International Paper and The Nature Conservancy Announce Historic Conservation Agreement for the Adirondacks
Albany, NY—January 4, 2001—International Paper and The Nature Conservancy today announced a historic agreement that will conserve the forested character of the Adirondack Park, protect important ecological resources, create significant new outdoor recreation opportunities, and maintain the economic benefits of the region's working forests.
Under the agreement, which is one of the largest in the history of The Nature Conservancy’s program in New York State, the Adirondack Chapter of the Conservancy and the Adirondack Land Trust will purchase from International Paper approximately 26,500 acres of land for $10.5 million. The transaction will further critical links between existing conservation and working forest lands, thus perpetuating the unfragmented forest landscape of the Adirondacks.
The lands being purchased by The Nature Conservancy from International Paper are located primarily in the Hamilton County town of Long Lake. Specifically, the Conservancy is purchasing three parcels:
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The Nature Conservancy is acquiring the 9,926-acre "Round Lake" tract that includes two large remote lakes—Round Lake and Loon Pond—along with extensive wetlands and forests. The parcel is directly adjacent to the northern boundary of New York State's existing Whitney Canoe Area. Round Lake will be a major addition to this public canoe area, and this acquisition will reopen a historic canoe route, linking Little Tupper Lake to the Bog River and Tupper Lake.
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The Nature Conservancy is acquiring the 15,536-acre Shingle Shanty Pond tract, which links New York State’s Whitney Canoe Area to the Pigeon Lake Wilderness and Lake Lila Primitive Area. The property also harbors extensive wetlands and is located adjacent to one of the largest roadless areas in the eastern United States.
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The Nature Conservancy will acquire a 1,100-acre tract that encompasses two large undeveloped lakes—Bog Lake and Clear Pond. This parcel will provide significant new canoeing opportunities, and includes a "canoe carry" foot trail linking New York's existing Lows Lake/Bog River Flow and Lake Lila public canoe areas, thereby opening up a tremendous recreational resource.
This land transaction advances specific purposes embraced by both organizations. "Being born and raised in the Adirondacks, I appreciate how important it is to have a balance between economic activity and conserving our natural resources," said John Dillon, chairman and CEO of International Paper. "International Paper’s 100-year history of forest stewardship in the Park is a terrific example of how these two goals have indeed worked together. And I believe today’s transaction with The Nature Conservancy allows us to continue along this path."
Henry Tepper, State Director for The Nature Conservancy in New York, said, "This unprecedented agreement protects four large lakes, more than twelve smaller ponds, over 4,000 acres of pristine wetlands, 85 miles of rivers and streams, and intact northern hardwood and spruce-fir forests. These forests harbor large mammals like black bear and moose, an extraordinary diversity of bird life, and habitat for thousands of plants, fish, and wildlife species." Tepper continued, "The Nature Conservancy is strongly committed to the conservation of the great northern forest of New York and New England. Toward this end, we are increasingly forging unique, far-sighted partnerships with companies like International Paper, that carefully balance increased ecological protection and recreational opportunities with sustainable forestry. This agreement simultaneously maintains a managed forest landscape, conserves ecological resources, and supports the local economy."
Edward McNeil, Chairman of the Adirondack Nature Conservancy & Adirondack Land Trust, said, "This land purchase protects several of the largest remaining undeveloped lakes and forest ecosystems in the heart of the Adirondack Park. The conservation of these lands has been a top priority for The Nature Conservancy and other environmental groups for decades. The Nature Conservancy is launching a major fundraising campaign to complete this initiative, and we will need the help of all who cherish the Adirondacks."
During the coming months, The Nature Conservancy will work with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and other stakeholders to complete a detailed planning process for the 26,500 acres. The Nature Conservancy will seek to convey carefully designed tracts, that protect major lakes and key ecological resources, to New York State for inclusion in the Adirondack Forest Preserve. In consultation with DEC, the Conservancy will also allow for the creation of a snowmobile trail on the Round Lake tract. Overall, the Conservancy’s purchase of these lands protects unique open space and ecological resources and creates major new opportunities for canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
In addition, The Nature Conservancy will assure that a significant portion of these lands remain available for private commercial working forest ownership. These lands will be subject to conservation easements that restrict future development and allow for sustainable forestry practices, thereby supporting the continued health of the Adirondacks' forest-based economy. As part of this strategy, The Nature Conservancy may retain ownership to a portion of these lands.
Dillon added, "International Paper continues its presence in the Adirondacks and the state of New York. With the recent realignment of our printing papers business, our Ticonderoga (N.Y.) Mill is taking on an expanded role which is important to that business. In fact, the Ticonderoga Mill is announcing a capital investment in one of its paper machines this afternoon."
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