Printer-friendlyEnvironment DEC
From the March 2008 issue
DEC and TNC Agree to Conserve Finch-Pruyn Lands
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) have reached a conceptual agreement to protect lands formerly owned by Finch, Pruyn and Co. in the Adirondack Park. The agreement will secure the future of these lands by expanding the Adirondack Forest Preserve, ensuring the continuation of timber harvesting, setting aside land for community housing and other local needs and bolstering snowmobile trail networks. Most significantly, the agreement was developed after extensive consultation with local government officials and is designed to achieve a balance between the environmental benefits of preserving this extraordinary land and local economic development and recreational needs.
The property is renowned for its stunning views - photo courtesy of Carl Heilman II
Called by some "the jewel in the Adirondack crown," the former Finch-Pruyn lands are remarkable for their ecological diversity, astounding beauty and location in the heart of the Adirondack Park. Much of the land adjoins the protected forest preserve, and the agreement will keep intact large expanses of ecologically and economically important forests, the benefits of which range from mitigating the effects of climate change to enhancing the park's draw as a world-class tourist destination.
Focus on the Future
The focus is on the future of the northern holdings--134,140 acres--concentrated within the central lake and tourist region of the Adirondack Park in the towns of Newcomb, Indian Lake, North Hudson, Minerva and Long Lake. Some of the most sensitive and unique ecosystems are found on these parcels. In developing the agreement for the future of the southern holdings--27,000 acres--DEC and TNC will continue outreach efforts with other communities that have smaller parcels involved in the transaction, as well as with other stakeholder groups.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure the conservation of a critical area of Adirondack backcountry while supporting the people who live there," said DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. "This agreement strikes a balance among environmental, economic and outdoor recreation needs. It incorporates what local communities told us was important to them. And, in the center of the park, it adds to the acreage of lands to be kept 'forever wild.'"
Diverse and Rare Flora and Fauna
The agreement encompasses some of the wildest land remaining in the Adirondacks--home to some of the state's most impressive plant and animal diversity. A biological survey conducted in 2001 found 95 significant plant species, 37 of which are rare in New York State, and 30 are rare or uncommon in the Adirondacks.
The Finch-Pruyn lands are important to birds like the scarlet tanager, which thrive in large undeveloped forests
From the imperiled Bicknell's thrush to the striking scarlet tanager, many birds found here need large swaths of contiguous forest to thrive. Large and intact landscapes can respond and adapt to disturbances like wind and ice storms and provide better flood control. They also provide safe havens for species to move upslope and northward in response to a changing climate and can better withstand invasions of damaging, non-native plants, pests and pathogens. In addition, these lands protect critical gradient areas and link them to already protected high-elevation areas of the preserve.
Benefits to Residents
The agreement also addresses the desire of the towns in the northern holdings to be linked by snowmobile trail and strengthens the Adirondacks as a tourist destination through the expansion of hiking, hunting, fishing and paddling opportunities for both local residents and visitors. DEC also will work to designate some of the included lakes and ponds for float-plane use. In addition, 1,098 acres of the northern holdings will be dedicated to a variety of community uses, such as public recreation facilities and community housing
