N.Y. Nav. Law § 122

§ 122. Acquisition for public use. Any person desiring to use a river\nor stream in this state, which is or shall be recognized by law or use\nas a public highway, for running logs, timber or wood, by floating or\nflooding, may institute proceedings for the acquisition of the rights of\nriparian owners on such river or stream, to the extent that may be\nnecessary, for the public use thereof as a highway for such purpose,\npursuant to the provisions of the eminent domain procedure law.\n