For Release: IMMEDIATE Thursday, April 24, 2014

Contact: Stephen Litwhiler (315) 785-2238

DEC ANNOUNCES THAT THREE MILE BAY WATERWAY ACCESS SITE IS NOW OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE Site Includes Boat Launch with Floating Docks and Parking Access Additional Site in Three Mile Bay of Lake Ontario, Town of Lyme Now Has Additional Public Access The Three Mile Bay Waterway Access Site is now open to the public, providing additional access to Chaumont Bay on Lake Ontario, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 6 Director Judy Drabicki announced at a dedication ceremony today as part of DECs weeklong celebration of Earth Day. This new access site, which is located on State Route 12E in the hamlet of Three Mile Bay, Town of Lyme, in Jefferson County, features a single-lane concrete launch with a floating dock. Parking will accommodate six vehicles with trailers and 10 additional vehicles. New Yorks natural resources provide exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation and this project will provide easy access for fishing, boating and other water sports on Chaumont Bay, Director Drabicki said. Through his NY Open for Fishing and Hunting initiative, Governor Cuomo is committed to expanding access to outdoor recreation, and DEC is grateful for the community support for this project. We are proud to dedicate this site to Leonard and Jean Bach, who were important members of this community, and encourage residents and visitors to use this modern waterway access site to enjoy Chaumont Bay. Creation of the Three Mile Bay Waterway Access Site was first proposed as part of the June 2006 Lake Ontario Natural Resources Damage (NRD) settlement, a fund dedicated to the restoration of sportfishing in the Lake Ontario system. In April 2010, the State acquired the former Bachys Marina property from Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Countryman, using funds from the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Operations staff from DECs Brownville and Lowville regional offices demolished the existing building and performed site preparation work. Design plans for the boat launch and parking facilities were developed by DEC and ProCon of Vestal, New York. The total cost of the project is $277,000, funded with the 2006 NRD settlement.

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-2An additional waterway access site in the Town of Lyme is being developed at the isthmus onto Point Peninsula, the site of the former Goldens Marina. The Lake Ontario at the Isthmus Fishing Access Site will provide the public with direct boat access to Lake Ontario when the project is completed this spring. The Isthmus site was initially purchased in April 2002, using $240,000 from the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act. The 12.3-acre parcel has a two-lane trailer-improved boat launch, two floating docks, parking for 25 vehicles with trailers and an additional 10 vehicle parking area. A shoreline area was also improved and will feature a universally accessible fishing site. Site preparation and construction was accomplished using more than $648,000 in 2006 Lake Ontario NRD settlement funds. Governor Cuomos NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women and to boost tourism activities throughout the state. This initiative includes streamlining fishing and hunting licenses, reducing license fees, improving access for fishing and increasing hunting opportunities in New York State. In support of this initiative, this year's budget includes $6 million in NY Works funding to support creating 50 new land and water access projects to connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others who enjoy the outdoors to more than 380,000 acres of existing state and easement lands that have gone largely untapped until now. These 50 new access projects include building new boat launches, installing new hunting blinds and building new trails and parking areas. In addition, the 2014-15 budget includes $4 million to repair the state's fish hatcheries; and renews and allows expanded use of crossbows for hunting in New York State. This year's budget also reduces short-term fishing licenses fees; increases the number of authorized statewide free fishing days to eight from two; authorizes DEC to offer 10 days of promotional prices for hunting, fishing and trapping licenses; and authorizes free Adventure Plates for new lifetime license holders, discounted Adventure Plates for existing lifetime license holders and regular fee Adventure Plates for annual license holders.

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