The next chapter in the eternal debate over state-owned land in the Adirondacks involves increasing the number of mountain biking trails within the 19,600-acre Essex Chain Lakes Complex. This expansion affects areas in the tract designated as “primitive,” so people are worried the plan has the potential to set a precedent for future developments elsewhere.
In April 2016, Gov. Cuomo gave his support for the finalized Essex Chain Lakes Management Complex Plan, which amends the 1972 State Land Master Plan. The Essex Complex Plan’s reach includes the 6,659-acre Essex Chain Primitive Area, the 2,788-acre Pine Lake Primitive Area, and a part of the 42,537-acre Blue Mountain Wild Forest. Amendments to the 1972 plan focus on the “primitive” areas because their designation as wilderness provides a high level of protection.
The older State Land Master Plan allowed bikes in areas designated as wild forest, a much lower level of protection, and banned bikes in wilderness areas. In contrast, the Essex Complex Plan opens up 9-miles of biking trails in these “primitive” (wilderness) areas. Old logging roads are the main sections the new plan addresses, and concerns about erosion and trail damage in these protected areas persist.
David Gibson, a partner of preservation group Adirondack Wild, told Press Connects that he believes, “Not only the Essex Chain, but every primitive area could be opened to bicycles.” Other critics of the plan argue that more mechanized recreation will do more harm than good for the Adirondack Park.
Although the long-term effects of these changes are unknown, Gov. Cuomo is quoted in a New York Upstate article as saying the plan will open, “dozens of new outdoor recreation opportunities,” and make the region more accessible.
Will you take advantage of the new biking trails within the Essex Chain Lakes Complex?
Sources:
- Press Connects – INTO THE WILD: ‘Primitive’ Adirondacks land may open to bikers
- North Country Public Radio – Management plan for Essex Chain in Adirondacks is finalized
- New York Upstate – Central Adirondacks: Dozens of new outdoor recreational opportunities coming
