Unit Management Plans (UMPs) identify opportunities for recreational use and consider the ability of the resources and ecosystems to accommodate public use. Furthermore, these plans identify management objectives for public use which are consistent with the land classification guidelines and the wild character of these lands.

UMPs are written by DEC planners for public lands managed by the Department. These public lands include:

• Adirondack Forest Preserve
• Catskill Forest Preserve
• State Forest lands
• Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
• Environmental Education Centers
• Campgrounds

In the Adirondacks, UMPs are developed by DEC planners in consultation with Adirondack Park Agency (APA) staff. The APA has responsibility for assuring plans are in compliance with Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan (APSLMP) guidelines for management of forest preserve lands inside the Adirondack Park. In the Catskills, UMPs are developed in compliance with Catskill Park State Land Master Plan (CPSLMP).

The UMP Process:

• Conduct resource inventory of the unit area.
• Solicit written and verbal input from the public through press releases and meetings.
• Development of a draft plan and address State Environmental Quality Review (SEQRA) issues.
• Prepare a draft plan (for the APA to review in the Adirondack Park).
• Release draft UMP and conduct public hearings.
• Resolve issues, revise the plan (with APA review for compliance with the APSLMP).
• DEC Commissioner gives final approval and the UMP is adopted.

HERE Click for UMP plans at the NYSDEC website