Environment DEC
From the June 2003 issue
10,000 Acres Preserved in Adirondacks
In keeping with his 2002 State of the State Address commitment to preserve 1 million additional acres of land over the next 10 years, Governor George E. Pataki recently announced an agreement to permanently protect approximately 10,000 acres in the heart of the High Peaks region of the Adirondack Mountains.
Preserved Areas
The newly protected region includes:
- The headwaters of the Hudson River
- The historic site of the abandoned Village of Adirondac in the Town of Newcomb, Essex County
- The site of the former Tahawus Club
- The site of the first iron ore mining operations in the Adirondacks
By opening these lands and waters for public use, while ensuring that sustainable forestry continues, the Adirondack area's economy and New York's precious natural resources will be protected, including our picturesque river corridors, significant wildlife habitats, ecologically important wetlands and rare forests.
Significant natural resources are scattered throughout the mountainous property, such as Mount Adams and Henderson Lake, as well as several peaks above 2,000 feet that offer scenic vistas. There also are eight additional lakes and ponds scattered throughout the forested land, as well as numerous rivers and streams. Acquisition of this land will protect the upper Hudson River watershed and the "southern gateway" to the High Peaks Wilderness Area.
The Governor worked with DEC, the Open Space Institute (OSI), and others, to bring this project to fruition. Future generations will greatly benefit from these dedicated efforts.
