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LeBoeuf or Follensby Bridge Rectification Vote

If you're familiar with this issue and just want to register your opinion then skip directly to THE BALLOT. LeBoeuf Bridge, known to some as Follensby Bridge, has spanned the Raquette River for more than 100 years. While it has always been a deterrent to river navigation, it became more so when it was rebuilt in the late 70's following major damage resulting from a trucking accident. For some unknown reason the property owner decided to rebuild the bridge to a height even lower than it had been for decades, further restricting navigation. For most of the year the clearance under the bridge barely even allows canoes, kayaks and the like to pass freely. During spring runoff and other high water periods (see photos) the bridge effectively cuts off eighteen miles of New York State Recreational and Scenic River to people approaching the bridge from the downstream side and the entire Tupper Lake water system to those approaching the bridge from the upstream side. It virtually isolates Tupper Lake from the Natural History Museum, the Crusher, River Road and points upstream to Raquette Falls.

The map and the photo of the older bridge are causing a lot of white space to show up with some browsers. We don't know why. Just keep scrolling past the white space to get to more information and the Voting Form.

Here's a map showing the Raquette River System between Raquette Falls and Setting Pole Dam. The bridge divides this system in half!

A map of the Raquette River System between Raquette Falls and Setting Pole Dam

Here's how the bridge has looked since 1978!

A picture of the post 1978 LeBoeuf Bridge on the Raquette River at Tupper Lake New York

Here's one version of the bridge before it was rebuilt in 1978!

A picture of the pre 1978 LeBoeuf Bridge on the Raquette River at Tupper Lake New York

While the recently rebuilt New York State boat launch on Big Tupper Lake has provided access to anyone who may want to board a canoe, kayak or any other watercraft, the bridge blocks access to eighteen miles of Recreational and Scenic River to these individuals for much of the year.
Although open to interpretation, it appears clear that Le Boeuf Bridge is in violation of United States code:
TITLE 33 - NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS CHAPTER 11 - BRIDGES OVER NAVIGABLE WATERS SUBCHAPTER II - ALTERATION OF BRIDGES.

Sec. 512. Obstruction of navigation

No bridge shall at any time unreasonably obstruct the free navigation of any navigable waters of the United States.

Source: (June 21, 1940, ch. 409, Sec. 2, 54 Stat. 498.)

This bridge is a hazard to boaters. It is easy for a boat to get stuck underneath or damaged, contributing to the potential for personal injury. On July 19, 1980 a fourteen year old boy was killed when he struck the bridge while properly seated in a boat passing underneath.
The New York State Department of Transportation builds its bridges at least twenty-four inches above the 100 year high water mark. According to this criteria the bridge is at least twenty-four inches too low.
This petition effort has generated a fair amount of interest recently and new allegations are coming to light. It is unclear now as to why the bridge is so low and has survived so many years as it is. There seems to be some disagreement as to how much responsibility lies with the owner and how much lies with New York State. Regardless, we feel that thousands of citizens have been deprived of their right to enjoy this natural system of lakes and rivers that is our heritage.
Click Here to see what others have written concerning this bridge.
If you're interested in expressing an opinion on this, please complete the following form to the extent you feel comfortable. Do not enter any personal information you would prefer to keep private. There are no cookies or other methods being used on this site to identify you and any personal information you submit other than your name and your opinion will be kept confidential.
New York State agencies have the authority to rectify this situation but they are not, as yet, convinced that it is an issue. They question how many people actually use the river and how many consider the bridge to be a problem. In addition to voting here if you'd like to tell them in person you can call 1-518-897-1211 and ask to speak with: DEC Region 5 Attorney: Chris Lacombe or DEC Region 5 Director: Stuart Buchanan. They are both familiar with this issue.
Please forward this form to anyone who may have an interest in the unobstructed navigation of this beautiful stretch of the Raquette river.

This Survey Is Endorsed By:

Big Tupper Lake Marina: Tupper Lake, NY
Blue Jay Campsites: Tupper Lake, NY
Eric's Small Engine Repair: Tupper Lake, NY
Gillis Realty: Tupper Lake, NY
Teaching with Innovation: Thomasville, NC
-Tupper Lake Access: Tupper Lake, NY
Tupper Lake Rescue Squad, Dive Team: Tupper Lake, NY
Tupper Lake Rod and Gun Club: Tupper Lake, NY

If you would like to be more involved then voting or have your organization or business listed above amongst the supporters of this petition then Please Email Us.

Useful Links:

River Facts and Fiction
River Law Project by the National Organization for Rivers (NORS)
Obstruction of Navigation
: Canoe Stabilizer
Adaptive paddling aids THE BALLOT

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