The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that a draft Unit Management Plan (UMP) for Fish Creek Pond Campground is now available for public review.
With 355 campsites, the campground has a significant impact on the Upper Saranac Lake (USL) watershed. The Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) is preparing to deliver comments and provide input to better protect water quality and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). To help guide future management of Fish Creek Pond Campground, USF encourages watershed users to provide their own input during the open NYSDEC comment period that concludes Oct. 2.
The draft UMP proposes infrastructure improvements to comfort stations, boat launch and day use areas, amphitheater, and bike path. Reconstruction and repaving of the main road will accommodate two-way traffic. The UMP also proposes continuing shoreline stabilization and planting trees and shrubs for environmental protection.
USF suggestions include:
- Incorporate and implement a storm-water pollution prevention plan, including regrading of sites and preventing direct surface water runoff.
- Rotate out campsite use/closures for site recovery and regeneration.
- Improve shoreline buffers and shoreline stabilization by planting native trees and shrubs.
- Increase AIS outreach and education through NYSDEC employee orientation, publication distribution for patrons upon park entry, programming within the Nature Recreation Program, and the use of appropriate signage.
- Mandate that all watercraft (car top and trailer) be inspected by watershed stewards upon entering the campground, including those going to Rollins Pond.
- New boat launch ramp usage allowed only during set watershed stewardship inspection hours.
- Provide the watershed stewardship program with a hot water, high pressure AIS decontamination station on site near the newly located boat launch.
- Conduct a comprehensive carrying capacity analysis for Fish Creek Ponds to determine the water body’s capacity to withstand various watercraft uses and boater traffic in relation to impact from size, noise, speeds, wakes, and wave action on the natural resources and camper and residential social satisfaction.
To view all proposed management actions, the draft plan and presentation for the Fish Creek Pond Campground and Day Use Area is available at DEC’s website. Copies are also available in electronic format on compact disc and may be requested by calling (518) 457-2500.
Public comments on the draft UMP will be accepted through Oct. 2 and can be submitted by mail or email to: Josh Houghton, NYS DEC Bureau of Recreation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-5253, campinfo@dec.ny.gov.