Feedback leads to revision of the multi-use hiking trail plan
Concerns raised by county residents include noise pollution and habitat disturbances associated with off-road vehicle use
MALONE – Franklin County received more than 100 responses from residents during the public comment period on preliminary planning documents for a proposed countywide multi-use trail.
In response to community feedback requesting more time for review, Franklin County extended the comment period from the original June 14 deadline to July 12.
“We really wanted to know what people think and what is in the best interest of residents,” Phil Hans, Franklin County’s director of economic development and tourism, said Tuesday afternoon. “An extension just seemed like a no-brainer to make sure we get the most meaningful feedback from our residents.”
Hans said the county received between 100 and 110 responses during the public comment period.
“I honestly had no idea what to expect. I would have liked to have seen comments from across the county,” Hans said. “The majority of them came from the southeast corner of the county.”
Concerns have been raised by residents, particularly those in the southern part of Franklin County, about the use of off-road vehicles on hiking trails and all road connections between trailheads, according to a prepared statement from County Manager Donna J. Kissane.
“It was habitat disturbance, noise pollution, all the things you see in a typical argument against ATV or UTV use, so it wasn’t really surprising,” Hans said.
In light of public comments, Franklin County is currently revising the proposed trail system to better reflect community concerns, according to a press release from Kissane, which states that updated maps are currently being developed to reflect these adjustments.
“We have heard the concerns of our residents and are actively making adjustments to the proposed trail system based on the feedback we have received,” Hans said in the news release. “It is clear that certain areas in the southeastern part of the county, particularly those in the (Adirondack) Park, do not support the use of off-road vehicles.”
The new maps also feature improved clarity and detailed coding to clearly show the permitted use of each section of the route.
“We value this input and are revising the trail system accordingly. The removal of off-road vehicle routes in these areas will be reflected in the updated maps,” Hans said in the release. “The public comment process worked as intended – gathering the opinions of local residents to bring about changes. We are grateful to everyone who took the time to review the proposal and provide their thoughtful comments.”
Franklin County plans to hold a public forum once the updated maps and revisions are complete.
The date for this forum has not yet been determined and will be announced on the Franklin County website in the Economic Development and Tourism section.
“Due to all the feedback we’ve received and our desire to be much more transparent, once all the maps are updated and a little clearer, we plan to schedule and hold a public forum,” Hans said. “This is where people will come and look at the new maps based on the feedback from those who have submitted their comments. We expect people will be happy with the changes. This is kind of an extra step that isn’t actually required in this process. It was important to us to make sure our residents felt like they were being heard.”
The public forum will be in addition to a public hearing required by the State Environmental Quality Review Act, the news release said.
“I want to express my gratitude to all of the community members who shared their thoughts and ideas on the proposed trail system,” County Legislature Chairman Ed Lockwood, R-Malone, said in the release. “Your voices have been heard and our tourism office is committed to ensuring the trail system reflects your input.”
In March, county legislators unanimously passed a resolution in a roll call vote declaring their intent to serve as the lead agency for a proposed countywide trail system.
According to Hans, Franklin County is proposing the creation of a countywide multi-use recreational trail network that would connect with trails in Clinton and St. Lawrence counties.
“Ultimately, the goal of the multi-use trail is to connect businesses with people who enjoy being outdoors,” he said. “It’s really a tool to stimulate the local economy, it has a positive impact on the local economy. Secondarily, it’s about getting people to enjoy the trails, whether it’s hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and of course, off-road vehicles when needed.”
“We want people to use the trails, and we also want to bring people from outside the area to stop by our stores, stay in our hotels and eat in our restaurants,” he added.
The proposed project was classified as a Type I measure as defined by the State Law on Environmental Quality Inspection.
At a work session with the county legislature in March, John Condino, a senior project manager with Barton and Loguidice, said the proposed timeline calls for completing the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process in early January 2025.
“We’re basically going to take action throughout the year. If everything comes to fruition, which we really hope it does, January will be the last step you have to take,” Condino said. “It’s a very involved process that involves the public. In fact, the public is encouraged to provide input.”
Condino said he has worked on similar projects in Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
“It’s a lot of work and we have a lot of work to do. Frankly, these things don’t always go as smoothly as you hope, but in the end, I think you’ll prevail,” Condino said. “Like in Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, you’ll have trails that, frankly, accomplish what you hope for in terms of economic development and things like that.”
At the March meeting, Kissane said the trail project would be funded through the occupancy tax.
In May, county lawmakers unanimously passed a resolution in a roll call vote saying the proposed multi-use recreational trail project would have significant negative environmental impacts.
According to May’s order, after reviewing the Full Environmental Impact Assessment form and other available supporting information, and considering the magnitude and significance of all relevant environmental areas, the County Legislature concluded that the project will have a significant adverse impact on the environment and that the project requires the preparation of a draft general environmental impact statement.
Franklin County received over 100 responses from residents during the public hearing period for a proposed countywide multi-use trail. A public forum on the updated maps and revisions to the trail, as well as a public hearing required under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, will be held in the future.
