For Immediate Release: December 30, 2010

Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050

GOVERNOR PATERSON APPROVES LEGACY STATE LAND CLASSIFICATIONS FOR THE ADIRONDACK PARK

RAY BROOK, NY - Governor David A. Paterson today approved State land classifications recommended by the Adirondack Park Agency for State lands inside the Adirondack Park. The classification approvals promote traditional recreational activities imperative to the economic well being of Adirondack communities while protecting essential natural resources, critical wildlife habitat, and significant historic resources. The Governor's action also sets in motion the development and implementation of unit management plans by the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Governor Paterson said, "My approval represents a balanced approach for a truly wild place that also serves as home to approximately 135,000 permanent residents and is a vital four-season recreational asset for New York State. Working closely with all stakeholders we achieved an outcome that will promote a wide variety of recreational pursuits, stimulate economic opportunity and protect the area's unique ecological, cultural and historic resources. I commend all involved for their persistence and commitment to this monumental planning effort."

Today's announcement represents the culmination of three major state land planning efforts completed in 2010 by the Adirondack Park Agency and the Department of Environmental Conservation:

Reclassification recommendations in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest, including creation of a new Little Moose Mountain Wilderness Area and establishment of a new Intensive Use Camping Area;

Classification of the historic fire towers on Hurricane and St. Regis Mountains to a Historic Classification and reclassification of the former Hurricane Mt. Primitive Area to wilderness; and

Approval of Annual State Land Classification recommendations by the Agency for newly acquired lands being added to the Forest Preserve. The Governor's approval involves lands in ten counties including: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Lewis, Oneida, St. Lawrence, and Warren with major new additions to the Chazy Highlands Wild Forest and High Peaks Wilderness areas.

In the Moose River Plains action, Governor Paterson authorized the:

Creation of a new 12,269-acre Little Moose Mountain Wilderness Area to the north of the West Canada Lake Wilderness;

Reclassification of 2,925 acres from Wild Forest to Intensive Use to create a new Moose River Plains Intensive Use Camping Area along the Limekiln Lake-Cedar River Road and Rock Dam Road;

Reclassification of an estimated 2,398 acres from Wild Forest to Wilderness for addition to the West Canada Lake Wilderness;

Reclassification of 163 acres from Moose River Plains Wild Forest to Blue Ridge Wilderness; and

Reclassification of 59 acres from West Canada Lake Wilderness to Moose River Plains Wild Forest.

The Governor's action empowers the Department of Environmental Conservation to implement the final unit management plans for the Moose River Plains Wild Forest and the Moose River Plains Intensive Use Camping Area. These plans will enhance traditional camping activity, improve snowmobile and mountain bike opportunities, create a Historic Area management plan for the Great Camp Sagamore historic resources and implement river area management plans in accordance with the NYS Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers System Act.

The Historic Fire Tower action approved by Governor Paterson involved the reclassification of 13,742 acres of State lands resulting in the creation of the Hurricane Mountain Wilderness Area and the Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower Historic Area in Essex County as well as the St. Regis Mountain Fire Tower Historic Area in Franklin County. This represents a milestone - preserving two beloved historic landmarks while expanding wilderness opportunities in the Adirondack Park.

Governor David Paterson said, "The fire towers, along with the Rangers assigned to them, were instrumental in protecting the Forest Preserve, managing recreational use and cultivating a conservation ethic in the early twentieth century. Our action today affirms the State's commitment to wilderness and honors the historic significance these fire towers represent to so many people throughout the Adirondacks, this great State and Nation."

Additionally, the Governor endorsed recommendations proposed in the 2010 Annual Classification action which included 91 State land classifications totaling approximately 31,056 acres and four State land reclassifications totaling an estimated 468 acres. This action established the Chazy Highlands Wild Forest Unit by classifying 17,190 acres of State land as Wild Forest in the Towns of Dannemora and Saranac, Clinton County - including the Lyon Mountain Tract. The other major classification is the Tahawas/Henderson Lake Parcel in the Town of Newcomb, Essex County. This area was classified as Wilderness and was added to the High Peaks Wilderness Area.

"The Governor's approval is a testament that the Adirondack Park is beloved by a broad range of user groups. Their passions were clearly evident from the extensive public input received during this comprehensive planning process," stated Adirondack Park Agency Chairman Curtis F. Stiles. "The Adirondack Park is a unique destination in the world and his approvals will provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy the natural wonders of the Adirondacks for generations to come," he concluded.

Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Peter Iwanowicz said, "The Adirondack Park is one of the State's greatest assets and today's land classification approvals are a monumental achievement. From the Moose River Plains to the Chazy Highlands, Governor Paterson's approvals protect wild lands and historic resources while expanding opportunity for diverse recreational activities."

Adirondack Park Agency Executive Director Terry Martino said, "The classifications and subsequent implementation of unit management plans are the culmination of an intense planning process that will result in strong economic benefits for Adirondack communities and at the same time ensure the unique natural and historic resources of the area, which draw so many people to this region, are protected."

The Adirondack Park was established by legislative action in 1892 and was granted permanent protection in 1895 with an amendment to the New York State constitution, known as the "Forever Wild" clause. The Park, which encompasses approximately 6 million acres, contains 10,000 lakes, more than 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, and is home to 103 towns and villages and 135,000 permanent residents. Each year, millions of tourists visit the Adirondack Park to take advantage of the year-round outdoor activities.