Proposed Regulations
This section contains information related to Lands and Forests regulatory revisions that are currently being considered. Any proposed regulations with open public comment periods are listed at the top of this section.
6 NYCRR Part 199 - Amendment to Forest Tax Law Regulations
Notice of Proposed Rule Making
Notice is hereby given that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) published a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPR) with the New York State Department of State on November 20, 2024 to amend 6 NYCRR Part 199 Forest Tax Law
The Department first initiated efforts to update and revise Part 199 by publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the State Register on July 13, 2022. The Department received significant public comment on the proposed rulemaking, which expired on September 13, 2023. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking builds upon the comments received to improve program efficiency and efficacy.
The proposed rulemaking aims to improve the Forest Tax Law program by lessening the administrative burdens placed on participants and Department staff while strengthening the sustainable forest management standards.
Notice of Public Comment Hearing
Two virtual public comment hearings for the proposed rulemaking were held on January 21 at 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, before Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Molly McBribe via WebEx electronic webinar. At the public comment hearing, Judge Molly McBride received unsworn statements from the public on the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPR). All persons, organizations, corporations, or government agencies that may be affected by the proposed regulation were invited to attend the hearing and to submit oral comments. The public comment period is now closed.
Taxation of Forest Land (Part 199) Public Hearing
Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 2 PM
Recording of Public Comment Hearing.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 6 PM
Recording of Public Comment Hearing.
Notice of Public Comment Period
The public comment period on the rule making concluded on January 27, 2025.
Written comments sent by mail must have been postmarked no later than January 27, 2025 and submitted to:
NYSDEC
Attn: Jason Drobnack, Lands & Forests 5th Floor
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-7254
The public comment period is now closed. No further comments will be accepted at this time.
Emergency Regulations
There are currently no emergency Lands and Forests regulations at this time.
Recently Adopted Regulations
Any Lands and Forests regulations adopted in the last three years are listed in this section.
6 NYCRR Part 190.26 – New Hemlock-Canadice State Forest Regulations
This rulemaking will protect public safety and natural resources on the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest while addressing public use and providing a quality outdoor experience for users.
- Text of Regulation (PDF)
- Regulatory Impact Statement (PDF)
- Rural Area Flexibility Analysis (PDF)
- Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for Small Businesses and Local Governments (PDF)
- Job Impact Statement (PDF)
- No public comment received
- Effective October 9, 2024
6 NYCRR Part 190.41 – New Salt Hill State Forest Regulations
This rulemaking will protect public health, safety, and natural resources within the Salt Hill State Forest by addressing overuse and degradation occurring within the area.
- Text of Proposed Regulation (PDF)
- Regulatory Impact Statement (PDF)
- No public comment received
- Effective July 10, 2024
6 NYCRR Part 190.40 – Adirondack Rail Trail Speed Limit Regulation
This rulemaking provides DEC with the authority to post various speed limits through populated areas for all users on the Adirondack Rail Trail.
- Text of Regulation (PDF)
- Regulatory Impact Statement (PDF)
- Assessment of Public Comment (PDF)
- Effective June 26, 2024
6 NYCRR Part 190.10 - New Rush Oak Openings Unique Area Regulations
This rulemaking will protect public safety and natural resources on the Rush Oak Openings Unique Area while providing a quality outdoor experience for users.
- Text of Regulation (PDF)
- Regulatory Impact Statement (PDF)
- Assessment of Public Comment (PDF)
- Effective May 24, 2023
6 NYCRR Part 190.39 - New Neversink River Riparian Corridor Regulations
This rulemaking will protect public health, safety, and natural resources within the Neversink River Riparian Corridor by addressing overuse and degradation occurring within the Corridor.
- Text of Regulation (PDF)
- Regulatory Impact Statement (PDF)
- No public comment received
- Effective March 22, 2023
6 NYCRR Part 190.35 - Amendment to Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor Regulations
This rulemaking will address overuse and protect public health, safety, general welfare, and natural resources on the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor by implementing a permit system from May 15 through September 15 of each year while still providing a quality outdoor experience for users.
- Text of Regulation (PDF)
- Regulatory Impact Statement (PDF)
- No public comment received
- Effective January 25, 2023
6 NYCRR Parts 190.10 and 190.25 - Amendments to Onondaga Escarpment Unique Area and Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area Regulations
This rulemaking will protect public health, safety, general welfare and natural resources on the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area by implementing public access restrictions. In addition, it will address unregulated use of the Onondaga Escarpment Unique Area by restricting recreational activities to those compatible with the unique qualities of the parcel.
- Text of Regulation (PDF)
- Regulatory Impact Statement (PDF)
- Assessment of Public Comment (PDF)
- Effective December 1, 2021