New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that DEC will hold two public information sessions in March to discuss a new draft Adirondack Brook Trout Pond Management Plan currently under development by DEC. The plan, once adopted following public review and input, will guide the State’s actions for the next 15 years for managing pond-dwelling Adirondack brook trout.
“Hearing from stakeholders is essential to ensuring DEC’s brook trout pond management is biologically sound and takes into account fishing activities for this iconic species,” Commissioner Seggos said. “The Adirondack Park is one of only two locations in the lower 48 states that supports ponded brook trout fisheries. That’s why it is essential that DEC creates a new roadmap to secure the future of these populations and address the challenges facing this valuable ecological and recreational resource.”
DEC has scheduled two in-person public information sessions on March 9 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the View Arts Center, 3273 State Route 28, Old Forge, and on March 16 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Warrensburg DEC Office, 232 Golf Course Road, Warrensburg. DEC fisheries managers will meet with the public to explain the proposed approach, answer questions, and solicit feedback to inform completion of the draft plan under development. During the session, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, provide comments, and engage DEC fisheries managers and biologists in discussion. Public feedback will inform the ongoing development of the draft Adirondack Brook Trout Pond Management Plan, which will be released this year for formal public comment.
The brook trout is New York’s state fish and an iconic symbol of the Adirondacks. Brook trout generally live in small- to moderate-sized streams, lakes, and ponds, wherever cold water is available; brook trout are emblematic of good water quality and highly valued by anglers.
