Conservation
Apr 1, 2023
Tom van de Water
tvandewater@ccsdk12.org
315-261-1723
New land conserved between Lampsons Falls and Boyd Pond
The Northeast Wilderness Trust (NEWT) has recently purchased 1400 acres along the Grasse River (as reported in the Adirondack Explorer in October) just west of Lampsons Falls. This land has recently been logged selectively but still has some beautiful trees, important riparian areas and wonderful rock ridges, including a rocky point with one of the best views in the northwest Adirondacks. The St. Lawrence Land Trust holds a conservation easement on the land as well.
By connecting two segments of State Forest outside the Park boundary and the Forest Preserve parcel at Lampsons Falls, NEWT is looking to further the Adirondack to Algonquin Park wildlife corridor and protect the land as Wilderness. Access is easiest from the Degrasse State Forest and from Boyd Pond (if careful attention is paid to permission for parking near the gate to the property at the end of the county road to Boyd Pond.)
From the Lampsons Falls trail system, a summer crossing would be possible at low water below the falls. Due to recent logging activity and rock ridges, it’s easy to get lost on the property, so good maps are essential. (I’d be happy to set a time for hiking with anyone interested in exploring the area before blackflies in April.)
NEWT researchers recently explored the area with wildlife cameras and may set up a small research facility at an old hunting camp on the property.
NEWT has also recently purchased an important private inholding at the edge of the Five Ponds and Pepperbox Wilderness.
Protecting these locations will further wildlife conservation, carbon sequestration and recreation.