Sep 2009: Five Ponds Wilderness
The Adirondack Park Agency has proposed making a significant addition to the Five Ponds Wilderness, thereby protecting the wild character of important canoe routes in the western Adirondacks. The wilderness classification proposal includes newly acquired lands on the south shore of Lows Lake and the lake bed and waters of Lows Lake, Hitchens Pond and the Bog River Flow. This would ensure future protection of Lows Lake and wilderness canoe routes in this area. ADK has encouraged its members to support this reclassification; further information can be found on the chapter website. New York State’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation recently held informational meetings to obtain input for a Draft Master Plan for Allegany State Park. ADK believes that the best way to protect the park’s wilderness character is to have the park’s undeveloped areas designated as Park Preserve. This designation would help ADK advocate for the protection of the wild areas from pressures the park may face in the future, such as timber cutting, road construction and oil and gas extraction. More information is available on the Action Alert on the chapter website.

Sep 2009: Allegany State Park
New York State’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation recently held informational meetings to obtain input for a Draft Master Plan for Allegany State Park. ADK believes that the best way to protect the park’s wilderness character is to have the park’s undeveloped areas designated as Park Preserve. This designation would help ADK advocate for the protection of the wild areas from pressures the park may face in the future, such as timber cutting, road construction and oil and gas extraction. More information is available on the Allegany State Park Action Alert link on the ADK.ORG web site.

Sep 2009: Zim Smith Trail to be Extended
Thanks to efforts by Saratoga P.L.A.N. and action taken by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, funding is in place to extend the Zim Smith Recreational Trail from the Mourning Kill (north of Curtis Lumber on Route 67) into the Village of Ballston Spa at Oak Street. The ultimate goal is for the trail to reach the Saratoga Spa State Park in future years. To see a map of the present Zim Smith Trail, visit Saratoga Plan’s website at saratogaplan.org and select projects, then trails.

Sep 2009: Big Cedar Swamp
This extensive wetland, located in the Town of Queensbury, has been subjected to pressure from development for many years. On behalf of the Big Cedar Swamp Coalition, chapter member John Caffry has once again worked with the Town Board to preserve this wetland and prevent its segmentation. A proposed Wal-Mart service road will now be located on a route that does not interfere with the wetlands.

Apr 2009: New York State Updates Open Space Conservation Plan
The 2009 update of New York's Open Space Plan goes beyond protection of our state's diversity of resources through land acquisition; it also addresses reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change, fostering green, healthy communities and other quality of life issues, such as providing waterfront access and recreational trailways. In January, a series of public meetings were held around the state to outline the draft plan and accept comments from the public. Some of the new priority conservation projects this year include the following:

  • Finch Woodlands - This area contains features such as OK Slip Falls, Essex Chain of Lakes and Boreas Ponds. New York plans to purchase land and conservation easements to preserve large expanses of forests valued for ecological diversity and for mitigating the impacts of climate change.

  • Saddles on South Bay of Lake Champlain - Located on the east shore of South Bay, this area is a 70 acre cliff community with endangered species habitat and 3,650 feet of shoreline on Lake Champlain. One of the eight streams found on the parcel includes the Devil's Den waterfalls.

  • Kayaderosseras and Fish Creek Corridor /Saratoga Lake - This major water corridor in Saratoga County is important for recreational opportunities, water shed protection and for its associated wetlands. The plan calls for increased public access to both of the creeks and to Saratoga Lake.

  • South-Eastern Adirondack Foothills - The Palmertown and Luzerne ranges are found within this area, which is a transition zone between the Adirondacks and the Hudson Valley. The area includes the Moreau Lake Forest Important Bird Area, and is valued for the high biodiversity found throughout the zone.

  • Washington County Grasslands - The grasslands provide wildlife habitat for endangered, threatened and declining grassland nesting birds. Protection of this area will be achieved through a combination of land acquisition from willing sellers and voluntary grassland stewardship. It includes 4,000 acres of the 13,000 acre Washington County Important Bird Area. The complete 2009 Draft Open Space Plan may be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/47990.html.

Feb 2009: ADK, Others File Brief with the United States Supreme Court in Mercury Case
In February 2008, ADK won a major victory when a federal appeals court threw out the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR). The cap-and-trade program allowed polluters to buy pollution credits and emit mercury without pollution controls, which in turn resulted in regional mercury “hot spots.” (Two recent studies have linked coal-fired power plants to mercury hot spots in the Adirondacks and Catskills.) The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that the EPA mercury plan conflicted with the clear language of the federal Clean Air Act, which requires each power plant to install the best technology available to reduce mercury emissions by as much as 90 percent. The utility industry and the EPA petitioned the Supreme Court to review the lower court’s decision. On January 29, 2009, ADK joined with health and environmental organizations and several states in filing a brief asking that the ruling stand. Current levels of mercury deposition in the Northeast are four to six times higher than the levels recorded in 1900. Ninety-six percent of the lakes in the Adirondack region and forty percent of the lakes in New Hampshire and Vermont exceed the recommended EPA action level for methyl mercury in fish. Further, mercury is present in two-thirds of Adirondack loons at levels that negatively impact their reproductive capacity, posing a significant risk to their survival.

Oct 2008: Floatplanes on Lows Lake
In October, the Adirondack Park Agency voted 6 to 5 to reject DEC’s proposal to allow continued use of floatplanes on Lows Lake. Planes were supposed to be prohibited beginning in 2008, but DEC had sought to amend the Unit Management Plan and allow floatplanes to continue to land on the lake for another 10 years. The APA’s commissioners determined that such use would be in violation of the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan, as ADK and other environmental groups had asserted in a pending lawsuit against DEC. The SLMP’s primary management goal for the Lows Lake Primitive Area is for motorless use, except for motorboats belonging to owners of the few private lands remaining on the lake. The lake is a link to wilderness canoe routes in the Park, and preservation of its wild character is a major objective of the plan. It is expected that DEC will attempt to bring a compromise measure, such as a four-year extension, before the APA for another vote. ADK remains committed to pursuing its lawsuit, if necessary, and maintaining the integrity of the State Land Master Plan.

Oct 2008: Spruce Mountain Fire Tower
The Spruce Mountain Fire Tower, the tallest publicly-owned tower in the Adirondacks, is one of the destinations on the GF-S Chapter’s Fire Tower Challenge. This 2003-foot mountain is located south of Corinth. A “Friends of the Spruce Mountain Fire Tower” group has been formed to plan for restoration of the tower and to establish and mark a final trail route to the tower once obstacles have been resolved to assure trail access. In 2004, Saratoga PLAN purchased a hundred-acre parcel of land that included a portion of the trail. The remaining sections of the 1.1-mile trail cross a patchwork of other properties belonging to DEC, Saratoga County and Lyme Timber. At present, there is no legal access to the tower because of the privately-owned portions, but DEC is pursuing an agreement with Lyme Timber for a recreational easement across their property. Saratoga County recently relocated the emergency radio tower they had operated on Spruce Mountain, and will begin to remove their structures on the summit and restore the area to its natural condition. After completing the clean-up, the county will transfer 2 acres at the summit, including the fire tower, to DEC, pending Adirondack Park Agency approval. Once legal trail access and tower ownership issues have been resolved, restoration efforts can begin. Paul Laskey, author of “The Fire Observation Towers of New York State”, has agreed to chair the Friends of Spruce Mountain Fire Tower group, and Saratoga PLAN will facilitate the efforts until the group is underway. If you are interested in joining the group and helping in the restoration, contact Andy Fyfe, Stewardship and Education Coordinator at Saratoga PLAN (andy@saratogaplan.org).

Sept 5, 2008: Plan Protects Catskills While Enhancing Recreational Opportunities
The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has completed its revision of the Catskill Park State Land Master Plan, which balances new outdoor recreation opportunities with better protections for one of New York's greatest natural resources.

The final plan, which creates a new Catskill wilderness area and expands existing wilderness, is a major victory for the Adirondack Mountain Club. Under the plan, the vast majority of hiking trails on the Catskill High Peaks will be in wilderness and be reserved exclusively for hiking.

At the same time, the plan will expand mountain biking opportunities in the Catskills with the creation of four primitive bike corridors on old roads through existing and new wilderness areas. New mountain bike areas will also be developed near Windham and Kingston. The plan will keep mountain bikes off steep and narrow hiking trails such as the Devil's Path and the Escarpment Trail. ADK does not oppose these primitive bike corridors as long as no additional corridors are created.

Under the plan, mountain bike use will be prohibited in all Catskill wilderness areas, which is consistent with the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan. In areas of the Catskill Forest Preserve designated wild forest, mountain bikes will be permitted on all roads and trails unless such use is deemed unsuitable through the unit management plan (UMP) process.

Under the revised plan, the West Kill Wilderness will be expanded to include most of the Hunter Mountain Wild Forest, which will protect the summit of Hunter Mountain. In 1996, a proposed constitutional amendment would have taken the summit out of the Forest Preserve and allowed it to be developed as a private ski resort. ADK successfully opposed that plan, and the creation of the 27,000-acre Hunter West Kill Wilderness will make any future attempt to develop the summit much more difficult. The Spruceton Trail and fire tower were not included in the expanded wilderness area, but were added to the Rusk Mountain Wild Forest.

The plan also creates a new wilderness area, the 17,000-acre Windham Blackhead Range Wilderness, which combines the Blackhead Range and North Mountain wild forests with portions of the Windham High Peak and Black Dome wild forests. Seven named peaks over 3,000 feet are included in this new wilderness area: Black Dome, Blackhead, Thomas Cole, Acra Point, Windham High Peak, Stoppel Point and Burnt Knob. The wilderness classification will prohibit bicycle use on the narrow and steep Windham High Peak-Escarpment hiking trail.

In revising the plan, the DEC eliminated the so-called 2,700-foot rule, under which wild forest areas above 2,700 feet were managed as wilderness. Most of these areas have been designated as wilderness.

The revised plan also requires a camping permit for groups of more than 10. In wilderness areas, camping permits will not be issued for groups of more than 12 people. Additionally, the revised plan recommends that day users voluntarily limit their group sizes to 12 in wilderness areas and 20 in wild forest areas.

"In developing this plan, DEC carefully balanced the needs and desires of different recreational communities and the need to better protect the Catskill ecosystem," ADK Executive Director Neil Woodworth said. "The plan provides numerous opportunities for mountain biking in the Catskill Forest Preserve, but protects the most environmentally sensitive areas."

Read a pdf of final Catskill Park Master Plan. www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/cpslmpwom.pdf

Read the DEC press release. www.dec.ny.gov/press/46638.html

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ADK Files Lawsuit to Ban Floatplanes on Lows Lake
ADK Files Lawsuit to Ban Floatplanes on Lows Lake - In June, ADK and several other environmental groups sued New York's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to uphold provisions of its 2003 Unit Management Plan for the area that called for eliminating floatplane use by 2008. DEC has neglected to take action to phase out floatplane use as required by the UMP, and instead has recently proposed a permit system to allow continued floatplane use on Lows Lake for up to ten more years. Under this new proposal, floatplane operators would be able to store canoes for use by their clients on wilderness lands, and taxi to the wilderness shore to drop off and pick up clients at these storage sites.

More than three quarters of Lows Lake lies within the Five Ponds Wilderness Area, and the Adirondack State Land Master Plan's primary management goal for this area is to preserve its wild character as a canoe route, without motorboat or airplane use. ADK's lawsuit is intended to compel DEC to adhere to the laws established for the area, and prevent commercial use of lands intended for wilderness pursuits. (For more information on this lawsuit, please see the article in the July/August 2008 issue of Adirondac, or check the Action Alert on the chapter and club websites.)

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Master Plan for Saratoga Spa State Park
New York's Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation (OPRHP) has embarked on a master plan effort for all State Parks, and Saratoga Spa State Park is first on the list. In June, OPRHP held an informational meeting and invited the public to participate in developing the master plan by offering ideas and comments. Suggestions included requests for additional and improved bicycle and walking trails with connections to trails outside the park, restoring the historical Roosevelt and Lincoln bath houses for other uses, such as a visitor or interpretive center, and establishing a botanical garden on the grounds of the park.

When completed, the Master Plan will address natural resource stewardship, education and interpretation, revitalization of existing resources and connections with other local green spaces. A Draft Master Plan/Environmental Impact Statement will be issued in January 2009, and a formal public hearing will be held in February of 2009. It is anticipated that the final Master Plan will be completed in May of 2009. For chapter members with an interest in participating in February's public hearing, please check the chapter website next January for date and time.

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Court Dumps Clean Air Rule, But That May Not Be a Bad Thing
On July 11, a federal appeals court threw out a Bush administration program known as the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). CAIR required power plants to curb emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia said the regulation contained a number of "fatal flaws."

The decision left many in the utility industry and the environmental community scratching their heads and wondering what will happen next. Some environmental groups have deemed the ruling disastrous and utility companies have stopped work on CAIR-required pollution controls at their coal-fired plants. But is the ruling that bad for the environment? For a couple of reasons, it may not be.

CAIR was not that great a program in the first place, and the ruling offers Congress an opportunity to pursue more aggressive reductions in these three pollutants while at the same time dealing with greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change. Also, there are tools under the existing Clean Air Act to force utilities to install scrubbers on antiquated, coal-fired plants, which could cut pollution quicker and deeper than CAIR would have.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted CAIR in March 2005, after Congress rejected the Bush administration's Clear Skies initiative. Under provisions of the rule, power plants in 28 eastern states and the District of Columbia would have been required to eventually reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 70 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 60 percent over 2003 levels.

That sounds good, but CAIR, as the court noted, had a lot of problems. Its cap and trade program would have allowed the oldest and dirtiest plants in the Midwest, the ones that are contributing most to acidification of Adirondack lakes and ponds, to buy credits and continue to spew pollutants unfettered by even the most rudimentary controls. CAIR's trading program also made it hard for some states, such as North Carolina, to attain federally mandated smog levels because of emissions from upwind states. (North Carolina brought suit against EPA, arguing that CAIR did not guarantee that the state would be protected from pollution from other states.)

Actually, more can be accomplished in reducing air pollution by pursuing legal action under the New Source Review (NSR) provision of the Clean Air Act than would have been accomplished under CAIR. When Congress passed the Clean Air Act, lawmakers reasoned that many of these plants were nearing the end of their useful lives. They assumed they would soon be retired and replaced with cleaner, more-efficient ones, so they exempted existing factories and power plants from pollution-control requirements.

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DEC to Hold Public Meetings on Scaled-Back Belleayre Resort Proposal
DEC is holding two public meetings on the modified project proposal for the Belleayre Resort. ADK staff will be participating in both meetings. The first meeting will be an informational session about the revised project proposal. The second meeting will focus on public comments. It is important to note that this is not the final opportunity to comment on the resort proposal. These meetings are opportunities for the public to inform DEC of issues that should be addressed in the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) for the revised project.

While ADK welcomes the project sponsor's willingness to completely abandon development plans for the east side of the project site, located on the prominent Belleayre Ridge, we are now focusing on the amended proposal and requesting that DEC thoroughly evaluate the environmental impacts of the revised project, especially on nearby portions of the Catskill Forest Preserve. ADK is also concerned about the impacts of DEC's proposed expansion of the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center , which will be integrated with the resort proposal. 

Preliminary issues of concern to ADK include visibility of the resort and the expanded ski center from nearby Forest Preserve lands and state forests, the impact of operational noise of the resort and expansion of the ski center given their close proximity to Forest Preserve lands, and potential constitutional issues arising from the state's expansion of the ski center onto portions of lands to be acquired. We may very have additional issues of concern once we are briefed on December 10.

To learn more about the project proposal and where to send public comments, please visit: 

Schedule of Public Meetings:

Monday, December 10, 6-9 PM, at the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center (Discovery Lodge), DEC will hold a public information meeting about the proposed project

Tuesday, December 11, 6-10 PM, at the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center (Discovery Lodge), DEC will hold a meeting to receive comments about the scope of the environmental review to be conducted. 

DEC also welcomes written comments on the scope of review through January 8, 2008. ADK will provide future updates on the revised project proposal when additional details become available.

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Belleayre Resort Proposal Modified
After a 7-year legal battle over the Belleayre Resort Proposal, an agreement has been reached to significantly scale back the proposed development. On September 5, Governor Spitzer announced the agreement between the project sponsor, New York State, New York City and environmental groups which included the Adirondack Mountain Club and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. The project site is in the Catskill Forest Preserve, and the new agreement includes environmental safeguards to protect the views from Catskill High Peaks. For further details about the Belleayre agreement, visit www.ADK.org , and go to conservation issues.

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Invasive Algae Spreads to Battenkill River
The aquatic algae Didymosphenia Germinata, also known as didymo or rock snot, has been found in the Battenkill and Connecticut Rivers. It can bloom in thick masses, threatening aquatic insects and fish by smothering food sources. It forms a brown growth on rocks, and spreads easily to other waters on fishing gear, clothing and boats. The states of Vermont and New Hampshire have embarked on an informational campaign to educate the public on how to prevent the spread of the algae. The bulletin posted by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources recommends that people observe the following precautions after leaving waters known to contain these algae:

Check - Remove all visible clumps of algae and plant material from fishing gear, waders, clothing, water shoes and sandals, canoes and kayaks, and anything else that has been in the water.

Clean - Using hot tap water and lots of soap, scrub boats and other hard items thoroughly. Soak clothes, felt-soled waders and other soft items for 30 minutes. Visit www.anr.state.vt.us/dec or www.des.state.nh.us/wmb/exoticspecies for more information.

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DEC Issues Moose Alert
New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a press release warning motorists to be alert for moose during the fall, which is a peak time for moose activity due to the breeding season. DEC estimates New York 's Adirondack region has a moose population of about 500. They are most active at dawn and dusk. To prevent moose-vehicle collisions, DEC recommends using caution when driving at these times. Slow down when approaching moose standing near the roadside, because they may bolt suddenly. Also, remember that moose typically travel in pairs or small groups. If you do have a collision with a moose, remember that you need a permit to remove the animal. For more information, visit DEC's website at www.dec.ny.gov.

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ADK Challenging EPA's Attempt to Weaken Mercury Regulations In January, ADK joined several states, health care groups and several national environmental organizations in a lawsuit intended to challenge the Environmental Protection Agency's weakening of the mercury control emissions set forth in the Clean Air Act. Mercury contamination is detrimental to the environment as well as the health and well-being of people and animals living in areas downwind of coal-burning power plants, whose mercury emissions are the cause of 40% to 65% of the mercury deposition. ADK's complete legal brief can be found on the club's website: www.adk.org .

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Tupper Lake Development Will Impact Forest Preserve
ADK has called for further Adirondack Park Agency hearings before a large-scale development in Tupper Lake is approved. The proposed project, called the Adirondack Club and Resort, would fragment the backcountry resource management lands for which it is proposed. ADK is also concerned about the impact the project will have on the use of nearby Forest Preserve lands such as the Bog River area, which is already heavily used.

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Lake George Wild Forest Draft Unit Management Plan
Thanks to all chapter members who contributed information for our chapter's comments regarding this UMP. The Lake George Wild Forest is of special importance to us because we have adopted trails and lean-to's in the area. In our comments, we included the need for signs for the Clay Meadow Trailhead to educate the public about the endangered Timber Rattlesnake, needs for trail improvements in several areas and the need to eliminate duplicate snowmobile trails in the Dacy Clearing section. Are you interested in responding to ADK's Action Alerts concerning issues facing the Forest Preserve? You can receive Action Alerts directly by signing up at adkadvocacy@nycap.rr.com .

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Saratoga County Plans for Greenspace Preservation
The Saratoga County Farmland and Open Space Preservation Committee has released its draft Green Infrastructure Plan. The plan presents a comprehensive vision for land protection, recreational trail development and historical heritage tourism throughout the county. The regional priorities were identified during a series of public meetings last year, and include farmlands, natural systems, historic resources and greenway corridors consisting of trails and waterways. A database and maps of resources will be available to communities as they implement the plan. The County Board of Supervisors will vote on the Green Infrastructure Plan this fall. Acceptance will be an important first step in implementing the vision contained in the plan. To view the plan, visit www.co.saratoga.ny.us/ and click on Green Infrastructure Plan for Saratoga County.

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Environmental Protection Fund Approved
The Governor and the legislature approved a $225 million EPF in late June. ADK's Neil Woodworth and Marisa Tedisco, as well as several other environmental groups, successfully lobbied to have this important fund approved before the legislative session came to an end. The EPF dedicates $50 million for land acquisition of priority open space projects, $15 million for state land stewardship to support unit management planning, Summit Stewards, and trail work, and $23 million for farmland protection. Thanks to all of you who followed up on the Action Alert on our chapter's website and wrote to your legislators.

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Competitive Events in Wilderness Areas of the Adirondack Park
The debate over the appropriateness of competitive events in wilderness areas of the Adirondack Park continues. The Mountaineer's Great Adirondack Trail Run, the 90-mile Adirondack Canoe Classic, the Hoffman Notch Wilderness Snoeshoe Race, the Wakely Ultra Trail Run and the Black Fly Mountain Bike Race are all held in the Adirondack Park. Some of these races are held in areas of the park designated as wilderness. Supporters of such events claim they are a legitimate way to enjoy wilderness. Opponents say that competitive races don't belong in wilderness areas, and that they disrupt the enjoyment of these areas by those seeking the solitude and serenity of "forever wild". The Adirondack Park Agency took up the issue at its July meeting, where Supervisor of Regional Planning, Rick Weber, stated that competitive events do not fit staff view as to what is appropriate in a wilderness setting. New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation and the Forest Preserve Advisory Committee will develop written guidelines for such events, and the Adirondack Park Agency will again consider these issues after these guidelines have been written.

Industrial Wind Power in the Adirondack Park ... Another issue causing debate is that of the appropriateness of wind power in the Adirondack Park. This issue has been discussed in editorials, symposiums and informational meetings ever since the Barton Group proposed to build 280-foot wind towers on Pete Gay Mountain in Johnsburg. Supporters maintain that wind energy is an important energy source alternative to fossil fuels, and will help to reduce global climate change. Opponents object to the towers because of their impact on the wilderness landscape and the relatively small amount of energy that will be produced. The Residents' Committee to Protect the Adirondacks presented a detailed report about the debate over wind power in the Adirondack Park in their June 2006 Park Report, which is available on their website ( www.rcpa.org ).

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Local Trail Work Opportunities
It is the season to volunteer to help maintain hiking trails in the local area. Please consider offering your help on one of the following trail workdays. It's time to give something back to the trails!

Moreau Lake State Park - National Trails Day, Saturday June 3, 8:30 A.M. at the Sherman Island Boat Launch
The park staff and several volunteer groups will do spring trail maintenance on these lovely trails on the Palmertown Ridge. Tools will be provided, but it is helpful if you bring your own heavy gloves. Lunch will be provided to all participants!
Contact Steve Samuell (583-4504).

Hadley Mountain - Saturday April 29
Volunteers are needed for annual trail maintenance, as well as work on the fire tower and the observer's cabin. Enjoy the great views from this local peak!
To sign up and get details, please contact Jack Freeman of the Hadley Fire Tower Committee (792-9659).

Peaked Mountain - Saturday June 10
Our chapter members helped construct this trail so we could enjoy views of the rolling hills and farmland of Washington County. Trail maintenance will include side cutting and putting up additional trail markers.
For additional details and to sign up, call Jacki Bave at (587-3754).

...and don't forget to volunteer for the April 29 work day on our chapter's adopted trail on Tongue Mountain on the west side of Lake George!
See trip write-ups for information.

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Recreational Trails and Nature Preserves in Saratoga County
Saratoga P.L.A.N. (Preserving Land and Nature) is a local organization working to preserve open space and recreational access throughout the county, and is an advocate for regional land use planning.   The recreational areas and nature preserves listed below are a result of the efforts of this organization, which our chapter contributes to.   When you are looking for a special natural area close to home, try visiting one of the following places.   Go to the Saratoga P.L.A.N. website ( www.saratogaplan.org ) for driving directions and information on volunteer opportunities.

Recreational Trails
Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail in Saratoga Springs - this two-mile trail follows the path of an abandoned railway. The trail passes through open marshes and forested wetlands, and includes a boardwalk on some sections. It is an awesome place to visit when the spring peepers are out in April, and also suitable for X-C skiing. Entrances are on Route 29 and on Meadowbrook Road.

Zim Smith Multi-Use Trail in Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Round Lake, Ballston Spa and Malta - a nine-mile paved trail suitable for bicycling and other non-motorized uses. Presently extending from Ballston Spa to the Town of Halfmoon, it is the beginning of a countywide trail system envisioned by the Saratoga County Green Infrastructure Plan. This trail can be accessed at the Shenentaha Park in Malta, at Ruhle Road near Exit 11, in the Village of Round Lake, or in Halfmoon.

Saratoga National Golf Club Trail in Saratoga Springs - a half-mile trail through a forest, located at the southeast end of the Saratoga National Golf Club. You can view Lake Lonely's northern shore from a platform along the trail. Parking is on 9N, just east of the Saratoga National Golf Club entrance.

Kayaderosseras Creek Canoe and Kayak Trail with access points in Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa - this 6.5 mile water trail provides easy access to Fish Creek, Saratoga Lake, and Lake Lonely. The paddling is generally mild, but high water levels can offer opportunities for whitewater. Access points are in Ballston Spa at Kelly Park and Northline Road, or in Saratoga Springs at the Lake Lonely Boat Livery, the NYS Boat Launch on Saratoga Lake, or on Arrowhead Road.

Spring Run Trail in Saratoga Springs - still under development, this two-mile multi-use trail will be built on the route of an old railroad bed that operated during the Victorian era.

Nature Preserves
Orra Phelps Preserve in Wilton - named after well-known naturalist Dr. Orra Phelps, this 18-acre preserve has a trail that passes through woodlands, wetlands and along a stream. This is a great spot within a short drive from the city, and is known for the large variety of ferns that grow within the preserve. It is located on Parkhurst Road, north of Saratoga Springs.

Spruce Mountain in Corinth - While many of us have hiked the 1.1 miles to the Spruce Mountain summit in the past, Saratoga P.L.A.N. has ensured continued access in the future by acquiring property along the trail that was once privately owned. Spruce Mountain, with its fire tower, is included in the chapter's Fire Tower Challenge. The fire tower is officially closed, but there are other views from the 2003-foot summit. The trailhead is located south of Corinth on Spruce Mountain Road.

Ramsdill Park in Saratoga Springs - preserves public access to Lake Lonely and the Kayaderosseras Creek. The park also includes land along the Lake Lonely outlet. Access is at the Lake Lonely Boat Livery on Crescent Ave.  

Levine Preserve west of Saratoga Springs - an old town road, Tabor Road, leads through 150 acres of mixed hardwood forest, with views of old stone walls from the days when this was agricultural land. Access is 12 miles west of Saratoga Springs.

Ballston Creek Preserve in the Town of Ballston - includes 28 acres of land along Ballston Creek, adjacent to a Great Blue Heron rookery. A trail system will be constructed so people will be able to visit this area of forests, ponds and wetlands.

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Moreau State Park Draft Master Plan Issued
With the acquisition of over 3,000 additional acres in 1998, Moreau State Park tripled in size. At that time, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation began the master planning process for managing the park and updating existing facilities. The Draft Master Plan has now been issued. It includes proposals for resource protection and for recreational use, including improved Hudson River access, additional cabin and camping areas, rehabilitation of existing camping facilities and redesign of the entrance area. The plan provides for winter use, hiking, biking and interpretive trails. It recommends designating portions of the park as Park Preservation Area, NYS Natural Heritage Area and a NYS Bird Conservation Area. Four different management areas have been identified: Hudson River corridor, Warren County area, Palmertown Mountains and the Moreau Lake recreation area. Each area will be developed according to its particular character, use and resource consideration.

Send written comments to:
Warren Holliday, Regional Director, Saratoga-Capital District State Park Region
Administration Building, Saratoga Spa State Park
19 Roosevelt Drive
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Warren.Holliday@oprhp.state.ny.us
Copies of the plan are available for review at the Crandall Public Library, the Corinth Free Library and the Saratoga Springs Public Library.

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2005 Draft New York State Open Space Conservation Plan Released
The Club has issued an Action Alert on the draft plan, which identifies priority open space projects throughout the state. Voice your support for protecting Whitney Park (36,000 acres), Follensby Park (14,600 acres) and Catskill Park parcels including Overlook Mountain Wild Forest, Balsalm, Graham and Doubletop Mountains. Strong support of the Draft Plan will ensure that New York continues to protect important tracts of land from development. The Action Alert has been posted on the chapter website, with contact information. Written comments will be accepted until January 18, 2006.
 
 
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Saratoga County Green Infrastructure Plan
Thanks to the efforts of Saratoga PLAN, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors has initiated a countywide open space plan that will ensure protection of open space for farmland, recreational trails, water access and significant natural areas. The public was invited to participate in a series of meetings to establish priorities. The plan is expected to be released in spring of 2006.


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Green Infrastructure Plan for Saratoga County - Regional Workshops
A countywide green infrastructure plan for Saratoga is underway. The Saratoga County Land Protection Committee has set up a schedule for regional meetings for public input to identify and prioritize open space conservation. Additional information is available on the Saratoga PLAN website ( www.saratogaplan.org ) under Community Planning. Regional Workshop schedule:

A. Town of Clifton Park, Town of Halfmoon, City of Mechanicville, Town ofWaterford, Village of Waterford
Thursday October 27
Clifton Park Senior Center
6:30-8:30pm

B. Town of Stillwater, Village of Stillwater, Town of Saratoga, Village of Victory, Village of Schuylerville, Town of Northumberland, Town of Moreau, South Glens Falls.
Thursday November 3
Schuylerville Elementary School
6:30-8:30pm

C. Town of Corinth, Village of Corinth, Town of Hadley, Town of Day, Town of Edinburg, Town of Providence, Town of Greenfield.
Thursday, November 10
Greenfield Elementary School
6:30-8:30pm

D. Town of Wilton, City of Saratoga Springs, Town of Malta, Village of Round Lake, Town of Milton, Village of Ballston Spa, Town of Ballston, Town of Charlton, Town of Galway, Village of Galway
Thursday, November 17
Malta Community Center
6:30-8:30pm 

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ADK Volunteers Working to Protect Adirondack Rivers
IThe Jordan River has a dizzying number of twists and turns as it winds its way through a wild boreal forest. I traveled a third of the river's length as part of a small group of Adirondack Mountain Club volunteers with the goal of keeping a current inventory of rivers presently designated as Wild, Scenic and Recreational, and of nominating additional rivers for this protection. ADK Conservation Committee Chair Tom McGuire has been instrumental in organizing the Club's efforts on this project. Photographer and writer Mark Bowie, Dan Dolan and I joined him on this trip.

We set out on an overcast Saturday morning. The intermittent drizzle was all that remained of the heavy rains that had fallen the night before. We would come to thank these rains and the resulting rise in the river's water level. From the Parmenter Campsite on the west side of Carry Falls Reservoir, we began the two mile paddle north to the carry trail. Our first wildlife sighting occurred shortly after setting off. A bald eagle was fishing in the waters of the reservoir, and posed on a rock before flying off. It was a striking contrast to the landmarks we were looking for to identify the start of the carry trail - two abandoned 40's era cars, not quite camouflaged by rust and overgrown vegetation.

The carry was an old jeep trail that leads past the rapids where the Jordan drops down to the level of the reservoir. It would be considered an easy walk if you weren't carrying a canoe and all of your gear for an overnight stay. We navigated for a mile and a half past long-forgotten cars, occasional mud pits, side trails and forks, and finally arrived at a private dirt road where a construction crew was building a new bridge over the Jordan River. This was our put-in spot.

Swelled by the rain of the previous night, the river tumbled towards us as if it was happy to have visitors. With access as difficult as this, I imagine it doesn't get many. The depth of the river at this point was over 5 feet, with the edges of the banks under more water than usual. This was the widest section as well, roughly 40 feet across. We began paddling against the considerable current, overjoyed that our canoes were now under us rather than over us. Our route on the Jordan would take us through private land for the first half mile, then through State Forest Preserve.

The alder-lined banks hid an intriguing assortment of animal signs: trails and deer tracks leading down to the water, beaver-chewed logs and the noises of animals scurrying away from our intrusion. A ruffed grouse peeked out at us from the safety the alders provided. A beaver disappeared under the water before we could enjoy anything but his splash. Along the higher sandy banks we saw kingfisher nest burrows.

September had come to the river corridor. White asters and goldenrod were among the few flowering plants remaining. Tamarack trees were already reddish brown. We saw white pines on the higher banks carrying many brown needles they would be dropping before winter came. We were treated with occasional glimpses of red: maple leaves, nannyberry clusters hanging over the water, and bunchberries dotting the banks under the pines.

The Jordan's beavers had been busy doing what beavers love to do. We encountered several dams along the way. It was here that we thanked last night's rainy skies, because the water level was high enough for us to paddle up the deepest part of the water flowing over the dams. Sometimes it took three or four attempts, but it was easier than dragging our canoes over the obstacles. At another point, we squeezed under a giant fallen tree by lying down in our canoes.

Along this stretch of the river, we found only a few places showing evidence that people had been there - a path likely used by fishermen, and a camping area with an old fire pit and a support log fixed to two trees with decaying rope. The difficult access does not prevent human use, but limits it.

We found a possible campsite along one of the high banks under tall pines. It was here that we held a scat identification class. Tom identified bear droppings, and we wondered how long ago the bear had been here and if it would be coming back. As we looked around the area, it was clear that this was left here on a random trip to the river. There were few signs of human activity, so a return visit by a bear expecting to find food was unlikely. We set up tents and tarp, and spent the night. Our sleep was interrupted only once by a large splash in the water nearby.

The next day's travel began with an interesting carry around a fallen log. In order to get to the river beyond, we had to weave our canoes through a stand of trees that grew closely together. We put our boats in the water just beyond the log and resumed our journey. A great blue heron led us farther up the river. Dan found a spruce tree with a hornet's nest hung like an ornament from its branches. The bald-faced hornets flew in and out of the opening in the front of the nest as we watched from a respectful distance.

The river became increasingly narrow. The water level was still high enough to cover the hummocks in the switchbacks where the alders grew. We crossed more beaver dams and carried around another series of fallen trees. When Mark had difficulty using his double-bladed paddle, we estimated the river's width to be four feet. At this point, we decided to turn around.

The healthy current carried us swiftly down the river. This time we looked forward to the beaver dams as we rode the water cascading over them. The river captured all of our attention as we maneuvered through the serpentine turns at this faster speed. We covered the six and a half miles back to the bridge in about half the time it had taken us to travel up the river. Re-tracing our steps on the carry, we returned to the reservoir.

We had been certain that our journey to the navigable waters of the Jordan was a challenge that would be rewarded with a rare and remote river experience, and we were not disappointed. The wild character of the river and its surrounding forests has been recognized by the Adirondack Park Agency. The Jordan has been designated a scenic river under New York's Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act. This affords it additional protection from development within 250 feet of its banks and from motorized use. From our experience, the Jordan River is well worthy of this classification.

To read Mark Bowie's account of this trip, or for information on other rivers being nominated for WSR protection, see Adirondack Explorer's recent series 'Rivers at Risk'.

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In other conservation news:

Saratoga P.L.A.N. has posted fall outings, including guided nature walks and trail work, on its website at www.saratogaplan.org. These trips are to local preserves the organization has established.
 
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DEC Issues Bear Canister Regulations
In the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness, years of high use and improper food storage have resulted in a black bear population that relies on food taken from campers. For the well being of the black bear population of this area, DEC has issued bear canister regulations. Beginning June 1, overnight campers in this area must have their food in a bear-proof container. Campers who are not using a bear canister can be ticketed. The High Peaks Information Center has canisters available to rent or buy. The Lake George Member Services Center has bear canisters available for sale.

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Saratoga Plan Creates Preserve in Town of Ballston
Saratoga PLAN has completed a land conservation project in the Town Of Ballston. The property includes a range of terrestrial and aquatic habitats important to abundant wildlife. The land and easement donations preserve part of the Ballston Creek, a pond, and a mixed conifer-hardwood forest.  The preserve borders an extensive wetland, home to a thriving great blue heron rookery. Saratoga P.L.A.N. will develop a trail system through the preserve.  This trail will be near the Zim Smith Trail in Malta's Shenentaha Park and will ultimately connect to the County trail system.  Whether you're on the trails or on East Line Road, be sure to take note of the natural beauty that this project protects forever.

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Kayaderosseras Trail Work Day Report
Several chapter members helped with the Friends Of Kayaderosseras trail work project in May. A mile long loop trail was constructed along the Kayaderosseras on Northline Road at the new canoe access acquired by Saratoga Spa State Park. The trail and canoe access are located about 1/4 mile east of the intersection of Route 50 and Northline Road.

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DEC Releases Draft ATV Use Policy
New York's Department of Environmental Conservation has issued the Draft All Terrain Vehicle Use Policy. Under the proposed draft, ATV's are prohibited in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves, DEC wildlife management and natural areas. DEC reserves the right to permit ATV use of forestry roads and multiple use trails in DEC owned State Forests and reforestation areas outside the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. The determination to open any roads for public ATV access will be made through the Unit Management Plan process. ADK has opposed the use of ATV's in state forests and any state-owned lands where ATV's would adversely impact the experience of recreational users or degrade the natural resource. The Club's Action Alert, with additional information on this subject, can be found on ADK's website , and will also be posted on our chapter's website . DEC is accepting public comments until May 27, 2005. Check the Club's Action Alert for contact information. If you wish to view the draft policy, it is available at online .

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Volunteer Opportunities
Spring and summer bring so many opportunities for us to give some of our time and energy to important projects in our area. Our chapter members have been very involved in construction and maintenance work for local trails. In this newsletter you will find opportunities for helping at Moreau State Park, Saratoga County PLAN sites, and our chapter's trail in the Battenkill State Forest. Please consider volunteering for one of these worthwhile projects!

Moreau Lake State Park Trail Work - Two trail work days have been planned to construct new trails and perform spring clean-up on existing trails at Moreau Lake State Park. They are planned for Saturday May 7 and Saturday June 4 (National Trails Day). Our chapter members have enthusiastically supported this project in the past, and your help is still needed. Please contact Steve Samuell by e-mail or 583-4504 if you can help! You can also call the Moreau State Park office at 793-0511.

Saratoga PLAN Events for Spring - Join the folks at Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) at these events at beautiful locations in Saratoga County:
4/24/05 Clean-up of the Greenfield Center Preserve in Greenfield Center.
5/7/05 Pot luck picnic at Saratoga Apple in Schuylerville
5/8/05 Bird walk at the Vischer Ferry Preserve in Clifton Park
6/4/05 National Trail Day Maintenance of Bog Meadow Brook Trail in Saratoga Springs OR walk/bike the Zim Smith trails in Halfmoon and Malta
6/11/05 Educational wildflower walk and native plant sale at Skidmore's north woods
6/12/05 Bike ride in Saratoga For complete descriptions of these events, check PLAN's website . To RSVP for these events, call Ann Rhoads at 587-5554 or e-mail

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Friends of Kayaderosseras Plans Canoe Access and Trail Workday - Help Needed!
The Friends of Kayaderosseras, in partnership with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, will create a one-mile loop trail and canoe access to Kayaderosseras Creek on Saratoga Spa State Park's recently acquired land. The workday is planned for Saturday April 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (raindate - April 30). To learn more, contact Jacki Bave at 587-3754 ( jackibave@verizon.net ) or email the Friends of Kayaderosseras at Kayadeross@hotmail.com .

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Community Preservation Act Supported by ADK
On Tuesday February 1, ADK joined other groups at the Capitol to speak to Assembly and Senate members about the benefits of the Community Preservation Act, which is now before the state legislature. This bill is a tool for local governments to use to preserve open space in their communities. It is supported by the Association of Towns and Villages and many other groups as a means for communities to fund preservation of natural areas and working farms.

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Spruce Mountain Fire Tower Access Trail
At the January meeting of the Chapter Executive Board, we approved a special donation to Saratoga PLAN to support their work in funding trail maintenance, parking area construction, signage and restoration of the fire tower on Spruce Mountain in Corinth. Our chapter's interest stems from our Fire Tower Challenge and our support of local recreational opportunities. Donations are still needed to fund this important project.  If you can help, please send your contribution to:
Saratoga PLAN
110 Spring Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

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McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Unit Management Plan Underway
At the October Club Conservation Meeting it was announced that DEC is just beginning its work on the management plan for this wilderness area near Lake Placid. The McKenzie Mountain Wilderness includes trailed peaks ( Mckenzie, Haystack), trailess peaks (including Moose Mountain), McKenzie Pond and a portion of the Jackrabbit Ski Trail. Chapter members with thoughts on how this wilderness area should be managed or suggestions on how it could be improved can contact me with your ideas (587-3754 or jbave@aol.com ).

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Dwaas Kill Natural Area to be Created in Clifton Park
The Town of Clifton Park will be creating a nature preserve for hiking, birding and fishing in a 250-acre natural area that includes a trout stream and wetlands. The town plans to complete the purchase with help from federal and county grants, and hopes to develop a system of trails and have the property ready for public use by next summer. The area is near Exit 10 of the Northway, north of Kinns Road and west of Pierce Road.

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Kayaderosseras Creek Conservation Partnership Workshop
A new organization called Friends of the Kayaderosseras recently hosted a workshop to promote partnership among groups and individuals interested in conserving the creek and its watershed for purposes of conservation, education and recreation. The workshop was held soon after New York announced the purchase of land along the southern boundary of Saratoga Spa State Park to provide public access to the Kayaderosseras. Chapter members interested in joining the group can call 885-5266.

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Lake George Land Conservancy Announces Winter Nature Excursions and Events
The LGLC has planned a schedule of events to be held in conservancy preserves around Lake George. The events include ski and snowshoe outings and an 'owl prowl'. For more information, contact the Conservancy at 664-9673. Our chapter supports the work of the LGLC with yearly donations.

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Spruce Mountain Fire Tower to be Restored
Saratoga PLAN has made a land purchase to protect public access to the top of Spruce Mountain, clearing the way for restoration of the tower and eventual transfer of the land purchase to New York State. Chapter member Jack Freeman, author of the ADK publication 'Views from on High', approached the local land preservation group to help purchase the land to ensure continued public access to the tower. Efforts will soon be underway to restore the tower, which has been closed since 1988. Renovation needs include new stairs and landings. Look for information on trail maintenance projects and restoration plans in future newsletters.
The Spruce Mountain fire tower is on the list of the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter's Fire Tower Challenge. For more information on the challenge, visit the fire tower section of this website.
To learn more about Saratoga PLAN projects and properties, or to register as a volunteer, visit their website at www.saratogaplan.org .

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Saratoga Spa State Park Acquires Access to Kayaderosseras Creek
New York State will purchase 345 acres along the present southern portion of the park to add public fishing and canoe access to Kayaderosseras Creek, protection of fragile wetlands and nature trails for hiking and birding. Money for the land purchase will come from the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act.  The city of Saratoga Springs and New York State are working to create access to the creek by next spring. 

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Kayaderosseras Creek Workshop
A local group, Friends of the Kayaderosseras, is working to foster communication and cooperation among various user groups regarding a long-term vision for the future of Kayaderosseras Creek.  A workshop held in early October brought interested parties together to share information and concerns.    

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Fall Trail Work Set for Moreau State Park
Our next trailwork day for Moreau State Park has been set for Saturday October 2^nd. If you haven't yet had an opportunity to help with this very popular system of trails, now is your chance!Our plan is to work on 'The High Road', a trail that connects the Eastern and Western Ridge Trails.If we get a good turnout, we will also reroute several steep sections of trail near the Telegraph Tree. Come join us for a fulfilling volunteer project. If you are a new volunteer, contact Jacki Bave ( jbave@aol.com or 587-3754) or Steve Samuell ( samuell.cary@verizon.net ). Our past volunteer work friends will be contacted via e-mail or phone. Thanks!

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RCPA Hosts Informational Dinners
The Residents' Committee to Protect the Adirondacks is hosting a series of dinner gatherings throughout the park to encourage discussion of issues and challenges facing the Adirondack Park. The RCPA is currently working on projects such as enforcement of ATV regulations, water quality monitoring, motorless waters recreational network, stopping mercury pollution of Adirondack waters and many others. For a list of dates and locations of upcoming dinners, please check their website at http://www.adirondackresidents.org .

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Moreau State Park Trail Work Continues
During the last two years, volunteers from the Hudson-Mohawk Cycling Club and the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of ADK have worked with DEC and NYSPRHP to develop a series of multi-use trails on the western ridge of the Palmertown Range, with beautiful views of the Hudson River.  This year, the focus of trail work will be to develop the eastern ridge trail, which will create options for a variety of loops on top of the ridge.  The new trail has been marked and approved, and the trail work will be less challenging than the work required over the last few years.  Volunteers will be needed to cut, rake and bench cut.  Come join us for this important work, and help create even more local recreational opportunities! As an added incentive, we will hold a drawing for a free weekend rental of a pair of Kayaks donated by Wilton EMS and a hydration pack donated by Plaine's Bike, Ski, and Snowboard shop. Trail work dates are Saturday April 24^th and National Trails Day, Saturday June 5^th. Contact Jacki Bave at 587-3754 jbave@aol.com or Steve Samuell samuell.cary@verizon.net

to receive more details about meeting time and place. If you have participated in the past, you remain on our list, and will be contacted. Thanks for your help!

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Adirondack Snowmobile Master Plan and pending legislation regarding the use of All-Terrain Vehicles
ADK'S Conservation and Advocacy staff are currently reviewing two issues regarding motorized vehicles on state lands: the state's Draft Adirondack Snowmobile Master Plan and pending legislation regarding the use of All-Terrain Vehicles.

Here is a brief overview of each issue:

The Future of Snowmobiling in the Adirondack Park
In late December of 2003, DEC released the Draft Adirondack Snowmobile Master Plan. After a series of public hearings and public comment, the plan will be finalized. It will have an effect on the future character of all wild forest land in the Adirondack Forest Preserve.

Some issues of concern to ADK are:
-The Draft Plan does not contain a baseline inventory of mileages, descriptions and locations of trails, even though it states that there will be no material increase in snowmobile trail mileage. There are no readable, usable, comprehensive maps contained in the plan.
-The character of interior trails used for hiking, skiing and snowmobiling would change as a result of this plan. Interior trails would be wider than they are at present.
-DEC is proposing to amend the State Land Master Plan to allow Snow-trac grooming of some snowmobile trails.
-DEC is deferring environmental impact statements to individual Unit Management Plans, rather than evaluating the cumulative environmental impact of the proposed changes in trail width and the number and locations of new trails.

All-Terrain Vehicle Legislation
Governor Pataki has proposed increasing the state registration fee for ATV's, and using a portion of the money that is collected to build and maintain ATV trails on private lands. Some of the money would also go towards enforcement of the prohibition of ATV's on NYS Forest Preserve lands.
In addition, the law proposes a point-of-sale registration requirement so that all who purchase ATV's in the state will be registered. These provisions in the legislation will help to decrease illegal ATV use on Forest Preserve lands.
ADK is concerned about another provision of the legislation that would allow the DEC Commissioner to allow use of ATV's on other DEC state lands, such as state forests and wildlife management areas.

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DEC Seeking Input for Management of Little Tupper Lake and Lake Lila
New York's Department of Environmental
Conservation is currently accepting public comments as a Unit Management Plan for the Whitney Wilderness is developed. Lake Lila and Little Tupper Lake, two of the largest non-motorized lakes in the Adirondacks, are both found in this wilderness area. They are popular canoe tripping destinations for those of us who love a wilderness experience. During the UMP process, DEC will consider proposals
for new trails, canoe carries, leantos and campsites, as well as regulations on use levels. DEC is required to manage wilderness areas in a way that promotes natural systems and habitats, allowing human use at a level that will not damage the ecosystem. Since this is the second-smallest wilderness area in the Adirondacks, these are important issues to address in the UMP.
Other issues to consider:
&149; Should a system be developed that assures the number of campers matches the number of campsites available? Does the current system for 'claiming' a campsite at Little Tupper Lake work well?
&149; Should the Little Tupper heritage strain of brook trout be maintained?
&149; The Nehasane train station is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Should this structure
remain in the wilderness area?
&149; Should there be a separate access point for Round Lake, or should it remain accessible only from Little Tupper Lake?
&149; Do you have ideas for new trails or new canoe carries in the area?
DEC is interested in hearing from anyone who has visited this area and would like to contribute ideas
for the planning of the Unit Management Plan for the Whitney Wilderness. Contact Thomas Kapelewski, Senior Forester at NYSDEC, P.O. Box 1316, Northville, NY 12134 , (518) 863-4545 ext. 3005 or
tvkapele@gw.dec.state.ny.us .
If possible, send a copy of your letter to Jack Freeman, ADK, 814 Goggins Road, Lake George, NY 12845, or Jack@adk.org .

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Moreau Lake State Park Trail Work
We had a wonderful turnout for our June 1 National Trail Day work at Moreau State Park. We worked on a multi-use trail along a ridge overlooking the lake, and added to a new trail overlooking the Hudson River. Our trail work volunteers were from our chapter and from the Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club . Thanks to the many chapter members who volunteered and made this day a success! Special thanks to Fran Balch and Cathy Fleming for preparing the great lunch for the workers, which was provided by our chapter. The next trail work day will be in late September. If you are already on our list of volunteers, you will be notified of the date, time and meeting place. If you are not yet on our list but would like to volunteer, please contact Jacki at 587-3754 or jbave@aol.com .

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Community Land Preservation Referendum to be on November ballot in Saratoga Springs
Voters in the City of Saratoga Springs will have an opportunity to approve the City’s “Environmental, Parks and Open Areas Protection Program” which will enable the city to acquire recreational, scenic and environmentally critical land. Land will be purchased on the following criteria: (1) natural and ecologically important areas; (2) wildlife habitat; (3) wetlands; (4) trails; (5) watershed protection; (6) farmland; (7) greenways, including stream corridors; (8) geologic landmarks; (9) parkland, including neighborhood parks; (10) historic sites; (11) scenic areas; (12) other open land to enhance environmental quality. The City Council will approve land acquisition projects on the advice of a seven-member Advisory Committee that will be appointed by the Mayor.

The funds will come from issuing up to $5 million in general obligation bonds on an as-needed basis, repayable over 20 years. In any single year, only a fraction of the $5 million might be spent and the amount of debt and subsequent tax impact will fluctuate. However, assuming that the $5 million could be spent all at once in the first year of the program, it is estimated that property tax would increase by 27 cents for every $1,000 of assessed value for 20 years. In addition, the $5 million in bond funds will enable the city to attract additional matching grant funds from state and federal governments.

Many other municipalities in the country have recently passed similar open land preservation acts. In 2001, 196 ballot measures were placed before voters in 24 states. Of these, 137, or 70%, passed. In New York State alone, 5 of 6 land preservation acts passed in 2001.

Our chapter supports the passage of this important referendum. Our September 19 Chapter Program Meeting will begin with a brief overview of the referendum and an opportunity for our Saratoga Springs chapter members to ask questions and become informed about this initiative. Jeff Olson, a member of the local organization “Vote Yes for Land Preservation,” will be our speaker.

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Moreau Lake State Park Trail Work
Our chapter has been working with New York State's Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club to develop new multi-use trails for the recently acquired addition to Moreau State Park. Chapter member Kurt Kress, representing NYSOPRHP, attended the March Executive Board meeting to show maps of the proposed multi-use trails and answer questions about the project.

Steve Samuell, who is a member of our chapter as well as Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club, attended a program meeting in March and displayed maps and pictures taken from the new Ridge Trail overlooking the Hudson River. We have two trail work days set — April 20 and June 1. We will be working on existing trails until the state approves the location of the new trails. Our plan for these first two work dates is to perform spring trail maintenance, improve trail marking, work on erosion control and clear debris. Thank you to the many chapter members who have volunteered to do trail work in Moreau! You will be notified of trail work day meeting place and time through your e-mail or by telephone contact. To join our growing ranks of volunteers, call Jacki at 587-3754 or e-mail me at jbave@aol.com .

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Wilcox Lake Wild Forest Unit Management Plan
DEC has begun work on its five-year management plan for the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest, and is seeking input from the public. This area is located south of route 8, east of route 30 and west of the Hudson River. It includes Crane Mountain, Hadley Mountain, the falls along Tenant Creek, the Murphy chain of lakes, Wilcox Lake, Round Pond and Garnet Lake. There are several important issues regarding this Wild Forest. It has one of the highest densities of snowmobile trails in the Adirondacks, and there is concern that the maintenance of these snowmobile trails be compatible with their use as skiing trails and as hiking trails during the rest of the year. That means keeping the trail width no larger than the 8-foot legal limit and not grading them smooth to accommodate tracked groomers and subsequent higher snowmobile speeds. Another issue is the illegal use of ATVs in the Wilcox Lake, Lixard Pond and Baldwin Spring area of this unit. Use of ATVs degrades the trails, and their noise detracts from the wilderness experience.

As with all UMPs, there is a real need for funding for state stewardship of these lands. Regulations which have been set up to help preserve the resource need to be enforced, and adequate enforcement requires adequate funding.

To comment on the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest UMP, send your letter to:
Michael Curley, Senior Forester
NYSDEC
P.O. Box 220
Warrensburg, NY 12885

You may also call him at (518) 623-1275. Please send a copy of your comments to Jack Freeman, ADK Headquarters, 814 Goggins Road, Lake George, NY 12845 or e-mail Jack at jack@adk.org

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New York State's Open Space Conservation Plan
Every three years the State of New York revises its Open Space Conservation Plan. This plan guides New York's land acquisition program, and includes lands of outstanding natural beauty, wilderness areas, and lands of geological, ecological or historical significance. Many of the areas presently in the plan will provide additional recreational opportunities and preserve trailhead access. New York State acquires land from willing sellers for additional Forest Preserve lands, State Park lands or as conservation easements. Land acquisition is funded through the state's Environmental Protection Fund and through federal programs such as the Forest Legacy Program.

Throughout November the state held public hearings to obtain comments regarding the Draft 2001 Open Space Plan. Some of the properties mentioned in the plan include:

• International Paper Lakes — This tract would provide canoe routes connecting Lake Lila, Low's Lake and Little Tupper Lake. The Nature Conservancy recently purchased these 26,000 acres, and the state now has an opportunity to purchase and preserve them.
• Tahawus — The area, presently owned by National Lead, includes a High Peaks trailhead, Preston Ponds, Henderson Lake and Mt. Adams.
• Graham, Doubletop and Vly Mountains — These three Catskill Peaks are the only ones over 3,500 feet in elevation that are still privately owned.
• Schunemunk State Park — In February 2001, the state purchased 2,500 acres along this ridge and named its newest state park. More land is needed to protect this ridge.

ADK supports the Draft 2001 Open Space Plan, but has concerns about the state's ability to provide stewardship for its lands. The legislature has not yet authorized spending this dedicated fund to provide the money needed to purchase and care for lands in the Open Space Plan. Our chapter provided written comments to NYSDEC offering support for the plan, and asking for adequate funding for management, care and enforcement of state laws. We also asked for two changes in Region 5 — upgrading the status of the Battenkill River corridor to priority so the state can protect the Battenkill watershed, and including the Petrified Sea Gardens, a unique geological area containing ancient fossilized plants.

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Public Access to Lake Lonely
The City of Saratoga Springs, in partnership with the Open Space Project and the Land Trust of the Saratoga Region, has preserved 32 acres of land and ensured public access to Lake Lonely. This includes a 2-acre easement on the Lake Lonely Boat Livery, where public access will be available to the lake and to Kayaderosseras Creek. There will be a $4 fee to park and to launch a car-top boat.

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Action Alert: Recent Successes, Thanks to YOU!

Treatyline State Forest
In August, DEC announced adoption of the Treaty Line Unit Management Plan. This plan was a contentious one. In its original form, it called for a 100-mile ATV trail system in a state forest in the Susquehanna area. It also called for a later phase-in of a motorcycle system on an adjacent parcel.

DEC has thrown out its plan to build this new ATV and motorcycle trail system. With ADK letters and strong opposition from ADK and other environmental organizations, we helped convinced DEC decision makers that ATVs and motorcycles are not appropriate for Treatyline State Forest. A 100 mile trail system would have made this pretty area a Mecca for ATV users and caused major damage to air, soil and water quality on these lands and it would have conflicted with hiking, camping, birding and skiing on the unit.

Saratoga Spa State Park
After strong opposition from ADK and a number of other groups, the state has scrapped all plans to put in another golf course in the Saratoga Spa State Park. The proposed golf course would have threatened rare perched white swamp oak trees on the parcel and pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers could have caused harm to the trees and nearby Kayaderosseras Creek. The area is a perfect site for hiking, skiing and birding. This project would have added another golf course to an area already saturated with them.

Thanks to all for writing on these important ADK issues.

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Action Alert: Environmental Protection Fund Still Zeroed Out!

The EPF, New York's largest and most important funding source, is still zeroed out in the state's supplemental budget!

In our last Action Alert we asked you to write a letter to the Governor, Senate and Assembly requesting a fully funded EPF in this year's state budget. If you haven't already done so, please write or call the Governor and Legislature and ask them to fully fund the EPF. Failure to include this fund in the budget would result in wide-reaching unacceptable harm to New York's environment. Visit www.ADK.org for the addresses.

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Action Alert: Bog River Draft Unit Management Plan Issued!

A Ban on Floatplanes and Motorboats on Low's Lake and Bog River Will Happen if You Write Today!

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation just released the Draft Unit Management Plan for the Bog River / Lows Lake Area. We are in the final comment stage for this draft plan and its controversial issue of floatplane and motorboat use in the area.

DEC's Draft UMP calls for a prohibition of motorboat use by the general public as soon as the plan is adopted. DEC also proposes a phase-out of floatplane use in this area after 5 years. In the meantime, DEC states it will be looking for additional lakes in other wild forest areas for floatplane access.

Many of you have communicated to ADK and DEC about your unpleasant experiences relating to floatplane and motorboat use in this area. You've provided personal accounts of your disappointment in the recent transformation of this area from a wilderness canoe area to a motorized area. You've provided strong arguments in favor of returning it to the wild and quiet area it used to be.

Last January, ADK asked you to attend public meetings across the state on this issue. Hundreds of ADK members testified in person and many more wrote letters or email messages to DEC on this critical issue.

Now, we urge you to write an important letter or email. We urge you to voice your support for their decision to prohibit all motorized use by the general public and commercial operators on Lows Lake, the Bog River and Hitchins Pond as soon as the Final UMP is adopted.

We ask you to support DEC's proposal to prohibit the use of motorboats by the general public in this area immediately upon adoption of the plan. ADK also urges you to ask DEC to prohibit floatplane use on Lows Lake, Bog River and Hitchins Pond immediately upon approval of the plan, instead of waiting for a 5-year phase out.

While we do not read the plan as conditioning the floatplane ban on the search for additional floatplane access opportunities, ADK wants to send a strong message to DEC and the Adirondack Park Agency on this issue.

Tell DEC that the prohibition of floatplane access to Low's Lake and Bog River Flow should be implemented as soon as possible without any linkage to the search for additional lakes in wild forest areas for floatplane access.

In addition, please urge DEC to support the draft plan's Horseshoe Lake Snowmobile Trail Alternative B. This snowmobile trail would connect Long Lake to the Adirondack Railroad by paralleling Routes 30 and 421, instead of bisecting the new Round Lake parcel just recently purchased by the Nature Conservancy from International Paper.

We have made an excellent case for wilderness values thus far. All we have to do now is bring this plan across the finish line. Please take a moment and make one last communication to DEC on this important matter.

DEC will be holding a public hearing on the draft UMP on September 10th at 6 p.m. at the Tupper Lake High School on Chaney Ave. in the Village of Tupper Lake.

If you can't attend, please write to DEC planner Stewart Brown, NYSDEC, 6739 US Highway 11, Potsdam, NY 13676, or call (315) 265-3090, or email r6ump@gw.dec.state.ny.us .

Written public comment will be accepted until September 24, 2001.

Don't forget to cc Jack Freeman at ADK's Conservation Office, 814 Goggins Road, Lake George, NY 12845.

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Adirondack Nature Conservancy & Adirondack Land Trust Preserves

The ANC-ALT preserves throughout the Adirondacks are free and open to the public. These organizations have protected and preserved some beautiful natural areas for everyone to enjoy. Brochures with details on specific preserves are available free of charge by calling 518-576-2082. Here is a partial list of the preserves, including directions for finding them.

Big Simons Pond Preserve – This is a five-acre island at the easterly end of Big Simons Pond, near Tupper Lake. Known as Pilot Point, the island is only accessible by boat, and open to the public for day use. Camping and fires are not permitted.
DIRECTIONS: From Tupper Lake, NY, take Routes 3 & 30 south 3 miles to the Tupper Lake public boat launching site. Travel by boat east to Big Simons Pond. It is a 3-mile trip to the island.

Clintonville Pine Barrens – This preserve is home to two rare plants and two rare moths, and is an example of a pitch pine-heath barrens community. Blueberries are found throughout the preserve, making it a popular site for local blueberry pickers.
DIRECTIONS: From the blinking light in Ausable Forks, travel northeast on North Main Street to the stop sign. Go straight on Golf Course Road approximately 2 miles to the intersection with Palmer Hill Road. Turn right and go _ mile to Buck Hill Road on the left. Proceed along Buck Hill Road _ mile to the preserve’s trailhead.

Coon Mountain Preserve – A steep hike of one mile to the rocky summit offers great views of
Lake Champlain, the patchwork of farmland in the Champlain Valley, the Adirondack High Peaks, and the Green Mountains of Vermont.
DIRECTIONS: From the village of Westport (Route 9N) take Route 22N north towards Essex. In 0.4 miles, turn right onto Lakeshore Road. Stay to the right at junction with Beekman Road in one mile, and continue 3 miles to Halds Road on the left. Take Halds Road about 0.75 miles to the parking area and trailhead on the right.

Cook Mountain Preserve – A steep uphill climb on a summit trail just over a mile in length will bring you to a panoramic view of northern Lake George, the Champlain Valley, the Adirondacks, and the Green Mountains of Vermont. This preserve is owned by the Lake George Nature Conservancy. Call 518-644-9673 for a preserve guide.
DIRECTIONS: From the monument/traffic circle in Ticonderoga, drive south on Lond Howe Street for _ mile to a “T” intersection at Alexandria Street (County Route 5). Turn left, and then immediately right onto Baldwin Road. The preserve entrance is 1.5 miles on the right.

Everton Falls Preserve – This preserve protects a 1.5-mile stretch of the east branch of the St. Regis River. A 4.5-mile section of flat water is open for canoeing on the river above the Everton Falls. There is also a nature trail here.
DIRECTIONS: The preserve is located on the Red Tavern Road (Route 14), an extension of Route 99. If you are coming from Route 30, travel west on Red Tavern Road about 7 miles to the preserve. If you are traveling from Route 5, pick up Red Tavern Road in the village of St. Regis Falls and travel east about 7 miles.

Four Brothers Island Preserve – These islands, located in northern Lake Champlain, provide nesting sites for herons, gulls, and cormorants. Landing on the islands is prohibited, but birds can be observed from the water.
DIRECTIONS: From the Willsboro boat launch, head north. Once out of the bay, head east. The islands are close to the center of Lake Champlain, about 2.5 miles east of Willsboro Road.

Gadway Sandstone Pavement Barrens – This is a globally rare natural community of open canopy jack pine woodland with very shallow soils over sandstone bedrock. Located close to the Canadian border, Gadway is open to the public for hiking. There is a short nature trail.
DIRECTIONS: From Plattsburgh, take Route 22 north to Mooers. Go west (left) on Route 11, and then north (right) on Cannon Corners Road. Travel 2.5 miles to Gadway Road on left. Take Gadway (road not maintained) for about _ mile to the parking area.

Hudson River Ice Meadows – Each year, an ice floe eight to ten feet thick fills the bed of the Hudson River north of Warrensburg. The process of ice buildup and “scouring” forms the Hudson River Ice Meadow, a globally rare natural community. There is a self-guided nature trail maintained by NYSDEC and Warren County.
DIRECTIONS: From Warrensburg, turn north on Route 9 and follow it north to Route 40 (Golf Course Road). Continue on Route 40 for 2 miles, passing the NYSDEC office on the right, and a golf course on the left. The preserve entrance is on the left.

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Adirondack Park Water Quality Study Underway

The Residents' Committee to Protect the Adirondacks is organizing citizen groups to monitor the water quality of the ponds and lakes in the Adirondack Park. The RCPA study will gather baseline data about the overall health of Adirondack waters and analyze water quality trends. To find out more about this program or to contribute to the RCPA's special fund drive for this study, call 251-4257 or e-mail RCPA@netheaven.com .

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DEC's Unit Management Plan Web Site

DEC is currently at work on many Unit Management Plans for state forest preserve lands. Their web site provides current information regarding UMP progress, as well as opportunities for public input.