Oneida Lake Boat launch construction starts

Work has begun at the new boat launch on the Barge Canal at Cove Road. The boat launch will connect to Oneida Lake and provide additional access to the world-class fishing in Oneida Lake for all visitors. This includes people with disabilities.

Plans for the boat launch include a two-lane, concrete ramp with floating docks, a canoe and kayak launch, fishing pier, parking area with 24 car and 49 car and-trailer spaces, including some accessible parking, and port-a-johns.

Once complete, anglers will have additional boating access to Oneida Lake, New York’s most heavily fished inland water. Oneida Lake is the largest lake lying wholly within New York State, with a surface area of 50,894 acres.

The lake’s waters support walleye, yellow perch, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish, among other fish and wildlife species. Lake sturgeon can be found in the lake and its tributaries; however, lake sturgeon are on New York’s threatened species list and cannot be fished for or possessed.

The project is being funded with $1.6 million from the Environmental Protection Fund and NY Works. Under the State’s Adventure NY initiative, the state Department of Environmental Conservation is making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active outdoor recreation, connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors, protect natural resources, and boost local economies.

The EPF is a critical resource for environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, recreation access, water quality improvement, and environmental justice projects.

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul increased the EPF from $300 to $400 million in the 2022-23 State Budget, the highest-ever level of funding in the program’s history.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Work has begun at the new boat launch on the Barge Canal at Cove Road.