Land trust seeks public input in compiling river access plan

TROY, N.Y. » The Rensselaer Land Trust is compiling the Rensselaer County Hudson River Access Plan and is looking for public input and feedback.

The plan will provide an inventory of existing public access sites on the river’s Rensselaer County shoreline and identify additional potential sites along the shoreline for access to the river through outreach, research, and public engagement. The plan will include recommendations and design suggestions for improving access for people of all abilities, as well as storm resiliency, and ensuring adequate facilities for all users.

The goal, according to a news release from the land trust, is “[t] o provide a county-wide planning document that can be used to support and advance the implementation of Hudson River access projects that have the support of municipalities and user groups and improve accessibility and storm resiliency.”

This project is being undertaken by the land trust with funding provided through a grant from the the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program. Technical work is being undertaken by Planning 4 Places with assistance from Weston & Sampson.

In addition to talking with the consultant team at local events such as farmers markets and festivals this summer, a short online survey has been developed to collect input on a range of topics related to river access. To provide input, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/HudsonRiverAccessPlan.

To find out more about the project, visit www.renstrust.org/protect/hudson-river- access- study.