The Bob Marshall Wild Lands
Complex
Gift of Wildness
The wild country of nearly one half million acres in the western
region of the Adirondack Park is one of the few remaining large
roadless areas in the eastern United States. The legendary Bob Marshall, a forester and
founder of the Wilderness Society, identified the great wilderness
potential of the Cranberry Lake-Beaver River area nearly a century
ago as a critical conservation area. Today there is the opportunity
to realize this vision.
Over a half million acres of
public and private lands make up the Bob Marshall Wild Lands
Complex -"The Bob." Its successful implementation will
create a world-class natural reserve capable of sustaining all
native Adirondack animals and ecosystems. The Bob includes nearly
450 lakes and ponds, close to 70 miles of NY State classified
Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers and large boreal wetlands.
Nestled in the heart of the Wild Lands Complex are some of the
largest old-growth woodlands in the eastern United States.
The Adirondack Council supports
the creation of a single, unified Bob Marshall Wild Lands Complex
to:
- Protect core areas of wilderness
to maintain viable and diverse wildlife populations
- Provide adequate roadless habitat
for large native carnivores
and other wide-ranging species
- Maintain essential links between
a variety of habitats
- Create a world-class recreation
destination accessed through local "gateway"
communities.
To accomplish these goals the
Adirondack Council proposes that New York State consolidate existing
Forest Preserve units, purchase lands of willing sellers, promote
long-term private land stewardship, acquire new public right-of-ways
for connector trails, and work to prevent development by purchasing
conservation easements from willing sellers. The consequences
of failing to act now will last generations. As private lands
are bought and sold, subdivided and developed, the opportunity
to create such a unique and invaluable wilderness will be lost.
Now is an opportunity to honor the legacy of Bob Marshall by
preserving this wilderness jewel as a gift from our generation
to posterity.
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Who is Bob Marshall? (1901-1939)
Bob Marshall was one
of the most influential figures in forging national land-use
policies, and in permanently protecting some of the nation's
largest wild lands. Marshall served as the Chief of the Division
of Recreation and Public Lands for the National Forest Service
and later founded The Wilderness Society with fellow conservationists
including Aldo Leopold.
Marshall spent considerable amounts
of time in the Adirondacks and was one of the first Adirondack
Forty-Sixers. In his career he argued strongly against building
truck trails in remote regions of the Adirondacks. In his 1930s
national survey of large, roadless wilderness areas, Marshall
highlighted the Cranberry Lake-Beaver River area for preservation
as one of only forty-eight remaining large roadless areas in
the nation.
The Adirondack Council proposes
officially naming the wild lands complex in honor of Bob Marshall
and his dream.
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Return of the Natives
A number of large predators once roamed the lands of the Adirondack
Park, including the wolf and cougar. These creatures served an
integral role in maintaining natural balance in the animal kingdom.
Sitting atop the food chain, they culled the weak and infirmed,
keeping populations of prey such as deer, rabbits, and even mice
in check. Today these magnificent mammals are absent from the
Adirondacks because of human influence.
With the arrival of man into
the Adirondack wilderness came hunters and trappers. Roads and
development soon followed. This activity fragmented large areas
of habitat to the point where the land could no longer support
wide-ranging predatory mammals. The Bob Marshall Wild Lands Complex
is an unparalleled opportunity to preserve a critical threshold
of roadless wilderness that could one day support native predator
populations.
| Wolves
were extirpated from the entire Northeast and may never be able
to return without assistance. Even with the aid of a full-fledged
restoration program, wolves would be hard-pressed to find enough
suitable habitat to thrive in the Park under present conditions.
The Bob would provide just enough roadless wilderness area for
a self-sustaining wolf population. The re-establishment of the
cougar is a more difficult proposition, but the protection of
its habitat may one day enable the return of this long-lost native.
Although they, too, need large wild areas with abundant prey,
cougars (or mountain lions) are generally more elusive than wolves
and thus might escape persecution and thrive in the Bob. Lynx
and Wolverine may also be able to thrive in the proposed Wild
Lands Complex. |
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There
is reason to be hopeful. Moose, once slain out of existence in
the park, returned to the Adirondacks nearly a century after
their demise. Coyotes recolonized the area on their own several
decades ago, and their population is now stabilized. The reemergence
of these species heralds a return of our wild lands to a more
primeval, healthy condition, and is a testament to conservation
efforts throughout the Adirondack Park. A Bob Marshall Wild Lands
Complex is the next necessary step if missing native predators
are to return home. |
Gateway Communities
Bed and breakfasts, motels,
outdoor gear rentals, guide services, shops and eateries and
swimming beaches are just a sample of what can be found in the
hamlets surrounding 'The Bob'. These "gateway communities"
are the gatekeepers for the largest wilderness complex of protected
public and private lands and waters in the eastern United States.
A consolidated wilderness area will create an economic boon for
these hamlets through the influx of new visitors. The integration
and connection of existing trail networks and canoe and kayak
routes will create a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts. New
community connector trails will enable an unrivaled "hut
to hut" backpacking experience that will support local lodging
and supply businesses and infuse new resources into local economies.
A shared wilderness resource and amenity will enable gateway
communities to pool resources for marketing efforts, create promotional
materials and engage in other joint ventures. 'The Bob' will
allow these communities to tap into the as yet unmet potential
of this region's unique and vast wilderness.
Wanakena
The hamlet of Wanakena is located on the shore of Cranberry Lake
in the town of Fine in St. Lawrence County. Tourism is a major
industry in the area; a small year-round population is supplemented
by an influx seasonal residents each Summer. It is the location
of the Ranger School of the State University of New York College
of Environmental Science and Forestry. Built c. 1902 by the Rich
Lumber Co., the Wanakena suspension footbridge spans 171 feet
between the supporting towers and was constructed to make access
to the mill, residential and commercial areas of Wanakena. In
1999, the Wanakena Footbridge was placed on the National Register
of Historic Places. Wanakena has a general store, a lodge and
guide service.
For more information:
Wanakena General
Store
TownOfFine.org
Old Forge
In 1798, John Brown built a dam, a gristmill and sawmill in what
is today Old Forge. Brown's son in law mined iron ore and built
an unsuccessful forge near the dam from which the hamlet derives
its name. Over the course of the 19th century, visitors were
attracted to the area by its legendary wilderness guides. In
the 1930's the hamlet became a popular second home location and
began to add new recreation and tourism offerings. Its status
as a popular visitor hub still endures.
Located adjacent to the Fulton
Chain of Lakes on Route 28, Old Forge is a popular Adirondack
destination. The vibrant hamlet has something for everyone: Lake
cruises, local shops on Main Street, a new Arts Center or a visit
to The Historical Association's exhibits all provide a relaxing
afternoon.
The outdoor adventurer will find
Old Forge to be an ideal base camp for hiking and paddle excursions
into the vast and scenic Bob Marshall Wild lands Complex. The
hamlet is surround by hundreds of miles of hiking trails of varying
difficulty levels. If you prefer exploring the region's wilderness
by canoe, rent one in town and grab your camera or fishing rod
for an experience of a lifetime.
For the thrill seeking, mountain
biking and white water rafting will provide your needed shot
of adrenaline. In the winter months enjoy downhill skiing at
McCauley Mountain, racing through the area's extensive snowmobile
trail system, or trekking through the woods on cross-country
skis or snowshoes.
An abundance of lodging and local
restaurants just a half day's drive or less from Utica, Syracuse,
Rochester and Buffalo, make Old Forge an easily accessible year
round home away from home.
For More Information:
SnowmobileOldForgeNY.com
OldForgeNY.com
mccauleyny.com
Fine
Fine is a humble hamlet community located on the Oswegatchie
River. In 1853 the hamlet was born when William Smith purchased
the local sawmill and opened a store. In the ensuing years a
gristmill, saw mill, butter tub and last factory, and a tannery
were erected. This rustic hamlet only 60 miles from Watertown
is the first to greet visitors traveling on Route 58 from the
west to "The Bob." Adirondack Paddlers can take advantage
of two nearby canoe access points to the Oswegatchie River.
For more information:
TownOfFine.org
SplendidCliftonFine.com
Oswegatchie
Oswegatchie is a quiet rural hamlet with a history steeped in
the once thriving railroad industry. At the terminus of the 19th
century Carthage and Adirondack railway, the village early in
its existence was considered a wilderness gateway. Today Oswegatchie
is a small, peaceful Adirondack community.
For more information:
TownOfFine.org
Star Lake
Star Lake is a gateway community along the Route 3 Olympic Scenic
Byway. First settled in 1866, the town was an integral part of
area lumbering operations. The town is now primarily a year-round
community but offers visitors the opportunity to grab some food
for the trail or fill up their gas tanks for a journey on the
scenic byway stretching to Lake Champlain. Visitors wanting to
stay and enjoy this scenic corner of the park will find a rental
cottage on serene Star Lake.
Star Lake features the "smallest
hospital with the biggest heart" for the unfortunate backwoods
misstep. "Bob" explorers will also find a pharmacy,
ice skating rink and 9-hole golf course to enjoy when not exploring
the wilderness.
For more information:
TownOfFine.org
CliftonFineHospital.org
Golf: (315) 848-3570
Skating Rink: (315) 848-3313
Newton Falls
The small hamlet of Newton Falls served an invaluable economic
role beginning in the 1930s when a large mill opened, employing
hundreds of residents. This classic American company town, complete
with streets lined with workers' housing, endured the closing
of this mill in 2000 until its recent re-opening as Newton Falls
Fine Paper in 2007. The mill reopened its doors after exemplary
and extensive local efforts. The blue-collar community sits next
to the scenic Oswegatchie River and offers a point of canoe access.
For more information:
TownOfCliftonNY.org
Cranberry Lake
Overlooking the third largest lake in the Adirondacks of the
same name, the hamlet of Cranberry Lake is a top Adirondack destination.
Once the location of large cranberry bogs, the lake has since
been expanded by the building of a dam on the Oswegatchie River.
Water sports lovers will find
an abundance of activities including boating, kayaking, rafting,
canoeing, sailing and fishing (the lake is well stocked). Cranberry
Lake is a supreme location to begin your paddle or hiking expedition
south into the heart of "The Bob". Hike the 50 miles
of trail that loop around the lake while staying at designated
lean-tos and primitive campsites along the "Cranberry Lake
50". The State run campground on the shore of the lake and
at the foot of Bear Mt provides a great base camp for day-trip
excursions or a place cool off with a quick swim. During the
snow season the hamlet serves as a wilderness gateway for snowmobilers
and cross-country skiers alike.
For more information:
State Campground: (315) 848-2315
CranberryLake50.org
CranberryLake.com
Childwold
In 1878 the first building, a small cabin, in Childwold was constructed
and still exists there today. Once a resort town at the beginning
of the 20th century, it is now a popular stop for outdoorsmen
and snowmobilers enjoying the vast "Bob Marshall" as
well as paddlers traversing the extensive Raquette River. The
hamlet is a great place for travelers on the Olympic Scenic Byway
to pause and grab some refreshment.
For more information:
RacquetteRiver.org
Piercefield
The International Paper
Company established the hamlet of Piercefield in the 1890s and
continued its own operations until the 1930s. While the flourishing
logging industry of the area has since faded, the community is
now a paddler's stop with canoe access to the Raquette River
via the Piercefield Dam. After your canoe or kayak trip relax
and take a swim at the Piercefield Town Beach.
For more information:
RacquetteRiver.org
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake hamlet grew out of the lumbering industry in the
1880s as a lumber service center. In 1889, with the arrival of
the Northern Adirondack Railroad, the settlement quickly expanded
into a rail and industrial center.
The hamlet is strategically located
at the intersection of Route 30 & Route 3 - "The Crossroads
of the Adirondacks". Tupper Lake is a true wilderness gateway
to "The Bob Marshall" and the 10 Rivers Recreation
Region. Every type of Adirondack activity can be found in Tupper
Lake from cycling, golfing and hiking to fishing, boating and
camping. In the winter months hit the slopes at the newly re-opened
and affordable Big Tupper ski area. Tupper Lake also boasts a
number of special events throughout the year including festivals
and athletic events.
You'll find plenty of places
to stay in the hamlet but don't check out without visiting the
Wild Center, a 31-acre museum campus dedicated to the Adirondacks.
Visitors to Tupper can also check out the Adirondack Public Observatory
under the clear dark skies of the Adirondacks or the Tupper Lake
Heritage Museum.
For more information:
TupperLakeInfo.com
TupperLake.net
Tupper-Lake.com
RacquetteRiver.org
WildCenter.org
APobservatory.org
Long Lake
The hamlet of Long Lake endured difficult years in its early
going as an agricultural community. Like many hamlets, it began
to prosper in the 20th century after the development of its tourism
industry. Today Long Lake is a prime destination and offers a
broad range of accommodation choices from cabins and cottages,
resorts and motels to bed and breakfasts or if you prefer, set
up camp out under the stars.
Long Lake has garnered a reputation
as a recreation hub. Explore the 14-mile lake (actually a widening
of the Raquette River) by canoe, kayak or sailboat. The hamlet
of Long Lake provides an optional starting point or stopover
for the famous Northern Forest Canoe Trail that runs from Old
Forge through Long Lake all the way to Northern Maine.
For terrestrial adventuring,
Long Lake provides a superb base camp for hiking, snowshoeing
or skiing through "The Bob" or exploring the scenic
byways of the Adirondacks on Bike. For a more restful Adirondack
day, explore this quaint hamlet on foot and visit local shops
and eateries or grab your fishing gear and try your luck on the
Raquette River.
For more information:
LongLake-NY.com
CentralAdirondacks.com
Big Moose
Big Moose is a relatively remote hamlet that has historically
been the location of camps, hotels and summer homes. The area
is known for its unique vertical half-log construction found
in the architecture of local cabins and lodges. Big Moose may
be best known as the setting of a famous murder turned into book
and then film.
The small hamlet, sitting on
the railroad tracks between Thendara and Tupper Lake, is a popular
stop for the region's snowmobilers. The Big Moose rail station
holds the distinction as being at an elevation higher than any
train station east of the Mississippi River. The station has
been transformed into an award-winning restaurant.
For more information:
bigmoosestation.com
Blue Mountain Lake
The hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake, one of the most scenic places
in the Adirondack Park, has its named etched in history as the
home of the first hotel in the world to have electric lights
in ever room.
Conveniently situated at the
intersection of the Adirondack Trail and Central Adirondack Trail
Scenic byways, Blue Mountain Lake welcomes visitors from the
East to "The Bob". After a solid night sleep at one
of the community's several cozy and rustic accommodations, explore
the lake and its public picnicking islands or conquer advanced
whitewater rapids on the Hudson River Gorge. Experience amazing
views of Blue Mountain Lake and the vast wilderness complex to
the west from the lookout tower on top of nearby Blue Mountain.
While the community is a favorite
wilderness recreation outpost, it is also famously known as the
home of the world-class Adirondack Museum. Discover the Adirondacks
you never knew in Blue Mountain Lake at this must see attraction.
For more information:
adkmuseum.org
nyroute30.com
RacquetteRiver.org
Raquette Lake
Raquette Lake existed as an old passenger rail terminus where
area visitors transferred to the early steamboats and then traveled
to lakeside camps and resorts. Its legacy as an Adirondack Destination
has persisted since when the Gilded Age brought some of the wealthiest
families to this area. The community today is home to one of
the Adirondack's most unique assets- the great camps. Visit Great
Camp Sagamore and stay in one of its buildings dating back to
1897.
A short distance from the hamlet
is the state run campground with swimming access and a boat launch.
Paddlers will find the hamlet of Raquette Lake a pleasant respite
or starting point as they journey along this segment of The Northern
Forest Canoe Trail. Take a dinner cruise aboard a replica steamboat
or enjoy a guided tour for a more relaxed lake experience. The
largest natural lake in the Adirondacks, Raquette Lake promises
amazing scenes from its waters as you boat, sail or paddle.
For more information:
greatcampsagamore.org
centraladirondacks.com
Golden Beach State Campground: (315) 354-4230
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