Thanks for sharing this info, Ajit! I've been trying to get the word out as well.
This has been in the works since 2001 and there has been a lot of political wrangling to get to this point, and it looks like several important issues have been addressed. Without trying to guide comments, two of my concerns are the lack of prohibition on radio-controlled aircraft (they are an incompatible use on the refuge and should be banned, as are dogs, from the Town Park), and the 30ft buffer between the ball fields and refuge. To me the width seems to be too narrow and there is not much guidance on what information will be posted along said buffer nor what distances between any postings would be. I know there are will probably be other issues that will be addressed by the Conservation Team of Audubon NY (especially since the site's IBA status is not mentioned in the plan), several Audubon chapters, and local bird clubs. Also, I understand DEC might extend the comment period if requested... Thanks again, Larry Federman ----- Original Message ----- From: AJIT ANTONY To: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 2:45 PM Subject: [nysbirds-l] Shawangunk NWR (Galeville Airport) development plan you should know about PLEASE NOTE IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS OR WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT THAT YOU MUST CONTACT JOSEPH MURRAY AT REGION 3 HEADQUARTERS (INFO BELOW) NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 6, 2012 Ulster County Applicant: Town of Shawangunk PO Box 247 Wallkill, NY 12589 -0247 Facility: Galeville Park 123 Long Ln Shawangunk, NY 12589 Application ID: 3-5152-00233/00002 Permit(s) Applied for: Article 11 Endangered/Threatened Species (Incidental Take) Project is Located: Shawangunk, Ulster County Project Description: The Town of Shawangunk proposes to develop Galeville Park located at 123 Long Lane in the Town of Shawangunk, Ulster County, New York and adjacent to Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge. The Town proposes to develop the 55 acre parcel into a community recreational area that includes athletic fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, nature trails, picnic areas, pavilion, restrooms, playg! round area, a future community building and parking. An Incidental Take Permit is required because the Department has determined that the project may result in a "take" or "taking" of the Short-eared Owl, Henslow's Sparrow, Northern Harrier and Upland Sandpiper, which are listed as endangered or threatened species pursuant to Environmental Conservation Law Section 11-0535 and 6 NYCRR Part 182. The Department has determined that the construction of four athletic fields may result in the loss of 10 acres of NYS listed Endangered and Threatened Species habitat. This loss will be offset through compliance with the following mitigation measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate any adverse impacts to the above noted species: The Town will convert and maintain approximately 10 acres of the Galeville Park property as designated grassland habitat area; Construction activities for the development of the park will be prohibited during nesting and overwintering periods; Li! ghting of the four athletic fields will be prohibited; Dogs will be prohibited; The Town has served as the facilitator for the acquisition of an adjacent 31 acre parcel of land by the USFWS for the creation of an off-site grassland habitat area; The Town will conduct environmental education or interpretive outreach programs and will develop enhanced wildlife observation areas; The Town will construct an interpretative walking trail system at Galeville Park with linkage to the adjoining refuge. Availability of Application Documents: Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person. State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination: Project is a Type I action and will not have a significant effect on the environment. A coordinated review with other agencies was performed ! and a Negative Declaration is on file. SEQR Lead Agency: Shawangunk Town Board State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination: Cultural resource lists and map have been checked. No registered, eligible or inventoried archaeological sites or historic structures were identified at the project location. No further review in accordance with SHPA is required. Coastal Management: This project is not located in a Coastal Management area and is not subject to the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act. Opportunity for Public Comment: Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than Sep 06, 2012. Contact: Joseph R Murray NYSDEC Region 3 Headquarters 21 South Putt Corners Rd New Paltz, NY 12561 (845)256-3054 [email protected] AJIT ANTONY [email protected] EarthLink Revolves Around You. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basics Rules and Information Subscribe, Configuration and Leave Archives: The Mail Archive Surfbirds BirdingOnThe.Net Please submit your observations to eBird! -- -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
