The 800-foot boardwalk is handicapped-accessible and was built
without the use of
heavy equipment
TOWN OF MONTGOMERY – The State Department of Environmental Conservation opened its new boardwalk and trail over the Great Swamp in the Stewart State Forest on Thursday.
The boardwalk, 800 feet long and costing $434,000, was hand-built to avoid having heavy machinery disturbing the ecosystem and is ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant.
The new accessibility within Stewart State Forest will allow for a multitude
of different activities that now can give visitors a full exploration
of the park, said DEC Regional Director Martin Brand.
“We’re improving access for residents and visitors to state land across New York State,” said Brand. “This new boardwalk here is open for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, cross country skiing and obviously, it provides a unique opportunity to access the Great Swamp.”
Previously, the island area was inaccessible unless one were to wade chest deep through the swamp. Now, visitors can explore the swamp safely and get an intimate experience with the marsh landscape, said Stewart Park and Reserve Coalition President Sandra Kissam.
“The outcome speaks for itself,” Kissam said. “We can view the wetland up close and personal as never before; a hidden, secret part of the forest is revealed to us.”
State officials are planning on continuing their investment into making state park lands accessible. They have already budgeted $8 million for land access projects for the upcoming year.
