A Rexford resident notes that Lyon Mountain is not wilderness and if the APA classifies it as such, then the access road to the hiking trailhead may be closed and the summit fire tower removed. 

 Wild Forest preferred (Letter)

The Press Republican (Plattsburgh, NY)

2/2/10, Web site

 

http://www.pressrepublican.com/0203_letters_to_the_editor/local_story_032231119.html

 

TO THE EDITOR: The Adirondack Park Agency is about to decide whether the 17,000-plus-acre Lyon Mountain tract in the towns of Saranac and Dannemora will be classified "Wild Forest" or "Wilderness." This decision will affect the ways people can use this state land. The recreational uses permitted in Wilderness areas are more limited than those permitted in Wild Forest areas. APA and Department of Environmental Conservation staff have wisely recommended that the APA and Governor Patterson classify this public land as Wild Forest.

 

The Adirondack Park State Land Use Master Plan defines wilderness as an area that has been affected primarily by nature, with the imprint of human work unnoticeable. Lyon Mountain is not wilderness. The area has been logged and re-logged. It contains a logging road extending several miles across the tract. This road was improved with fill and culverts sufficient to carry modern logging equipment. Skidder paths extend all over the parcel. The old D&H rail bed bisects the parcel and will continue to be used by snow machines. The remnants of a ski lodge, lifts and trails are still in place. From the summit, wind turbines can be seen on surrounding hills. In summer, motor boats and jet skis on Chazy Lake can be seen and heard.

 

The Lyon Mountain tract is a great acquisition for the state and is a fantastic opportunity for multiple outdoor recreational uses, but it is not wilderness. If the area is classified wilderness, the access road to the hiking trailhead may be closed and the summit fire tower removed. Classifying the tract wild forest will also reduce use intensity on more pristine wilderness areas, including the High Peaks.

 

I urge the APA Board to adopt staff recommendations and classify the Lyon Mountain tract as Wild Forest.

 

Peter Racette

 

Redford