NYS Fall Camporee at Cranberry Lake SP Oct 2-4 2009

[legojenn]

Thanks for the weekend guys. It was fun. I'm glad I met all of you and look forward to crossing paths again. Maybe June?

My friend Kevin, who came with me was chatting with one of the park employees and was informed that Cranberry Lake will be closing earlier next year (Labour Day?) due to budget cuts within the New York government. It is a real shame if it does happen, considering that late September-early October is the most beautiful time of year in this part of the continent. The camp guy suggested letters to the government. I would be willing to write one, but I am neither a resident of NY or a US citizen, so I don't know what weight it would have in Albany.

[Finntec]

Jen,
I'm sure it will make a difference. It seems that most things in NY govt have to deal with money. They should know there are a lot of Canadians who come to NY who spend time and money at the campgrounds and they care too. Thanks!

See you at FCP

[legojenn]

Thanks ,

This is what I have drafted. If anyone would like to comment, I would gladly make any changes. Thanks in advance!

Gatineau Quebec J9H 4Z2
Canada

October 9, 2009

David A. Paterson
Governor
New York State
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224

Pete Grannis
Commissioner
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-0001

Re: Early Closing of DEC Campgrounds in 2010

Mr Paterson and Mr Grannis:

I recently returned from a weekend camping at Cranberry Lake State Campground near the Village of Cranberry Lake, Town of Clifton New York in the Adirondack Region and had a wonderful weekend meeting small camper trailer enthusiasts from New York, Ontario & Massachusetts. It.s a wonderful little park that I visit at least once every year. In the summer, the swimming and boating are amazing and in the autumn, the colours of the foliage are well worth the trip. During this visit, I found out that the campground at Cranberry Lake will be closing at the end of the Labour Day weekend instead of the Columbus Day weekend that we are accustomed to and I would hope that you would reconsider that decision.

Governments across North America are faced with tough decisions regarding allocation of resources during this recession, but I would urge you to revisit the decision to close of this and other campgrounds operated by the DEC a month earlier than in past years. The Adirondacks are a treasure and the state campgrounds offer New York residents of and visitors an opportunity to economically enjoy what the northern part of the state has to offer. Autumn campers tend to be fairly self-sufficient and I cannot imagine that the costs of keeping the park open would be greater than the fees collected during this time.

I would also ask you to consider the economic impact of these park closures would have on the economies of the communities in and around the park. Travellers need goods and services and considering that the area draws tourists from New England, the mid-Atlantic states, the mid west as well as Ontario and Quebec, you risk the possibility of reducing viability of businesses that depend on tourist spending. I personally, never miss an opportunity to spend a few hundred dollars in Potsdam, Ogdensburg or Massena on a weekend trip to the US.

You have a product that is in many ways superior to what is offered in neighbouring jurisdictions. The DEC parks benefit from a beautiful location, great facilities and helpful staff. I encourage the state to keep these parks open for the benefit of New Yorkers and visitors and aaah need a conclusion.

Sincerely,




Jennifer S. Davis

[Rick Sheerin]

Jenn- Great letter! I would suggest that every New York TearJerker as well as any other TearJerker who enjoys camping at any NYS Park write a similar letter and send it to their state senator as well as Governor Patterson. If we don't speak up they'll just assume everyone is okay with these later openings and earlier closures and in some cases closing some parks altogether.

[humormeplease]

Don't forget to have the braille version sent to Patterson's office special! John

[legojenn]

I got a response to my letter from the DEC. The letter writer was the Director of Forest Parks. The letter seems to be a response to mine (not boilerplate) and basically states that early closures in 2010 are a temporary measure to save money and make some repairs. They are considiering keeping the peninsula loop (the one we were on) open in the autumn in the future.

I would say that it was a classy move on the part of the DEC and it's just another instance why NY is a choice of camping destinations over home (Ontario and Quebec).

It would be wonderful if the state was able to keep its word on this.

By the way, I am willing to share the reponse if there is interest.

[boomer]

I got a response to my letter from the DEC. The letter writer was the Director of Forest Parks. The letter seems to be a response to mine (not boilerplate) and basically states that early closures in 2010 are a temporary measure to save money and make some repairs. They are considiering keeping the peninsula loop (the one we were on) open in the autumn in the future.

I would say that it was a classy move on the part of the DEC and it's just another instance why NY is a choice of camping destinations over home (Ontario and Quebec).

It would be wonderful if the state was able to keep its word on this.

By the way, I am willing to share the reponse if there is interest.

Thanks for doing that & yes I would like to see the response....

Becky

[legojenn]

Thanks for doing that & yes I would like to see the response....

Becky

Here you go

[campadk]

Thanks for posting that Jen!

I wonder if our group helped this year in the comment about "we may explore the possiblility of opening just the popular peninsula loop".
(that was the area that we had booked about 10+ sites for the fall campout).

[boomer]

Don't forget to have the braille version sent to Patterson's office special! John

I was trying to ignore this but......wow.......

No fan of Patterson as a gov but .....wow.....

Becky

[boomer]

Thanks for doing that & yes I would like to see the response....

Becky

Here you go

Thank you Jen for the letter & for posting it on here.....