FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 21, 2006
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES PRESERVATION OF 1,800 ACRES OF FOREST LANDS IN THE ADIRONDACKS
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Agreement Will Add 1,000 Acres to Forest Preserve, Protect 800 Acres through Easements, and Expand Historic Canal Routes in Hamilton and St. Lawrence Counties
Governor George E. Pataki today announced an agreement to preserve 1,800 acres of forest lands in the Adirondack towns of Long Lake, Hamilton County, and Colton, St. Lawrence County, protecting valuable wilderness lands, including 4.5 miles of undeveloped shoreline on Lows Lake, and increasing public access for recreational activities.
“The Adirondacks are home to some of our nation’s most beautiful natural resources, and over the past 11 years, we have protected critical lands, waters, and habitats throughout the Adirondack Park,” Governor Pataki said. “This agreement will increase public access to wilderness areas and Lows Lake, one of the most popular canoe and camping destinations in the Northeast, while also maintaining traditional land uses, including sustainable forest management.”
Senator Betty Little said, "This agreement ensures greater public access to a beautiful region of the Adirondacks. Hunters, anglers and campers will all benefit, but I am sure the reopening of historic canoe routes will be of particular interest to paddlers. Governor Pataki and Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Denise Sheehan are to be commended for their continuing dedication to stewardship of these natural resources."
Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava said, "I appreciate Governor Pataki's efforts to grant more access to our beautiful Adirondack region. Outdoor enthusiasts will now be able to use this expanded area for recreational endeavors and enjoy lands that have been unavailable to residents and tourists alike."
Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward said, "It is important to keep a balance in our stewardship of the Adirondack Region. Protecting the vital attributes of the North Country wilderness, while enhancing the public's access to our mountain forests, lakes and streams is a concern we all share. Today, Governor Pataki again shows his dedication to the well-being of our natural resources and to the people who live within the Blue Line and those who visit the area."
Under the agreement with the Adirondack Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the State will purchase 1,000 acres previously owned by Sabattis Land Company and acquire a conservation easement to protect an additional 800 acres that will remain under company ownership. These lands are located within the Bog River/Beaver River Headwaters Complex and are identified as a high conservation priority in the State’s Open Space Plan.
The 1,000 acres that the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will acquire from the Adirondack Land Trust will be added to the State Forest Preserve. These lands include 4.5 miles of shoreline on Lows Lake, a popular canoeing area that provides opportunities for paddling, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. As a result of the agreement, the entire southern shoreline on the lake will remain undeveloped. In addition, this project and previous acquisitions also will help expand a network of historic canoe routes that are being opened to public use for the first time in more than a century.
Under the terms of the conservation easement, Sabattis Land Company will continue to own 800 acres of the property. The easement also will establish two new public camping sites on Lows Lake and continue forest management of the lands, in compliance with comprehensive, sustainable forestry requirements.
“The addition to the Forest Preserve and the easement are yet another example of Governor Pataki’s continuing commitment to preserving open space throughout the State,” DEC Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said. “DEC is grateful to our partners at the Adirondack Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy for their hard work in achieving this remarkable conservation achievement, while will provide an enduring outdoor legacy for the public to enjoy.”
Harry Groome, chairman of the Adirondack Land Trust and Adirondack Nature Conservancy, said, “This land purchase protects the wild character of Lows Lake, one of the largest undeveloped lakes in the Adirondack Park. By working with New York to protect this treasured lake and conserve habitat for loons, bald eagles, waterfowl, and a wealth of other wildlife, we are creating a magnificent conservation legacy for future New Yorkers.”
Henry Tepper, New York State Director of TNC, said, “This 1,800-acre transaction builds upon other recent land protection efforts in this region of the Adirondack Park. The Nature Conservancy welcomes the opportunity to partner with Governor Pataki, New York State, and the Adirondack Land Trust to conserve Lows Lake and its adjacent wetlands, mountains, and forests.”
Charles Brumley, President of Sabattis Land Company, a family-owned company that has owned the land since 1962, said. “We see this as a practical solution for all concerned. The wilderness character of our land will stay the same for our family to enjoy. The bigger parcel that we sold will go into the State Forest Preserve and will be owned by all the people of the State forever.”
The State will acquire the properties from the Adirondack Land Trust using funds from the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), following a State-administered appraisal process.
Governor Pataki’s Executive Budget submission includes record funding of $180 million for the EPF, including $50 million for land acquisition projects. Since 1995, the State has protected 945,000 acres.
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