New York recently acquired approximately 21,000 Adirondack acres as an addition to our "Forever Wild" Forest Preserve. Included in this acquisition is the remote, pristine and jewel-like Essex Chain Lakes.
Before the Adirondack Park Agency even gets to the acreage discussed by Bob Samson ("Balancing the competing interests in Adirondack Park," Sept. 12), the agency will decide the classification of this area. The options are, essentially, "wilderness" or "wild forest."
"Wilderness" is the classification with the highest environmental protection. It ensures a quiet, natural area for hikers, fishers, hunters, campers, paddlers and wildlife, which this unique area truly deserves. "Wild forest" carries much less protection and, arguably, is neither "forever" nor "wild." Permitted activities include motor vehicles and motorboats, seaplanes, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, all of which invite overuse; require support facilities such as roads; fragment the forest; negatively impact wildlife; spread aquatic invasives; and destroy any human appreciation of wildness and nature.
"Wild forest" proponents want their motors and argue the area does not meet the definition of "wilderness," which is not true. The APA definition of "wilderness" contains a directive to enhance and restore precious areas. Additionally, most of what now comprises the Adirondack wilderness was once clear-cut wasteland and crisscrossed with logging roads.
Comments submitted to the APA favored a "wilderness" classification by a 4-to-1 margin. That has not been enough to convince the state agency. Our citizens need to continue to urge the APA and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to stand up for "wilderness" so that these lands will be "forever wild," not "forever lost."
Dale Jeffers, of Slingerlands, is vice chairman of Protect the Adirondacks!