ALBANY (AP) – Gov. Andrew Cuomo has given final approval to the Essex Chain tract in the central Adirondacks, and work is underway to boost public access to the lake-filled region.

The complex has 18 bodies of water ranging in size from the three-acre Chub Pond to the 216-acre Third Lake. Ten miles of the Hudson River marks the eastern boundary and four miles of the Cedar River flows through the southern section.

Public access projects underway this year include preparation for the new Cedar River Bridge, establishment of a six-car parking lot near Fifth Lake, and designation of additional campsites including log lean-tos.

The complex includes bicycle access on 9 miles of old roads.