The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced this week that a proposal to improve recreation on about 20 million acres of land is moving forward.

The proposal, which was put together by the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, highlights recreational opportunities for a large portion of the Adirondack Park, covering all of Hamilton County and parts of Essex, Warren, Herkimer, Fulton and Saratoga counties.

SUNY ESF worked with the DEC, the state Adirondack Park Agency and the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors to create the proposal. The project spanned 18 months and included input from more than 300 people who attended public meetings on the topic.

“It was designed to engage communities and stakeholders in the design of a destination-based system of trails and infrastructure that could stimulate economic activity while protecting the Adirondack Park’s ecosystems and wild character,” according to a press release from the DEC.

The DEC said “the report contains many recommendations for enhanced connectivity and access, including maps that depict new, conceptual destination-based hiking routes and other outdoor recreational facilities. DEC will now review the report and work with communities, recreation interests and other Park stakeholders to refine and implement the proposals.

“The recommendations in the GSW Strategy address longstanding issues such as protection of ‘remote core’ wilderness, as well as emerging issues, such as invasive species. Next steps will require further engagement with communities to identify priority projects and engage in further design work.”

“The APA is excited to be a part of this innovative planning approach,” said APA Chairman Sherman Craig. “Connecting the Forest Preserve to Park Communities will broaden economic opportunities and increase visitation.”