Press Release
September 09, 2008
For Release: Immediate
Press Contact:
Eileen Larrabee
Dan Keefe
518.486.1868
State Parks Initiates Master Plans for Jamesport and Caumsett
Public invited to help shape future of the two parks
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash today announced Jamesport State Park and Preserve and Caumsett State Historic Park will undergo comprehensive master plan processes in order to define a long-term vision for the properties. The announcement comes as Ash has reinstated a master planning effort for parks statewide.
"These two facilities face their own unique challenges in the coming decades," Ash said. "Jamesport offers great potential for expanding recreational opportunities and preserving natural resources while Caumsett has a great history and tradition that must be safeguarded. It's essential that we chart a sustainable future for these properties in order to ensure that as we plan for the future of these parks, we are doing so in a smart, responsible and responsive manner."
According to Ash, fewer than 10 percent of New York's state parks currently have up-to-date master plans. Jamesport and Caumsett were identified as top priorities in the effort to update the park system's master plans and will be among the first parks statewide to complete new plans. Park master plans help determine how to best identify uses for a specific site, make the most of limited resources, and protect the environment. Because public input is vital to the process, State Parks will be seeking comments from all stakeholders including the general public, local government officials, friends groups, user groups and other interested parties.
"I worked long and hard to make the Jamesport State Park and Preserve become a reality and am anxious to see it open to the public," said State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle. "The New York State Office of Parks is wise to make the public aware of its planning efforts and to seek their input while still involved in finalizing a master plan. It is my hope that my vision for this valuable property will be realized in short time and that our residents and tourists will soon have another great state park to enjoy for family outings, relaxing outdoor activities, or vacations."
"Caumsett State Park has served as an educational and recreational retreat for generations," said State Senator Carl L. Marcellino. "I commend Commissioner Ash for creating a forum for the community to share their vision of a park that will continue to preserve Caumsett's natural beauty, and serve our children for years to come."
"Caumsett State Park is not only a jewel for the Town of Huntington, but for the entire North Shore," said Assemblyman James Conte. "New York State must take action now to preserve the uniqueness of this pristine property."
"After touring the Jamesport State Park last fall with Commissioner Ash, I am pleased to see the observations made there are being put into action," said Assemblyman Marc Alessi. "I congratulate Commissioner Ash for initiating this comprehensive planning process in order to bring one of the North Fork's greatest assets back to its highest potential. The diligent work of Commissioner Ash, and my colleague in the New York State Senate, Ken LaValle, combined with the input from the community will certainly give way to a preserve of natural resources to be utilized by future generations."
Ash noted the master plan will guide the development and public use of Jamesport State Park and Preserve, a 225-acre tract of sand dunes, treed bluffs and wetlands on Long Island Sound set aside as a state park in 2005. The land is available for hiking, horseback riding, fishing and bird watching, but public use facilities are limited.
The master plan will also help define the continued progression of Caumsett State Historic Park, which originated in 1921 when Marshall Field III purchased 1750 acres of Lloyd Neck to create a large self-sufficient English-style estate as a combination country club, hunting preserve, and home. Acquired by New York State in 1961, Caumsett is currently visited by 300,000 patrons a year.
"The master planning initiative is an integral part of our effort to revitalize New York State Parks," Ash said. "The master plans will help map a dynamic park system with quality public facilities, strong natural resource stewardship and education programs, new and diverse connections between parks and other green space, and intelligent sustainability practices. We look forward to hearing from the public to help us achieve these goals."
State Parks staff will provide a brief overview of the planning effort and an introduction to all of the resources and uses of the park at preliminary public meetings. The public is invited to provide suggestions on issues, impacts and alternatives that should be addressed in the Draft Plan, which will also serve as a Draft Environmental Impact Statement under the state's environmental review process.
The initial Jamesport planning meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 23 at Riverhead Town Hall. The Caumsett meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 24 at the Cold Spring Harbor Public Library.
All persons interested in the future of Jamesport and Caumsett are urged to attend the respective public meetings. Other opportunities for public input will be offered during the planning process, which is expected to conclude within a year. Written comments are welcome and will be considered for the draft plan if they are received by October 17, 2008 to:
Elisabeth Pezzolla, Park Planner
Agency Building 1, 17th Floor
Albany, NY 12238
(518) 474-0456
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 178 state parks and 35 historic sites. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com.