New York State has officially approved a major update to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan, strengthening protections for 2.9 million acres of public land while prioritizing sustainability, accessibility, and climate readiness.
The changes were proposed by the Adirondack Park Agency and come after nearly two years of public input and agency review. The updated guidelines aim to modernize how the state manages its largest protected landscape, which welcomes millions of visitors each year and plays a vital role in New York’s environmental efforts.
Key amendments include the integration of climate resilience planning, improved accessibility for people with disabilities, and new strategies for managing visitor use. These measures are intended to balance conservation with public enjoyment, ensuring the park remains protected while welcoming all New Yorkers.
The plan also updates management rules for wildlife habitat and historic sites, and reclassifies the recently acquired 585-acre Four Peaks Tract in Wilmington and Jay as Wild Forest, expanding recreational potential in the Ausable River Valley.
Environmental leaders and local officials praised the changes, saying they reflect a long-overdue commitment to inclusive outdoor access and smart land management. Organizations including the Adirondack Council, ADK, and the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation voiced strong support, especially for new protections that help vulnerable wildlife and preserve the park’s natural character.
The revised plan will guide how state agencies maintain trails, campsites, and natural areas across the Forest Preserve, reinforcing New York’s leadership in conservation and public land stewardship.
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