New York (WBNG) – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking public input to improve outdoor access for people with disabilities.
Proposed policy streamlines existing DEC procedures and establishes new opportunities for people who use Other Power-Drive Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) on state-managed lands.
OPDMDs are battery or fuel-powered devices, other than wheelchairs, including golf carts, scooters, e-bikes, and other personal mobility devices.
While the DEC currently allows OPDMDs in select locations, policies prohibit their use in other locations where a device may cause a public safety issue, risk to natural resources, or other concerns.
“DEC manages nearly 5 million acres of land to conserve natural resources while providing diverse outdoor recreational opportunities, from hiking and bicycling to camping and hunting,” Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Forests and natural areas provide physical and mental health benefits to millions of New Yorkers, and this proposed policy would improve transparency and help ensure those benefits are available to people of all abilities.”
A virtual public meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. for New Yorkers to learn more and share input. Register for the meeting on the DEC’s website.
Public comments on the drafted policy will be accepted until March 9. Comments can be emailed to landsforests@dec.ny.gov or by mailing comments to: Josh Clague NYS DEC, 625 Broadway, 5th Floor, Albany, NY 12233-4254.
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