Two environmental groups are suing New York state saying the recreational access plan for the Essex Chain Lakes tract in the heart of Adirondack Park violates state law.
The lawsuit filed Monday in state court in Albany claims the plan for bicycle access, snowmobile trails and bridges over the Cedar and Hudson Rivers violates the State Land Master Plan and the Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act. It was filed by Adirondack Wild and Protect the Adirondacks. Protect Executive Director Peter Bauer: “We’re looking to uphold some of the state’s most important environmental laws.”
Spokespersons for the Department of Environmental Conservation and Adirondack Park Agency, which are named in the suit, said the agencies don't comment on pending litigation.
The park agency is taking public comment on a proposed amendment to the State Land Master Plan that would allow bicycles in parts of the tract where they're currently illegal.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.