Unit management plans (UMPs) assess the natural and physical resources present within a unit of state-owned land. They also identify opportunities for public use and recreation that are consistent with the classifications of these lands, and consider the ability of the resources and ecosystems to accommodate such use.
Recreation management plans (RMPs) are more limited in scope and identify public recreation and access opportunities on private lands where DEC has been granted such rights under an agreement called a Conservation Easement.
UMPs and RMPs are written by DEC planners for lands managed by DEC. These lands include:
- Forest Preserve - View Adirondack Park (PDF) and Catskill Park (PDF) Unit Maps
- State Forests
- Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
- Environmental Education Centers
- Campgrounds (Intensive Use Areas)
- Conservation Easements (lands on which DEC holds public recreation rights)
In the Adirondack Park, UMPs are developed in consultation with the Adirondack Park Agency, which has responsibility for assuring plans are in compliance with Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan. In the Catskill Park, UMPs are developed in compliance with Catskill Park State Land Master Plan (PDF). All State Forest UMPs, which are for lands generally outside of the Adirondack and Catskill Parks, are developed in compliance with the Strategic Plan for State Forest Management (PDF). Recreation management plans (RMPs) are developed pursuant to each conservation easement (CE) agreement, and in accordance with applicable guidance.
The Planning Process
- Conduct resource inventory of the unit area.
- Solicit written and verbal input from the public through press releases and meetings.
- Address State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) requirements.
- Prepare a draft plan for public review and comment.
- Address public comments, revise the plan as necessary
- Coordinate review and compliance with other state agencies.
- Adoption of the final plan.
Public Comment
Members of the public have a variety of opportunities to suggest issues to be addressed, identify problems, and offer comment on draft management plans. DEC encourages public input through scoping meetings, information sessions, during plan development and during the formal review of these plans. For a current list of public input opportunities, please refer to the table below.
Management Plans Currently Open For Public Review
| Management Plan | Public Meeting | Public Comment Contact & Deadline | Lands Covered by Management Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Great Divide Unit Management Plan Draft Plan and Maps (PDF) Fact Sheet (PDF) | July 16, 2025 | NYSDEC Open for comment until August 18 | Big Flats Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Catharine Creek Marsh WMA, Erwin WMA, Catlin State Forest, Erwin Hollow State Forest, Erwin Mountain State Forest, Maple Hill State Forest, McCarthy Hill State Forest, Texas Hollow State Forest |
A-Z UMP Index
A-B | C-D | E-H | I-L | M-R | S-T | U-Z
