At this time we wish to remind all lessees that firewood on leased properties is not to be moved on or off site.  If you need firewood for use at your camp or have any questions regarding this policy or any other part of your lease agreement, please contact  Finch Woodlands Regional Manager, Len Cronin at (518) 793-2541 ext. 5526.

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Portions of the Essex Chain tract are currently leased by the Gooley and Polaris Clubs.  Those clubs will continue to enjoy exclusive use of their leases through the current lease term (through September 30, 2013).  After that, they will retain exclusive rights to an area immediately surrounding their cabins, as per the terms of the ‘one acre envelope provision’ detailed below. We assume that portions of the non-leased lands on the Essex Chain will be open to the public this spring.

The TNC land sale is part of an informed conservation plan announced in 2008 for the entire 161,000 acres originally purchased from Finch.  That plan, which was developed in consultation with communities and key stakeholders, reflects a balanced approach that meets the needs of loggers, wildlife, local businesses, and the tens of thousands of local residents and millions of visitors who use our forests for recreation. More than half of the land—92,000 acres now owned by a timber investor—continues to be available for sustainable timber harvest operations and recreational leasing.

Though DEC’s outright purchase of TNC lands is happening over a longer time frame than originally anticipated, it will not significantly impact the 10-year lease phase-out plan TNC committed to in 2008.   All 33 clubs who renewed their leases this fall will continue to enjoy one year of exclusive use, from October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013.  Of those, the 23 clubs with camps will be able to maintain exclusive ownership and use of their structures through September 30, 2018.  Depending on the state’s purchase schedule, there will be some opportunities to renew exclusive access for clubs with existing leases during the next lease period (October 1, 2013-September 30, 2014). We will inform clubs in April 2013 regarding the status of their next lease, to provide them with ample opportunity to plan accordingly.

Lease terms on TNC lands once they are acquired by DEC

Lease management: During the lease phase-out period ending September 30, 2018, TNC, with Finch Forest Management as their agent, will be responsible for managing all leases on former Finch lands once these lands are acquired by New York State.

One-acre envelope provision: For leases that have a club house, cabins, or seasonal trailers that were located on the property prior to October 1, 2011, clubs may retain exclusive use on a one-acre envelope surrounding each of these structures through the phase-out period ending September 30, 2018.  Annual lease rates will be reduced to reflect the reduction in acreage and exclusive rights.  There will be shared use with the public on lands beyond the one-acre envelope.

Camp removals: Clubs will be responsible for removing their structures and personal effects at the end of the phase-out period (or upon termination of their leases, should clubs decide not to renew their leases at an earlier point or if they are terminated for non-compliance reasons).  This will include removal of out-houses and all ancillary structures, fuel oil tanks, propane tanks and any and all debris including personal items, metal, wood and any construction materials.  We will reimburse clubs the $100 annual cabin fee they have been charged since 2008 once the structures have been removed and the camp sites cleaned up to TNC’s satisfaction.

Use of lands surrounding the one acre envelope: Excepting for provisions regarding motorized access as detailed below, lessees will be required to comply with the same rules and regulations that apply to the public regarding access and use restrictions on what will be forest preserve lands.  These provisions will be enforced by DEC.

Motorized use: On those leases subject to the one-acre envelope provision, and once lands they are leasing have been acquired by New York State, lessees will be allowed to:

1. Use vehicles, including snowmobiles, along those roads approved by DEC needed to access their camps while their leases are in effect (referred to as ‘designated access roads’).  Mountain bikes will also be permitted along these roads.

1. Use ATVs to access their camps during mud season (along those designated access roads DEC approves for mud season ATV use) and to use ATVs on gravel roads as designated by DEC for use during big game season for the purpose of dragging out game.  ATVs will be prohibited otherwise.

1. Use motorboats on waters designated by DEC, where these are directly accessible from their camps (i.e. border the camps), subject to restrictions (such as a 10 horsepower limit) that applied under past leases.  This motorized boat access will only apply April 1-June 30 and Oct 1 through the end of big game season.

Just as in previous years, clubs should expect mud-season restrictions to prevent damage to roads.  TNC and Finch Forest Management will be responsible for setting dates for seasonal road closures.

Preventing public trespass: TNC and our lessees may maintain locks on those gates located on designated access roads closed to the public, and on spur roads leading directly to camps, during the lease phase-out period.

Fish stocking: Clubs may not stock waters on their leases once these go into public ownership, without DEC approval.

The above provisions will apply only to clubs in good standing.

Additional information: questions about recreational leasing should be directed to Len Cronin (518/793-2541 extension 5526, or Cassie Trybendis, at extension 5693 at Finch Forest Management.

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Recent announcement
On August 5, 2012 The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) signed a contract with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to acquire 65,000 acres of lands TNC purchased from Finch Paper in 2007.  These lands will be purchased by the State in phases over the course of five years, for addition to the publicly owned Forest Preserve.  The first tracts to be acquired will total about 19,200 acres, consisting of the Essex Chain of Lakes and Indian River tracts (Outer Gooley).  We anticipate those parcels changing hands in 2012 or early 2013.  This land sale is part of an informed conservation plan announced in 2008 for the entire 161,000 acres originally purchased from Finch.  That plan, which was developed in consultation with communities and key stakeholders, reflects a balanced and thoughtful approach that meets the needs of the forest industry, loggers, plant and wildlife, local businesses, and the tens of thousands of local residents and millions of visitors who use our forests for recreation.  More than half of the land—92,000 acres now owned by a timber investor—continues to be available for sustainable timber harvest operations and private recreational leasing and is also now available for some public recreation.

A look ahead at leasing
Although DEC’s outright purchase of TNC lands is happening over a longer time frame than originally anticipated, it will not significantly impact the 10-year lease phase-out plan TNC committed to in 2008.  As communicated by letter this spring, all active lease clubs that wish to will have an opportunity to renew their leases this fall for one year of exclusive use, from October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013.  Lease terms and conditions may change for your club beginning in October, 2013. We will give you advanced notice if there will be changes.  All clubs with camps will be able to maintain exclusive ownership and use of their structures through September 30, 2018. Depending on the state’s purchase schedule, there will be a period of shared use of the surrounding lands with the public.

The phase out does not apply to clubs that lease land, but do not have camp structures since state ownership will allow those club members to use the property as members of the public.

These questions and answers describe the lease phase-out plan:

Who will manage the leases?
During the lease phase-out period ending September 30, 2018, TNC with Finch Forest Management as its agent, will be responsible for managing all leases on former Finch lands once these lands are acquired by New York State.   We will offer exclusive leases to all lease clubs effective October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013 to clubs that have already notified us they intend to lease the lands TNC is making available during this period.

When will I know if my leases will be changing?
In order to honor our agreement to provide lessees with ample time to plan for the future, DEC will inform TNC by April 1st of each year which tracts it intends to purchase within the coming 12 months.  TNC will then notify lessees if their upcoming October/September lease cycle will change to a one-acre envelope around camps or if lessees will have full exclusive use.  As always, lease renewals will only be offered to clubs in good standing.

What does the one-acre provision entail?
One-acre envelope provision: Between October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2018, and only on those leases which have a club house and/or cabins and seasonal trailers that were located on the property prior to October 1, 2011, clubs may retain exclusive use on a one-acre envelope surrounding each of these structures.   This applies to lands DEC has acquired or has notified TNC it intends to acquire within 12 months of the April notification deadline described above.  During this time period, the property surrounding these envelopes will be shared with the public.  Annual lease rates will be reduced to reflect the reduction in acreage and exclusive rights.

What if my club does not have any structures?

The phase-out does not apply to clubs that do not have any camp structures on their leased lands.  Leases will run their course if DEC purchased in the midst of a lease cycle and then will end after that.

Can I drive to my camp under the one-acre provision?
During the period that clubs are leasing one-acre envelopes they will be permitted motorized access, including ATVs and snowmobiles, to their camps along existing roads as designated by DEC.  Just as in previous years, clubs should expect mud-season restrictions to prevent damage to roads.

What about other motorized access?

As applicable to the landscape, limited, additional motorized use will be permitted (for example, motorboat use on waterways immediately adjacent to lease camps, subject to seasonal and horsepower restrictions).

When will I get to see the lease terms under the one-acre provision?

TNC and DEC will provide more details on lease club access and use on lands shared with the public in our forthcoming (October 1, 2012 -September 30, 2013) leases that will be going out to Club presidents in early September.

Cedar Heights Timber LLC:
All roads except Dillon Park Access Road

The Nature Conservancy:
Rock Pond Road — Rock Pond Club
Chain Lakes Road — Outer Gooley
Chain Lakes Road — Inner Gooley
Wards Mill Road — Polaris Club
Opalescent Road — Opalescent Club, Casey Brook Valley Club
Deerland Road — Santanoni Club, Bear Pond Club
Gulf Brook Road to Second Gate — Ragged Mt. Club, Wolf Valley Club
Brachn River Road — ragged Mt. Club
ALL Roads in Southern Holdings

– The Following Roads are CLOSED until further notice:

The Nature Conservancy:
Upper Works Road — Santanoni Club

Boreas Ponds Club
Niagara Road — Niagara Flow Club

If you have questions about the status of roads on your lease, please call Leonard Cronin at (518) 793-2541, ext. 5526, or Cassie Trybendis at ext. 5693.

Dear Club President,

The Nature Conservancy purchased 161,000 acres of former Finch, Pruyn lands in June of 2007, and sold 92,000 of those acres to ATP Timberland Invest in March of 2009. A majority of the hunting leases — more than 135 — that were in place when the Conservancy bought the land are still in places, both on Conservancy-owned land and ATP-owned land.

Leasing Nature Conservancy Lands

As you know, some clubs continue to lease land that The Nature Conservancy  plans to transfer in the coming years to New York State. Though we do not know the schedule for the transfers, we continue to anticipate that they will take place over multiple years.

That puts us in a position to offer hunt clubs, beginning in the fall of 2011, an opportunity to renew their exclusive leases on a year-to-year basis while The Nature Conservancy continues to own the land. The 10-year transition period would still be in effect (with terms slightly altered from the way they were envisioned in 2008). Here is a summary:

• From Oct. 2011 through Sept. 2012, clubs that renew their leases will maintain exclusive rights fro the entire year rather than transition to exclusive seasonal use (April 1 through June 30, and big game rifle season) with shared public access the rest of the year as was originally anticipated and outlined in Addendum D to our 2008-11 lease agreements.
• Once tracts are acquired by New York State, exclusive right terms will remain for the balance of the lease period and then, going forward, the terms will transition to reflect the transfer schedule outlined in Addendum D. So, for example, if a lease is on land transferred to New York State at the calendar year-end of 2011, the club will have exclusive year-round rights until Sept. 2012, and then have the option to retain its lease with a limited camp envelope (and reduced price to reflect the loss of exclusivity) between Oct. 2012 and Sept. 2018.
• In addition, the Conservancy will freeze lease rates beginning in Oct. 2011 for those leases that will retain exclusive rights through the upcoming one-year lease period (i.e. lease acreages and rates will remain unchanged from the 2008-11 leases).
• We will strive to provide clubs with at lease five months’ notice prior to renewing their annual lease whether we anticipate their leased property being sold to the State in the upcoming lease year.

The Conservancy is also offering a handful of new leasing opportunities on previously un-leased parcels on a year-to-year basis, so feel free to put interested parties in touch with us.

Additional information
Questions about recreational leasing can be directed to Len Cronin of the Finch Woodlands Division, at (518) 793-2541 ext. 5526, or Cassie Trybendis at extension 5693.

Sincerely,

Leonard J. Cronin
Adirondack Forest Manager