Contact: Maureen Wren (518) 402-8000
DEC Announces Termination of All Electric Hookups at Ausable Point Campground
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that effective immediately, DEC is terminating the use of the electric supply devices (hookups) at Ausable Point Public Campground for the 2006 camping season.
DEC has determined that the electrical hook-ups no longer comply with the current electric codes and thus finds it necessary to discontinue use of the electrical hook-ups at the 43 sites so equipped. This is being done to secure the safety of visitors to the campground.
The electric service to these 43 sites is nearly 40 years old and no longer provides adequate, safe power to campers. The available 15 amp services are insufficient to meet the demand of today's camper trailers and recreational vehicles. The Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan clearly states that: "All campgrounds within the Adirondack Forest Preserve will be of a rustic nature without utility hookups and other elaborate facilities customarily provided by private campgrounds. Each individual campsite will retain the natural character of the surrounding forest and will contain only a fireplace or fire ring, a space for a single vehicle with trailer if needed, picnic table and appropriate sites."
In August 1950, DEC acquired 79 acres of land that was purchased from the Peru Development Company for development of a campground. In 1965 most of the campground was constructed, and opened to the public in 1966. At that time, the facility was located just outside of the Adirondack Park and administered by the Division of Parks, now known as Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). During that period, an electric service was added to several campsites (43) and the facility was managed as a State Park.
It remained under the jurisdiction of OPRHP until 1973 when the boundary of the Adirondack Forest Preserve, or "Blue Line" as it is known, was changed and the facility fell within the Adirondack Park. Management reverted back to the DEC which has a legislative mandate for recreational facilities within the Park, and is governed by the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan.
Therefore, the DEC will discontinue use of all electric supply sites and remove all equipment and devices for these sites
Ausable Point Campground will be open from May 19, 2006 to October 8, 2006. It is located just off Route 9 on beautiful Lake Champlain and offers a shoreline comprised of natural sand and a gentle slope from many campsites. The campground borders a wildlife management area that has a hiking trail, as well as water access for canoeists and sea kayakers to explore. The lake offers excellent conditions for sailboarders, and boats of all sizes, as well. A boat launch offering access is located at Peru Docks, approximately 3 miles from the campground. With the city of Plattsburgh just a short drive away from this campground, there is virtually no limit for recreational opportunities.
The 43 campsites at Ausable Point Campground that previously supplied electricity for use by the DEC camping public will be available for the 2006 camping season, but without electric hookups. The DEC will give the customers with camping reservations on these for the 2006 season where the hookups will be removed, two options:
 | If the customer chooses to keep the reservation made on any of the sites that previously supplied electric hookups, DEC will refund the fee of three dollars per night that was charged by the New York State Camping Reservation Service. |
| If the customer chooses to cancel their reservation because of the removal of these hookups, they will be refunded in full the amount paid for the reservation, with no penalties. |
DEC continues to maintain and improve the facilities at Ausable Point on an annual basis. Recent improvements to the existing campground infrastructure include: replacement of the potable water distribution system in 1993, sewage system replacement in 1994, and the replacement and modernization of the shower building in 2001. Current improvements include more upgrades to the water system, replacement of the bath house/changing room, and construction of a new picnic shelter that is expected to be completed mid-season, 2006.
For answers to additional questions pertaining to the discontinuation of use of these electric supplies on the 43 sites and removal of equipment and devices, please contact the Bureau of Recreation in Albany at (518) 457-2500.
06-26
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