WANAKENA -- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is asking the public for input on development of the draft Cranberry Lake Wild Forest Unit Management Plan (UMP) and the Conifer-Emporium Conservation Easement Recreation Management Plan (RMP).

DEC is encouraging the public to share comments on the plans at a session held at the SUNY ESF Ranger School on March 21.

“We encourage local residents to join us on March 21st to talk about the history and use of these lands, as well as current ecology and public uses, such as forest management practices and recreational uses. We are also seeking the public’s input in helping to establish short- and long-range goals and objectives for the management of these lands,” said Judy Drabicki, DEC Region 6 Director.

The 25,500-acre Cranberry Lake Wild Forest consists of Forest Preserve lands located in the towns of Clifton, Colton, and Fine in southern St. Lawrence County.

The unit is bounded on the south by the Cranberry Lake Biological Station, the Five Ponds Wilderness, and the south shore of Cranberry Lake; on the east by the Colton town line and the Conifer-Emporium Easement lands; on the north by State Highway 3 and the Oswegatchie River, and on the west by private lands and the Inlet Road.

The Conifer-Emporium Conservation Easement spreads 19,200 acres of land over seven individual tracts in the St. Lawrence County towns of Clifton, Colton, and Piercefield.

Easement lands blend working forest with public recreation and biological diversity in a way that highlights Adirondack history and tradition.

DEC will accept public input on these Forest Preserve and Conservation Easement lands on March 21, 2018, from 6-8:30 p.m., at the SUNY ESF Ranger School’s auditorium, 257 Ranger School Rd., Wanakena.

In addition, public comments can be submitted by mail or email to Aaron Graves, forest preserve forester, or Peter D’Luhosch, conservation easement specialist, NYS DEC, 6739 US Highway 11, Potsdam 13676, R6.UMP@dec.ny.gov.

All comments must be received by May 4.

DEC will review these comments as it develops the draft Unit Management Plan and Recreation Management Plan.

For more information visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/51301.html or http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/34715.html.