Lake Luzerne, NY (November 12, 2020)—Building on more than three decades of protecting land in and around the Adirondack Park Preserve, the Open Space Institute (OSI) today announced the permanent protection of land in the Town of Lake Luzerne. Comprised of hardwood and softwood forests and wetlands, and within the Hudson River watershed, the acquisition provides protections for clean water and, through its capture of carbon, aids in efforts to fight climate change.
The newly protected 1,260-acre “West Mountain” property is located west of the West Mountain Ski area. It is situated between the southeastern boundary of the Adirondack Park and Moreau Lake State Park and adjacent to Ralph Road State Forest. In addition to the clean water and climate change benefits, conservation of the forested parcel will also support regional connectivity, wildlife habitat, and recreation. Now protected from future development, the acquisition is a critical step toward establishing regional connectivity of forested lands.
“In fast growing regions like Warren County, it is becoming rarer to find a property of this size that exemplifies the many benefits of protected land— supporting clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation , and the storage of carbon to help fight climate change,” said Kim Elliman, president and CEO of OSI.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “OSI plays a critical role in conservation efforts in the Adirondack foothills and across the state. In addition to protecting water quality and helping to capture greenhouse gas emissions, the acquisition of the West Mountain property strengthens ongoing efforts to connect visitors with the countless recreational opportunities at the Ralph Road State Forest and elsewhere in the Lake Luzerne area.”