ALBANY - Working in collaboration with local governments, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has revised its original plan for closing six campgrounds for the 2009 season, Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. The new plan will allow the state to capitalize on peak camping times while reducing operational costs.

Under the new plan, DEC will operate four of the six campgrounds for shortened seasons, from June 26 through Labor Day. In addition, after partnering with local officials, DEC will substitute one Piseco Lake-area campground in Hamilton County on the closure list for another. At the campgrounds that will remain closed, DEC will allow use of its hiking and horse trails and climbing routes.

In the Catskills

• Beaverkill, Roscoe, Sullivan County. The campground will be operated under an abbreviated season - from June 26 through Labor Day. DEC will operate the facility with assistance from Sullivan County, upon adoption of a cooperative agreement.
• Bear Spring Mountain, Walton, Delaware County. The previous decision to close the camping area within this facility remains in effect. However, numerous horse and hiking trails and associated trailhead parking areas at this popular Wildlife Management Area will continue to be available for public use. There will be no fee for parking.

In the Adirondacks

• Point Comfort, Arietta, Hamilton County. The campground will be operated under an abbreviated season - from June 26 through Labor Day. However, DEC will not open Poplar Point, which is also in the Piseco Lake area, for 2009. DEC will explore options to work cooperatively with Arietta officials to continue to potentially offer a day-use facility at Poplar Point in future years.
• Sharp Bridge, North Hudson, Essex County. The campground will be operated under an abbreviated season - from June 26 through Labor Day.
• Tioga Point, Raquette Lake, Hamilton County. The campground will be operated under an abbreviated season - from June 26 through Labor Day.
• Poke-O-Moonshine, Keeseville, Essex County.