DEC launches Mobility Device Reservation Pilot Program

NEWCOMB | The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the launch of a Mobility Device Reservation Pilot Program for qualified individuals with disabilities to reserve and use an electrically powered wheelchair device free of charge to access the Camp Santanoni Historic Area in Newcomb. This pilot program offers a new option for people with disabilities and allows DEC to gather feedback from program users as part of efforts to advance a long-term and sustainable approach to improve access to this historic site. The pilot program will run on alternating weekends, Friday through Sunday, July 19 through Oct. 13, as well as holiday Mondays Sept. 2 and Oct. 14. DEC Interim Commission Sean Mahar said, "DEC is fully committed to advancing efforts to improve accessibility and inclusivity on State lands for all visitors. Great Camp Santanoni is a remote, unique site in the Adirondack Forest Preserve, and DEC is thrilled to pilot this innovative program to provide access to the site for people with disabilities." The Mobility Device Reservation Pilot Program provides a new mode of access while also collecting feedback from program users to evaluate the program's effectiveness at meeting users' needs. A qualified person who cannot otherwise walk or bicycle the 9.5-mile round trip from the parking area at the Gate House Complex to Great Camp Santanoni will be able to choose from two electric wheelchairs at no cost. DEC created the program after failing to identify available vendors to pull the agency's wheelchair-accessible wagon based on responses to a Request for Information which closed in February 2024. DEC is committed to continuing to provide options for all members of the public to access the historic Great Camp Santanoni Complex in accordance with guidelines for State lands in the Adirondack Park. Summer visitors can travel the nearly 10-mile round-trip road on horse, foot, or bike. In addition, DEC approved the long-term wagon operator to continue offering paid wagon rides on the vendor's private wagon under a permit in 2024. In winter, visitors can travel the route on skis or snowshoes. "Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH) supports creating increased accessibility to Camp Santanoni within the Adirondack Forest Preserve regulations," said Adirondack Architectural Heritage Executive Director Erin Tobin. "We are glad to see that DEC has committed these resources towards that outcome and believe that this new access is a piece of the larger accessibility solution. Camp Santanoni is unique within not just the Adirondacks, but New York State and beyond, and we hope this initiative creates more opportunities for the public to visit this special National Historic Landmark." See the Camp Santanoni Historic Area webpage for more information on this facility, a listing of the wheelchair-accessible features, descriptions of the available mobility devices, and to request a reservation provided on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified individuals. Visitors can find additional accessible recreation opportunities on DEC's new interactive Accessible Recreation Destinations map, which highlights more than 260 locations with accessible recreation features, such as boating, fishing, camping, and hiking across New York State.

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DEC launches Mobility Device Reservation Pilot Program

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