Friends Lake properties are generally subject to a variety of rules and regulations of Chestertown and the New York State Adirondack Park Agency but they may also be subject to a variety of other governmental agencies/organizations such as the New York State Department of Health, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Transportation, US Army Corps of Engineers just to name a few.
Even minor changes to docks, trees, houses, roadways, septic and wells may require permits or variance approvals from any or multiple governmental bodies. For property owners considering making any changes to their land or structures consider reviewing the Town of Chester’s Planning and Zoning. On the website are links to various laws and regulations, along with permit and other application forms needed when approvals are necessary. Check out the Adirondack Park Agency Land Use Regulations (PDF)
Firewood & Trees
The following are examples of regulations relates to firewood and trees:
Minimum Vegetation Cutting Restrictions
The question often comes up about what the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) regulations were for cutting trees and vegetation on the shoreline. Here is an excerpt from the APA’s Shoreline Restrictions (PDF):
All land use areas: Not more than 30%of the trees six inches or more in diameter at breast height within 35 feet of the mean high-water mark may be cut over any l0-year period.
No cutting of any vegetation may take place within six feet of the mean highwater mark, except that up to 30% of the shorefront may be cleared of vegetation on any individual lot.
These standards do not prevent the removal of diseased vegetation, or of rotten or damaged trees or of other vegetation presenting safety or health hazards. Any person having a legal interest in property and planning to cut shoreline trees or vegetation thereon may request an agency determination whether such trees or vegetation qualify for removal pursuant to this subparagraph.
Shoreline Restrictions: Adirondack Park Agency (APA) – NY.gov , page 6-7
Firewood Regulations – Don’t Move Firewood
Please remember that there is a NYS Department of Environmental Conservation regulation that prohibits the movement of untreated firewood more than 50 miles from its source. The regulation also prohibits the importation of firewood into New York unless it has been treated to kill pests.
Learn more from Don’t Move Firewood.org