‘Tub Mill’ property features five lakes and ponds; ideal for recreation and fishing 

MORIAH, NY (July 18, 2018)— The Open Space Institute (OSI) today announced its acquisition of land in the Essex County town of Moriah, that will permanently protect a scenic, forested parcel for public enjoyment and recreation. Located directly off Route 4 (also known as Ensign Pond Road) and within a 20-minute drive of the Adirondack Northway, the property is easily accessible from major population centers throughout the northeast.

The 1,206-acre “Tub Mill Pond” acquisition, named for a 57-acre pond in the center of the property, was purchased by OSI for $1.5 million. Located in the eastern corner of the Adirondack Park Preserve, the newly-protected property contains a total of five lakes and ponds and includes 2.6 miles of waterfront.

The acquisition borders the 40,000-acre Hammond Pond Wild Forest on three sides, creating regional connectivity of protected lands.

“The Open Space Institute is delighted to have protected this forested Adirondack property, rich with spectacular waterfront vistas and opportunities for fishing, kayaking, boating, and hiking,” said Kim Elliman, president and CEO of OSI. “Conserving the Tub Mill Pond property and making it publicly accessible will continue the long tradition of meaningfully connecting people with nature in this landscape.”

High water quality of the lakes and ponds on the property make this a prime location for fishing. Several islands are located within the central body of water, Tub Mill Pond, making this large body of water a prime kayaking area. An exceptional water resource, Tub Mill Pond hosts a variety of aquatic wildlife including rainbow trout and brown bullhead.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “This scenic property, with its iconic mountain views, forests teeming with wildlife, and glittering lakes and ponds is the perfect location for local residents and visitors to get outside and experience the natural splendor of the Adirondack Park Preserve. DEC is proud to continue to partner with the Open Space Institute to conserve New York’s natural beauty for future generations.”

“After taking the pulse of the community through a series of public meetings, the Town Board approved the conservation of the Tub Mill property, ensuring this breathtaking landscape would be accessible for hiking, fishing, and public enjoyment,” said Thomas R. Scozzafava, the Supervisor for the Town of Moriah. “During my 30-year career, more and more people have favored protecting land so residents and visitors can get outdoors and enjoy nature on a more frequent basis. Thank you to OSI and New York State for protecting this land which will be beneficial for the Town of Moriah and the surrounding community.”

The Tub Mill Pond property is extremely scenic, offering views of the mountains, unbroken forests shoreline, and granite rock outcroppings near the water’s edge. Flanked by a series of mountains and ridges, including Harris Hill, Lock Mountain, and Bald Peak, the acquisition of this property will also protect the local viewshed for several popular hiking locations. 

Building on OSI’s work in the area, the Tub Mill Pond property is a short drive from Frontier Town, where OSI is playing a key planning role in the development of a gateway for public access to the Adirondacks.

Looking ahead, OSI will hold onto the property until New York State uses the Environmental Protection Fund to purchase the land as a likely addition to Hammond Pond Wild Forest.

OSI has committed more than $23.5 million in the Adirondacks area over a span of 25 years, protecting more than 31,000 acres of land including the protection of the historic Tahawus property, the village of Adirondac, and the Split Rock Wildway wildlife corridor, and the addition of the Finch Pruyn Lands and Mount Treambleau to the Adirondack Forest Preserve.