Albany – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has responded to a request made by Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D- Ulster, Dutchess) and Assemblymember Robert Sweeney (D- Lindenhurst), Chair of the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee, by releasing the list of campgrounds that will be closed. Last week the two lawmakers sent a letter asking for information on campgrounds and other facilities targeted for closure or reduced operations due to cuts proposed in the Executive Budget.
“I appreciate the Department of Environmental Conservation’s willingness to comply with our request for information on which facilities will be impacted by state budget constraints,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “It is important that the Legislature and the public fully understand the ramifications of the budget proposals that are on the table.”
The DEC is responsible for 52 campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks, and various other forests, preserves and recreational facilities across the state, including the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center. The list contains 9 facilities located in the Adirondacks and the Catskills.
The following campsites will be closed:
Adirondacks
- Tioga Point, Raquette Lake, Hamilton County
- Sharp Bridge, North Hudson, Essex County
- Taylor Pond, Ausable Forks, Hamilton
- Poplar Point, Arietta, Hamilton County
- Caroga Lake, Caroga, Fulton County
- Hinckley Day Use Area, Russia, Herkimer County
- Scaroon Manor Day Use Area, Schroon, Essex County
Catskills
- Devil’s Tombstone, Hunter, Greene County
- Bear Spring Mountain, Walton, Delaware County
“As we move forward with our negotiations, we cannot underestimate the value that these campgrounds have to the surrounding communities,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “I urge the DEC to join me in my efforts to explore all avenues of funding to ensure that these facilities, like our state parks, remain accessible to the public. It is important that families continue to have quality and affordable options for outside recreational activities, especially during these tough economic times.”
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