Adirondack Land Trust

Land Conservation Program:The Adirondack Land Trust (ALT) Conservation Program focuses on the efficient and effective conservation of lands that further our mission and their long-term stewardship and well-being. Our program area covers nearly seven million acres centered in the Adirondack Park and includes northern Clinton and Franklin counties, the upper Black River Valley to the west, and the upper Champlain Basin to the east. Land protection includes fee simple title acquisition of lands as ALT preserves or as additions to the public lands of the Adirondack Park, and conservation easement acquisition to permanently protect private farms and forests. In FY 2023, ALT completed two land protection projects totaling 244 acres; both were fee simple acquisitions to be added to New Yorks Forest Preserve. In addition, as a result of the merger of Lake Placid Land Conservancy into ALT, we assumed the responsibility of six additional conservation properties totaling 472 acres. The land and easement stewardship responsibilities in FY 2023 included management of 12 fee simple title lands totaling 1,852 acres, and monitoring of 53 conservation easements that protect 16,513 acres through partnership with 87 landowners. Stewardship of the conservation easement portfolio included assisting several to better manage their conservation lands and working with others to correct conservation easement violations. Stewardship on fee owned lands included the planning for improving our Glenview Preserve and opening it for public access, and the management and monitoring of five properties expected to be transferred to NYS for inclusion in the Forest Preserve.

Outreach and Education Program: The Adirondack Land Trust (ALT) Outreach and Education Program focuses on educating the public about the value of land conservation in the Adirondack region. It enables much of our land conservation work because it inspires and empowers landowners to take steps toward sustainable management and a sustainable future for their lands; publicizes the benefits of land conservation; builds partnerships with communities, state agencies and other organizations; and promotes a land conservation ethic throughout the Adirondacks. Accomplishments of the past year include continuing to work with agricultural sector partners in Essex County to provide land-planning resources to farmland owners. Staff also participate in regional farmland strategic planning and serve on the Adirondack Food System Network Steering Committee. To increase engagement in conservation and the outdoors, the program offered guided field trips to protected lands, hosted virtual events featuring a world-renowned researcher, an accomplished illustrator, and a skilled nature photographer, launched a trail cam video series to foster connection with wildlife, as well as continuing to coordinate a community effort to improve access to Cobble Hill Trail in Lake Placid and administered public opinion surveys related to two nature preserves. Staff also advise and collaborate via the New York State Forest Preserve Advisory Committee and other ongoing partnerships to improve quality of life in the Adirondack region.