The Peru Gazette

Thanks to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the Adirondack Park Agency, the classification of the largest Forest Preserve addition in the history of the Adirondack Park has been approved. The classification of 11,412 acres of the Boreas Ponds tract as wilderness creates a wilderness area in the heart of the Adirondack Park that rivals Rocky Mountain, Mount Rainier and Zion National Parks. New state lands will ensure that over 20,000 acres of pristine wilderness are forever protected.

Visit our website for details about the Historic Boreas Ponds Tract and recreational information.

The Boreas Ponds action completes the State’s unprecedented, multi-year land deal with The Nature Conservancy. Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, 65,000 acres of globally significant forests were acquired for inclusion into the Adirondack Forest Preserve. This marked the largest Forest Preserve addition in the history of the Adirondack Park.

The new classification separates the Boreas Ponds tract into 11,412 acres of wilderness, 9,118 acres of wild forest, 11 acres of primitive and 2 acres of state administrative land – striking the right balance between preservation and access. These lands will offer new remote paddling experiences, ample hunting, trapping and fishing, as well as a new southern access point into the High Peaks Wilderness Area.

DEC is amending the Unit Management Plans (UMPs) for the High Peaks Wilderness Complex and the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest to address more than 95,872 acres of classified Forest Preserve lands.

DEC is holding the first public meeting on the amendments on Tuesday, April 3, at 6 p.m. at the Newcomb Central School gymnasium, 5535 State Route 28N, Newcomb, NY. The meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to meet with DEC staff and share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions regarding management of these lands.

Written comments will be accepted until April 20, 2018, and can be mailed to Forester Robert Ripp, NYSDEC, 232 Golf Course Rd., Warrensburg, NY 12885, or emailed to R5.UMP@dec.ny.gov.

We’re proud to finalize this amazing addition to the Adirondack Forest Preserve and look forward to working with neighboring communities and other partners to carefully and responsibly protect this vital habitat and ensure that all visitors can enjoy its breathtaking views and outstanding recreational opportunities.