DEC Announces Completion of Bemus Point State Boat Launch
Accessibility Investments Help More New Yorkers Experience the Outdoors Through Governor Hochul’s ‘These Lands Are for Everyone Initiative’
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the completion of the Bemus Point State Boat Launch and Fishing Access Site located on Chautauqua Lake, Chautauqua County, following a complete reconstruction project that began last fall. Improvements to the site include a replaced boat launch, new boat docks, a kayak launch, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant features to help improve access for boaters and other visitors enjoying Chautauqua Lake. The upgrades further Governor Kathy Hochul’s These Lands Are for Everyone initiative, providing new adaptive recreation equipment, investing in accessibility improvements, and providing more inclusive programming to make it easier for more people to enjoy the outdoors.
Region 9 Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Regional Director Chad Staniszewski said, “The DEC is proud to support projects like the improvements at Bemus Point State Boat Launch and Fishing Access Site to provide free access for watercraft, anglers, and others who want to visit and recreate on Chautauqua Lake. Through Governor Hochul’s ‘These Lands Are For Everyone’ initiative and other accessibility and inclusivity programs, we are committed to improving and upgrading our infrastructure to provide better recreational opportunities to everyone, including those who have historically had difficulties accessing public properties. We also appreciate the ongoing collaborations with local municipalities to help make projects like the Bemus Point upgrades possible.”
Beamus Point Village Mayor Jeffrey R. Molnar said, “The Village of Bemus Point Board of trustees joins me in appreciation for the recent upgrades to the DEC launch. That site has a long and storied Chautauqua Lake history, serving as a fish hatchery from 1903 until 1973. Today, with your recent improvement, it continues to serve our residents and visitors alike with boat access, parking, and an ADA accessible kayak launch. The DEC's recent work and your continued commitment dovetails with our Village's Strategic Plan's goals. We work hard to maintain an environment where we provide appropriate infrastructure while protecting our wonderful natural resources for all to enjoy. You certainly checked all of the boxes, including the kayak launch which is in the middle of our Bemus Point-Ellery Blueway Paddle Trail. We value the relationship with you that we enjoy and we look forward to having our DPW continue to work with you to maintain the property.”
New York State Chief Disability Officer Kimberly H. Ridley said, “Ensuring that New York’s breathtaking natural resources are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, is at the heart of Governor Hochul’s ‘These Lands Are for Everyone’ initiative. The ADA-compliant features at the Bemus Point State Boat Launch, from the accessible kayak launch to updated pathways, remove physical barriers so that people with disabilities, seniors, and families can fully enjoy Chautauqua Lake. Upgrades like these prove that true accessibility is not an afterthought, but a fundamental part of building an inclusive New York.”
This $685,000 project was funded through the NY Works Program, a major capital funding initiative dedicated to repairing and maintaining State-owned environmental infrastructure, including State campgrounds and fishing access sites.
In addition to the boat launch replacement, new boat docks, and an anchored, floating kayak launch, ADA-compliant features include accessible parking spaces near the boat launch, improved sidewalks, and motion-sensor, solar-powered lights to the launch area and sidewalks. The concrete seawall was also removed and replaced with stone rip rap and a vegetated shoreline.
More information about DEC run boat launches and fishing access sites are also available on the DEC's website.
DEC recently celebrated the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by highlighting new investments that are expanding access to outdoor recreation and helping ensure New York’s public lands are welcoming to visitors of all abilities. As part of Governor Hochul’s These Lands Are for Everyone initiative, DEC is also installing 40 adaptive color-enhancing viewfinders at 36 locations across New York State, providing new adaptive recreation equipment, investing in accessibility improvements, and providing more inclusive programming to make it easier for more people to enjoy the outdoors.
Since the ADA was signed into law in 1990, DEC has continued working to remove barriers to outdoor recreation by expanding accessible facilities, improving visitor services, and increasing opportunities for people of all abilities to connect with nature.
For more information about accessible recreation opportunities on DEC-managed lands, visit DEC’s Accessible Recreation webpage.
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