feet of boundary with State Forest Preserve lands. The Beers Lot conservation easement is separated from the 98-acre Bonner Lake State Forest by the River Road in the town of Edwards.

The public can currently access the Beers Lot conservation easement by non-motorized means from the River Road. Under the conservation easement, DEC owns the rights to maintain roads and trails for motorized use on the property and to permit public hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, paddling, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. Specific facilities and recreation opportunities will be identified in the RMP. There is currently no legal access to the Pine Hill conservation easement.

The public is encouraged to submit suggestions and comments related to the development of the Western Lassiter Tracts RMP to: Peter D’Luhosch; Environmental Program Specialist, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, 190 Outer Main St. Suite 103, Potsdam, NY 13676, or email: r6.ump@dec.ny.gov by June 30.

DEC will share the draft Western Lassiter Tracts RMP for public comment when completed. Information about the Western Lassiter Tracts conservation easements is available on the DEC website at https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/96093.html.

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