NORTHVILLE - The state Department of Environmental Conservation has proposed building a fishing platform near the Northville boat launch on Route 30.
The platform would extend into the Great Sacandaga Lake and give people in wheelchairs and others with mobility problems access to the lake for fishing and recreation.
"We want to provide opportunities for fishing while allowing people with mobility disabilities or in wheelchairs to move around safely," said David Winchell, public affairs representative for DEC Region 5.
Winchell explained the floating platform would extend enough into the lake so if the water level goes down, the walkway from the shore to the platform would not become too steep.
The proposal is "very early" in its development, said Winchell.
The first step occurred Thursday, when the DEC presented the preliminary plan to the Adirondack Park Agency. The project would require APA?approval.
The DEC will craft a final proposal by developing a management plan and gathering public comments on the project.
Once finalized, the DEC will bring the plan back to the APA for approval and construction would begin, said Winchell.
The scheduling of the public-comment period or the conclusion of the development process has not been determined yet. Winchell said the DEC?hopes the platform will be ready next year.