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How The Environmental Movement Tamed The Adirondacks

Orson Scott Card

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Published in A Wild Idea: How The Environmental Movement Tamed The Adirondacks

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For centuries, the Adirondack Mountains of New York State were a vast wilderness, largely untouched by human hands. But in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region began to experience a wave of development and exploitation.

A Wild Idea: How the Environmental Movement Tamed the Adirondacks

by Brad Edmondson

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Logging companies clear-cut forests, mining companies scarred the landscape, and tourism promoters built roads and hotels that threatened to destroy the region's natural beauty.

In response to this environmental degradation, a group of concerned citizens came together to form the Adirondack Park Association (APA) in 1892. The APA's mission was to protect the Adirondacks from further exploitation and to promote its responsible development.

The APA's efforts were instrumental in the creation of the Adirondack Park in 1894, which became the largest state park in the United States. The park's boundaries were expanded in 1903 and again in 1921, and today it encompasses more than 6 million acres of land.

The Adirondack Park is a model of conservation and sustainable development. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including many rare and endangered species. The park also provides opportunities for a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling.

The story of the Adirondack Park is a testament to the power of the environmental movement. Through their activism and advocacy, the APA and other conservation groups have helped to protect one of the most beautiful and important natural areas in the United States.

The Adirondack Park: A Natural History

The Adirondack Mountains are a series of low, rounded mountains located in northern New York State. The mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountains, but they are separated from the main Appalachian range by the Hudson River.

The Adirondacks are made up of a variety of rock types, including granite, gneiss, and marble. The mountains were formed by a series of volcanic eruptions and mountain-building events that occurred over hundreds of millions of years.

The Adirondacks are home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. The forests are dominated by sugar maple, beech, and yellow birch trees. The mountains are also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, moose, and bobcats.

The Environmental Movement in the Adirondacks

The environmental movement in the Adirondacks began in the late 19th century, as a response to the growing threat of logging, mining, and tourism development. In 1892, a group of concerned citizens formed the Adirondack Park Association (APA) to protect the region's natural beauty.

The APA's efforts were instrumental in the creation of the Adirondack Park in 1894. The park's boundaries were expanded in 1903 and again in 1921, and today it encompasses more than 6 million acres of land.

The APA has continued to play a vital role in protecting the Adirondacks from development. The organization has successfully lobbied for the passage of laws that protect the park's forests, waters, and wildlife.

The Adirondack Park Today

The Adirondack Park is a national treasure. It is one of the most beautiful and important natural areas in the United States. The park provides opportunities for a wide range of recreational activities, and it is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life.

The Adirondack Park is a testament to the power of the environmental movement. Through their activism and advocacy, the APA and other conservation groups have helped to protect one of the most beautiful and important natural areas in the United States.

The Adirondack Mountains are a beautiful and important natural area. Thanks to the efforts of the environmental movement, the Adirondacks have been protected from development and exploitation, and they continue to provide opportunities for a wide range of recreational activities.

The Adirondack Park is a model of conservation and sustainable development. It is a place where people can enjoy the beauty of nature and connect with the wilderness.

The environmental movement has played a vital role in protecting the Adirondacks. The APA and other conservation groups deserve our thanks for their tireless efforts to protect this national treasure.