DEC plans for Debar Lodge and the associated buildings at the site to be removed and the grounds restored to a wild forest setting.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is moving forward with plans to remove Debar Lodge and its complex of structures on the north end of beautiful Debar Pond in the northern Adirondacks. DEC has released for public comment a Draft Scope, pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), for its development of a new Unit Management Plan (UMP) for the Debar Mountain Complex. The Draft Scope states that DEC does not have an operational need for the structures on the site or the resources to properly manage them. Accordingly, DEC proposes to clear the buildings from the site and restore the Forest Preserve to a wild forest setting. The land where these buildings are located is classified as part of the 82,000-acre Debar Mountain Wild Forest area. There is no longer any proposal to reclassify any of the lands to an Intensive Use Area.

Protect applauds DEC’s decision to move forward with this proposal for the Debar Mountain Complex UMP. Click here to read PROTECT’s August 2025 public comment letter on the Draft Scope. All of the buildings have suffered extensive damage over the years and some have collapsed. These buildings are an open sore on the Forest Preserve. Protect the Adirondacks has called on the DEC Commissioner to tear down these buildings and to begin the process of rehabilitating these lands.

In 2020, DEC proposed a draft UMP that called for the removal of Debar Lodge and the associated buildings in accordance with DEC’s statement in 1979 that the structure were going to be demolished “following the expiration of the exclusive use reservation” in 2004. Click here to read PROTECT’s public comment letter on DEC’s earlier proposals for the land around Debar Lodge.

The main building of the Debar Lodge complex (Debar Pond is on the other side of the building in this view). The complex of buildings was purchased in 1979 along with thousands of acres of forests around Debar Pond. Private owners retained use until 2004. The state is now recommending that the site be cleared of all buildings. The forest will be allowed to return after the buildings are removed.

We look forward to DEC carrying out its stated intent to remove the unconstitutional buildings on the State Forest Preserve located near Debar Pond. The Debar Lodge and the other buildings in the complex are in disrepair and there is no plan (or funding) for them to be maintained as DEC administrative buildings. DEC has an obligation to manage the Forest Preserve in compliance with the Constitution and the State Land Master Plan, which both require removal of these buildings.

The boathouse on the edge of Debar Pond collapsed some time ago.

 

Outbuilding associated with Debar Pond has collapsed roof.

 

Another deteriorating outbuilding that is part of the Debar Pond complex.

DEC also proposes providing public recreation facilities, including access for people with disabilities to Debar Pond, improving the area’s trail system by adding to existing trail networks, rerouting poorly located trails, improving existing parking areas, building new parking areas and providing better access to water bodies in the Debar Mountain Complex. DEC also proposes to construct new primitive tent sites and close nonconforming tent sites.

The Draft Scope does not identify specifics for the proposed improvements to the public recreation facilities, but those will be more clearly identified in the UMP that will eventually be released for public comment. We will be reviewing the draft UMP when it is released.

We are pleased that Debar Pond will continue to be used by campers, hikers and paddlers who will cherish this wild place for generations. There are very few motorless lakes and ponds in the Adirondacks, despite the huge number of lakes and ponds. The public needs more motorless lakes and ponds that are easily accessible in the Adirondack Park. Given that the State owns the entire pond, Debar Pond is ideal for a motorless lake.

 

Send a comment to DEC by sending an email to r5.ump@dec.ny.gov

Proposed language for your comment:

Steve Guglielmi
NYSDEC
PO Box 296
1115 State Route 86
Ray Brook NY 12977

Please accept these public comments on the Draft Scope for the Debar Mountain Complex Unit Management PLan:

1. I support DEC’s decision to remove the Debar Pond Lodge and associated structures and restore the land to a natural condition.

2. I support DEC providing recreational facilities within the Debar Mountain Complex Unit that are consistent with the wild forest character of these Forest Preserve lands. Possible adverse impacts of new recreational facilities should be carefully examined by DEC in the review process for the development of the UMP.

3. I oppose the construction of new trails that would be open to snowmombile and/or other motor vehicles.

4. Thank you for removing the proposal to reclassify some of these lands as Intensive Use to be managed as a Day Use Area.

Thank you for your consideration of these comments.

Sincerely,

Name

Address

 

 

Debar Pond will be managed to grow wilder year after year, decade after decade.