Source: http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/2359.html
Timestamp: 2017-08-22 07:27:02
Document Index: 673508058

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 190', 'art 592', 'art 592', 'art 576', 'art 576', 'art 190', 'art 592', 'art 592', 'art 592', 'art 592', 'art 592', 'art 592', 'art 576', 'art 576', 'art 576', 'art 576', 'art 576', 'art 190', 'art 592', 'art 592', 'art 592', 'art 592', 'art 592', 'art 576', 'art 576', 'art 576', 'art 576', 'art 576']

﻿ Lands and Forests Emergency, Proposed & Recently Adopted Regulations - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
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A new 6 NYCRR Section 190.37 Lower Salmon River State Forest
The purpose of this section is to protect public safety and natural resources on the Lower Salmon River State Forest.
Robert Messenger, NYSDEC
A new section 190.37 is added to read as follows:
In addition to other applicable general provisions of this Part, the following requirements apply to Lower Salmon River State Forest. In the event of a conflict, these specific provisions will control.
(a) Description. For the purposes of this section, Lower Salmon River State Forest refers to all those State lands under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environmental Conservation in Constables Purchase Townships 10 and 11 and Scriba's Patent Townships 21 and 22 located along and in the vicinity of the Salmon River from Interstate 81 upstream to Bennett Bridges on Oswego County Route 22, excluding those lands designated as the Salmon River Fish Hatchery, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Training Academy, Altmar State Forest and fisherman's parking areas. The lands referred to are a long, irregularly shaped corridor running along the Salmon River for a distance of about 10 miles starting at the Village of Pulaski and extending east to the Lower Salmon River Reservoir. The Lower Salmon State Forest is located in the Towns of Albion, Orwell, and Richland and the Villages of Altmar and Pulaski in Oswego County, being the same lands as more particularly described in deeds conveying such lands to the People of the State of New York, on file in the Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, New York, and duly recorded in the office of the county clerk of Oswego County.
(b) Camping, including camping in vehicles, is prohibited. No camp, tent, trailer, lean-to or structure of any kind shall be erected or maintained within the area.
(c) No person shall discharge a rifle, shotgun, handgun or muzzle loader, except while lawfully hunting or trapping.
(e) In addition to the provisions set forth in section 190.1, the use of fire is prohibited, except for charcoal or gas grills, from May 1st through October 31st. The general fire regulations found in section 190.1 shall apply from November 1st through April 30th.
(f) The use of snowmobiles is prohibited except on designated snowmobile trails.
The Department of Environmental Conservation is acquiring 2,800 acres of land in Oswego County in a divestiture from National Grid that will be known as the Lower Salmon River State Forest. Of the 2,800 acres, 1,700 acres that are adjacent to the Salmon River will become Lower Salmon River State Forest and be protected by the proposed regulations. The remaining 1,100 acres will be incorporated into other existing State Forests.
Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) section, 1-0101(3)(b) directs the Department of Environmental Conservation (Department) to guarantee "that the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment is attained without risk to health or safety, unnecessary degradation or other undesirable or unintended consequences." ECL section 3-0301(1) provides that "It shall be the responsibility of the department . . . by and through the commissioner to carry out the environmental policy of the State . . . ." ECL section 3-0301(1)(b) gives the Department the responsibility to "promote and coordinate" the management of land resources "to assure their protection . . . and take into account the cumulative impact upon all such resources in . . . promulgating any rule or regulation . . . ." ECL section 3-0301(2)(v) empowers the Department to "administer and manage the real property under the jurisdiction of the Department for the purpose of preserving, protecting and enhancing the natural resource value for which the property was acquired or to which it is dedicated employing all appropriate management activities." ECL section 9-0105(1) authorizes the Department to exercise "care, custody, and control" of the state lands described in ECL Article 9. ECL section 3-0301(2)(m) authorizes the Department to adopt rules and regulations "as may be necessary, convenient or desirable" to effectuate the purposes of the ECL. ECL section 9-0105(3) authorizes DEC to "[m]ake necessary rules and regulations to secure proper enforcement" of ECL Article 9.
The Department has, as one of its core missions, the acquisition of environmentally important lands and waters, funding for which has been provided by various acts of the State Legislature. In adopting various articles of the ECL, the Legislature has established forest, fish, and wildlife conservation to be policies of the State and has empowered the Department to exercise "care, custody, and control" over certain State lands and other real property. Consistent with these statutory interests, the proposed regulations will protect natural resources and the safety and welfare of those who engage in recreational activities on Department managed lands.
The Department is acquiring approximately 2,800 acres of land in the Lower Salmon River Corridor in Oswego County known as the Lower Salmon River State Forest. The proposed regulations will apply specifically to 1,700 acres lying adjacent to the Salmon River. The Part 190 general regulations for use of State lands provide protection for the majority of lands, but because of the unique characteristics and uses of the lands being acquired, additional specific regulations are needed.
The State's interest in these lands predominantly stems from the unique fishery that exists here. Angler use of the area is extremely intense, providing an annual $18.8 million economic benefit to local communities based on estimated on-site expenditures from the Department's Statewide Angler Survey. Peak use of the area occurs in the fall, but there is also very significant fishing activity on the river throughout the winter and into the spring. Other economically significant uses of the area include general tourism and recreation, particularly winter recreation, since the area receives approximately 300 inches of snow annually.
The proposed regulations will protect the Lower Salmon River State Forest from overuse by prohibiting camping, including camping in vehicles, and protecting natural resources in the area by restricting the use of fire and snowmobiles. Prohibiting target practice will protect public safety.
The large numbers of people that use these lands could cause density related problems such as littering and trampling of vegetation. Estimates of current use indicate that 150,000 to 200,000 people visit the Salmon River annually. Current impacts from these users are relatively low, because visitors arrive, walk to their destination and spend most of their time in the river fishing. When they are done fishing, they leave the property. If camping were allowed, it is likely that unsanctioned campsites would proliferate along the river corridor. Litter and vegetation trampling would significantly increase, as would the impacts from the disposal of human waste and from firewood gathering for campfires. Frequent inquiries from visitors to the area as to whether camping is allowed on these lands demonstrate the likelihood that camping would become widespread without these regulations. Since camping was not allowed on this property prior to acquisition by the state, this prohibition does not present a new restriction on use. Local lodging and private campground businesses will likely benefit from visitors who wish to spend multiple consecutive fishing days in the area.
Prohibiting target shooting will avoid potential conflicts with fishermen and will protect public safety. The relatively long and narrow shape of the property makes it difficult to find locations where target shooting could be undertaken without significant risk to other users of the property. Opportunities for target shooting exist on other State lands nearby and at a private rod and gun club for interested users. Hunting and fishing on the Lower Salmon River State Forest will not be restricted.
Seasonal restrictions on the use of fire are necessary to address warm season party activities. Visitors to the property will still be allowed to use portable charcoal or gas grills and stoves for cooking and warmth.
Restricting snowmobile use to designated trails will keep snowmobiles off sensitive foot trails and reduce potential conflicts with fishermen. Because anglers continue to use the property through the winter months, there is a significantly greater possibility of angler-snowmobile encounters than in most other areas of the state.
A meeting was held by Department staff with local constituent user groups, local landowners and government representatives to discuss the proposed regulations. Sixteen user groups were invited. Those in attendance represented the Albion Fish and Game Club, the Oswego County Federation of Sportsmen, the Lake Ontario Tributary Anglers Council, the Albion Altmar Business Association, Maple Grove Resort, Stoney's Pineville Campground and the Tug Hill Commission. Those invited but not in attendance were the Oswego County ATV Club, Oswego County River Guides Association, Pulaski/Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, Trout Unlimited, Oswego County Planning and Tourism, Village of Pulaski, Douglaston Salmon Run, Browns Campground and Fox Hollow Campground.
At this meeting, staff explained the importance of the acquisition to the State, the intent of the proposed regulations, and the status of the acquisition using a Power Point presentation. The meeting included a question and answer session. Follow-up was undertaken for those groups invited but not in attendance. There was strong support for the proposed regulations, and no objections were raised.
There will be no increased staffing, construction or compliance costs projected for State or local governments or for private regulated parties as a result of this rulemaking. Costs to the regulating agency will be minimal, involving signage and printing of brochures.
There is no duplication, overlap, or conflict with State or Federal regulations. The regulations are being proposed for activities where existing State land regulations are insufficient to meet the requirements to protect the unique characteristics found on this State Forest.
The alternative to this rulemaking is to take no action to protect these lands. The "no action" alternative was rejected because it would not protect these lands from overuse, nor address the issues of public safety. Reliance on enforcement by posted signs could leave these lands vulnerable because signs can be vandalized or stolen, and the burden is on the Department to prove in each case that the signs were present on the property when an infraction occurred. In addition, courts are hesitant to hold the public accountable for sign violations that are not backed up by specific regulations. Failure to prohibit camping and target shooting and the failure to restrict fire and snowmobile use could potentially lead to degradation of natural resources and public safety issues.
The proposed regulations do not exceed any minimum standards of the Federal government. There is no relevant Federal standards related to these regulations.
A Unit Management Plan for the entire property will be completed, which will include a public comment period. The proposed regulations may be revised, as necessary, to be consistent with the Unit Management Plan. The regulations will become effective on the date that a Notice of Adoption is published in the New York State Register. The Department will educate the public about the regulations through information posted on the Department's web site.
A Rural Area Flexibility Analysis is not submitted with this proposal because the proposal will not impose any reporting, record-keeping or other compliance requirements on rural areas. The proposed regulation relates solely to protecting natural resources and public safety on the Lower Salmon River State Forest.
A Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for Small Businesses and Local Governments is not required for these regulations because the proposal will not impose any reporting, record-keeping or other compliance requirements on small businesses or local governments. The proposed regulations relate solely to protecting natural resources and public safety on the Lower Salmon River State Forest. There are no identified cost impacts because the proposed regulations have no direct application to small businesses and local governments. The proposed regulations should enhance the public's enjoyment of these lands, and local businesses may benefit from the attraction of potential customers to the area.
A Job Impact Statement is not submitted with this proposal because the proposal will have no substantial adverse impacts on existing or future jobs and employment opportunities. The proposed regulations relate solely to protecting natural resources and public safety on the Lower Salmon River State Forest. The proposed regulations should enhance the public's enjoyment of these lands, and local businesses may benefit from the attraction of potential customers to the area.
A new 6 NYCRR Part 592 Conservation Easements
The purpose of this regulation is to provide standards and a procedure for Department of Environmental Conservation staff to utilize when modifying or extinguishing a conservation easement administered by DEC. It will also provide the public with an opportunity to participate in the conservation easement amendment process.
This regulation appeared in the State Register on December 21, 2016 and became effective the same day.
Express Terms - 6 NYCRR Part 592 Conservation Easements
Addition of Section 190.35 to 6 NYCRR Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor
This rulemaking is necessary to protect public health, safety, and general welfare, as well as the natural resources on the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor.
This regulation appeared in the State Register on October 12, 2016, and became effective the same day.
6 NYCRR Section 190.35 Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor
Section 190.35 is renumbered 190.36 and a new section 190.35 Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor is added to read as follows:
(h) No person shall enter the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor area between
one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise except for: (1) persons camping at designated campsites; (2) licensed hunters and trappers for the purpose of hunting or trapping; (3) pedestrians using the marked hiking trails crossing the corridor; or (4) persons otherwise authorized by permit issued by the department.
The 45 day public comment period from June 8 through July 23, 2016 resulted in eight written comments. In addition, the Department hosted a public meeting on June 21, 2016 in the local community to explain the regulations and receive public comments. Approximately 20 people attended the meeting and several made verbal comments.
Comment: Strongly support the proposed regulations. Feels that the regulations will help deter abuse and overuse of the property. (eight written comments, several verbal comments)
Comment: Post "Park head-on" signs to encourage people to park in the most efficient way, given the limited parking available.
Response: The Department will look into ways to delineate parking spaces in gravel lots to improve parking.
Comment: Limit the number of people who use the property on a given day. Require permits for camping and day use.
Response: The new regulations are intended to help reduce natural resource damage by addressing the types of uses, not the number of users, which is limited by available parking. If this approach is unsuccessful, limiting the number of users could be considered.
Comment: Need more officers to enforce the regulations.
Response: The Department is working with other agencies including the State Police, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and Ulster County to assist with law enforcement in the valley.
Comment: Hiking trailhead parking is not useable due to Blue Hole visitors filling it up.
Response: The trailhead parking lot is available to people accessing the forest preserve for a variety of public uses, including hiking, hunting, backpacking, fishing and picnicking.
Comment: What are the results of water samples taken downstream of the Blue Hole?
Response: Water quality samples have not shown adverse impacts to water quality.
Comment: Can New York City Department of Environmental Protection close the road to protect the drinking water supply?
Comment: No cell service delays emergency response.
Response: The Department does not provide cell service, but we recognize this problem and are working to improve radio reception for emergency response.
Comment: Prohibit diving or swinging from a rope in the Blue Hole.
Response: The Department prohibits rope swings and removes them when found.
Comment: Any progress on a radio repeater?
Response: Yes, we are working to develop a repeater on private land that will improve radio reception for law enforcement and emergency response organizations.
Comment: Prohibit shooting.
Response: Hunting with a firearm is allowed on state forest preserve lands consistent with all laws and rules and regulations.
Comment: Get people off the road.
Response: The Department is considering the construction of a pedestrian trail from the trailhead parking lot to the Blue Hole Kiosk to reduce pedestrian use of the road. This proposal will be included in the Sundown Wild Forest Unit Management Plan revision.
Comment: Bear-proof dumpsters and outhouses are needed.
Response: The Department has made arrangements for a bear-proof dumpster and a port-a-john at the Blue Hole from Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekends.
Adoption of a new section 190.35 to 6 NYCRR will address overuse and increase public safety on the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor while still providing a quality outdoor experience for users. A Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for Small Businesses and Local Governments is not submitted with these regulations because the proposal will not impose any reporting, record-keeping or other compliance requirements on small businesses or local governments.
Since there are no identified cost impacts for compliance with the proposed regulations on the part of small businesses and local governments, they will bear no economic impact as a result of this proposal. The proposed regulations relate solely to protecting public safety and natural resources on the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor.
Adoption of a new subdivision 190.35 to 6 NYCRR will address overuse and increase public safety on the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor while still providing a quality outdoor experience for users. A Rural Area Flexibility Analysis is not submitted with this proposal because the proposal will not impose any reporting, record-keeping or other compliance requirements on rural areas. The proposed regulations relate solely to protecting public safety and natural resources on the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor.
Adoption of a new section 190.35 to 6 NYCRR will address overuse and increase public safety on the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor while still providing a quality outdoor experience for users. A Job Impact Statement is not submitted with this proposal because the proposal will have no substantial adverse impact on existing or future jobs and employment opportunities. The proposed regulations relate solely to protecting public safety and natural resources on the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor.
A new subdivision (g) is added to 6 NYCRR section 190.10
The purpose of this regulation is to protect public safety and natural resources on the Croton Gorge Unique Area.
This regulation appeared in the State Register on July 13, 2016, and became effective the same day.
Section 190.10 Unique Areas
A new subdivision (g) is added to 6 NYCRR section 190.10 to read as follows:
(g) Croton Gorge Unique Area. Description: For the purposes of this section, Croton Gorge Unique Area, referred to in this section as " the area ", means all those state lands located in Westchester County in the Town of Cortlandt, in a portion of the Cortlandt Patent.
(1) All camping shall be prohibited.
(2) Public use of the property will be allowed from sunrise to sunset only.
(3) The use of any type of fire shall be prohibited including the use of charcoal or gas grills.
(4) Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages shall be prohibited.
(5) No person shall play a musical instrument or audio device, including, but not limited to radios, tape players, compact disc or digital players, unless the noise is rendered inaudible to the public by personal noise-damping devices such as headphones or earbuds.
The proposed rulemaking will adopt a new subdivision (g) to 6 NYCRR Section 190.10, "Unique Areas" that will address overuse and increase public safety on the Croton Gorge Unique Area while still providing a quality outdoor experience for users. A Job Impact Statement is not submitted with this proposal because the proposal will have no substantial adverse impact on existing or future jobs and employment opportunities. The proposed regulations relate solely to protecting public safety and natural resources on the Croton Gorge Unique Area.
The proposed rulemaking will adopt a new subdivision (g) to 6 NYCRR Section 190.10, "Unique Areas" that will address overuse and increase public safety on the Croton Gorge Unique Area while still providing a quality outdoor experience for users. A Rural Area Flexibility Analysis is not submitted with this proposal because the proposal will not impose any reporting, record-keeping or other compliance requirements on rural areas. The proposed regulations relate solely to protecting public safety and natural resources on the Croton Gorge Unique Area.
A new 6 NYCRR Part 576 is added in Chapter V, Subchapter C
The purpose of this proposed regulation is to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
This regulation appeared in the State Register on May, 25 2016 and became effective the same day.
Express Terms - 6 NYCRR Part 576 Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention
DEC Response to Comments (PDF, 110 KB)
Questions and Answers Pertaining to This Regulation
The Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention regulations become effective immediately upon publication of the final rule in the State Register May 25, 2016.
What waterbodies are included?
These regulations apply to all public waterbodies. Public waterbodies are defined as all waters within the state, public or private, except those private waters which do not combine or effect a junction with natural surface waters, which are wholly or partially within or bordering the state.
Are private and public launches included?
Yes, the regulations apply to both private and public launches on public waterbodies within the state.
What constitutes a watercraft or floating dock?
A watercraft means every motorized or non-motorized boat, vessel or vehicle capable of being used or operated as a means of transportation or recreation in or on water. A floating dock means a removable buoyant platform supported by floating devices or suspended over the surface of a waterbody by anchors or other devices.
These Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention regulations apply to all watercraft and floating dock operators on public waterbodies.
What actions are required by the watercraft operator?
The purpose of these regulations is to establish reasonable precautions, such as removing visible plant or animal matter, washing, draining or drying that must be taken by persons launching watercraft or floating docks into public waterbodies to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Material removed should be disposed of in a proper receptacle or upland location.
The prohibitions included in 576.3 do not apply to any watercraft and associated equipment or floating dock that is re-launched from a launch site into a public waterbody, within the bounds of any permanent barrier that was removed from the same launch site without having been launched into any other waterbody.
For any first violation a written warning may be issued along with educational materials. For a second offense a fine of up to $150 may be issued. For a third offense a fine of up to $250 may be issued. For a fourth offense a fine up to $1,000 may be issued.
More about Lands and Forests Emergency, Proposed & Recently Adopted Regulations:
Section 190.35 Regulatory Impact Statement - The proposed regulations are crafted to protect natural resources and the health, safety and general welfare of those who engage in recreational activities within the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor of the Forest Preserve in the Catskill Park.
Part 190.10 (g) Regulatory Impact Statement - The proposed regulations will protect natural resources and the safety and welfare of those who engage in recreational activities within the Croton Gorge Unique Area.
Part 592 Conservation Easements Express Terms - Exact wording of the regulation
Part 592 Conservation Easements Regulatory Impact Statement - Describes DEC's regulatory authority to establish this regulation, the need for and purpose of the regulation, and what affect, if any, it has on local governments.
Part 592 Conservation Easements Rural Area Flexibility Analysis - A Rural Area Flexibility Analysis is not submitted with this proposal.
Part 592 Conservation Easements Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for Small Businesses and Local Governments - A Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for Small Businesses and Local Governments is not submitted with these regulations.
Part 592 Conservation Easements Job Impact Statement - A Job Impact Statement is not submitted with this notice.
Part 592 Conservation Easements Summary of Comments - The standard for the modification of the purpose(s) or the extinguishment of a DEC conservation easement - summary of comments
Part 576 Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention Express Terms - Exact wording of the regulation
Part 576 Regulatory Impact Statement - Describes DEC's regulatory authority to establish this regulation, the need for and purpose of the regulation, and what affect, if any, it has on local governments.
Part 576 Rural Area Flexibility Analysis - The Department has determined that the proposed rules will not impose an adverse impact on public or private entities in rural areas due to additional reporting, record-keeping, or other compliance requirements.
Part 576 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis - The Department has determined that the proposed rules will not impose an adverse impact on small businesses or local governments due to additional reporting, record-keeping, or other compliance requirements.
Part 576 Job Impact Statement - The proposed regulations will not have an adverse impact on jobs or employment in New York State.
Section 190.35 Regulatory Impact Statement
Part 190.10 (g) Regulatory Impact Statement
Part 592 Conservation Easements Express Terms
Part 592 Conservation Easements Regulatory Impact Statement
Part 592 Conservation Easements Rural Area Flexibility Analysis
Part 592 Conservation Easements Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for Small Businesses and Local Governments
Part 592 Conservation Easements Job Impact Statement
Part 576 Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention Express Terms
Part 576 Regulatory Impact Statement
Part 576 Rural Area Flexibility Analysis
Part 576 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Part 576 Job Impact Statement