GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES PRESERVATION OF 26,000 ADIRONDACK ACRES

State, International Paper, Nature Conservancy Reach Historic Agreement

Governor George E. Pataki today announced an historic agreement to preserve more than 26,000 acres of land in the Adirondacks, conserving important natural resources, creating significant new recreational opportunities and ensuring the economic health of the surrounding region.

"Over the last six years we've demonstrated our strong commitment to the Adirondacks by preserving thousands of acres of open space, increasing public access and expanding recreational and business opportunities to ensure a vibrant economic future for the region," Governor Pataki said. "This agreement exemplifies our belief that sound environmental policy and economic development go hand in hand, and will ensure that New Yorkers are able to enjoy these lands, and the natural and recreational resources they support, for years to come."

Senator Ronald Stafford said, "Governor Pataki is to be applauded for his continued commitment to improving the Forest Products Industry, maintaining our working forests and improving employment opportunities for area residents. This agreement also helps preserve our unique Adirondack environment while improving recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike."

International Paper Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Dillon said,"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. International Paper's 100-year history of forest stewardship in the Adirondack 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 12 smaller ponds, over 4,000 acres of pristine wetlands, 85 miles of rivers and streams, an intact northern hardwood and spruce fir forests. The Nature Conservancy is strongly committed to the conservation of the great northern forest of New York and New England. Towards this end, we are increasingly forging partnerships with companies like International Paper that carefully balance increased ecological protection and recreational opportunities with sustainable forestry."

Also today, International Paper announced plans to make significant new investments in its Ticonderoga Mill, located in the Town of Ticonderoga in Essex County. The announcements signal a renewed commitment from IP to strengthen operations in New York State, while helping to preserve the critical working forests and valuable open space that contribute to the unique character and economy of the Adirondacks.

"Our sound environmental and economic policies will benefit New Yorkers and communities of the Adirondacks for generations to come," Governor Pataki said. "International Paper's plans for significant new investments in their Ticonderoga Mill underscores the success of our efforts and demonstrates their confidence in the North Country as the place to do business in the 21st Century."

Under the land preservation agreement announced today, The Nature Conservancy has acquired from International Paper 26,562 acres of forest land in the heart of the Adirondacks, primarily in the Town of Long Lake in Hamilton County, for $10.5 million.

Edward McNeil, Chairman of the Adirondack Nature Conservancy and 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 Nature Conservancy is launching a major fundraising campaign to complete this initiative and we will need the help of all who cherish the Adirondacks."

The properties acquired by The Nature Conservancy include:

The 9,926-acre Round Lake tract that includes two large undeveloped lakes - Round Lake and Loon Pond - along with extensive wetlands and forests. The parcel is directly adjacent to the northern boundary of the State's existing Whitney Canoe Area. Round Lake will be a major addition to this public canoe area and reopen a historic canoe route linking Little Tupper Lake to the Bog River and Tupper Lake;

The 15,536-acre Shingle Shanty tract. This parcel is located just west of the Whitney Canoe Area in one of the largest roadless areas in the eastern United States; and

The 1,100-acre Bog Lake/Clear Pond tract. The parcel encompasses two large undeveloped lakes and will provide for significant new canoeing opportunities and a "canoe carry" foot trail linking existing State canoe areas at Low's Lake and Lake Lila.

The lands being purchased as part of this agreement will restore critical links in a historic waterway trail system and create a premier Northeast canoe route by linking Little Tupper Lake and Rock Pond with Round Lake, Low's Lake, the Lake Lila complex and the Bog River Flow.

Tim Burke Executive Director of the Adirondack Council said, "This agreement is a tremendous way for New York to start the new year. A major portion of the lands and waters protected through this agreement are right smack in the middle of the proposed Bob Marshall Great Wilderness. Like the recent Whitney Estate purchase adjacent to it, this deal represents another giant leap forward in realizing our dream to create the largest and most biologically rich wilderness in the eastern United States. The Governor, Commissioner Cahill, the Nature Conservancy and IP all deserve a great deal of credit for working so hard to make this happen."

In addition, the agreement provides unique opportunities for the creation of new, long- distance snowmobile trails that are an important part of the economy of communities within the Adirondack Park, and allows for the conservation of valuable timber resources in the region, ensuring the future health of the forest products industry in New York State.

DEC Commissioner John P. Cahill said, "Governor Pataki has been a national leader on open space preservation and today's agreement was made possible by his unwavering belief that environmental conservation can and must serve as the foundation for economic growth and prosperity. Working together with private businesses such as IP and conservation organizations like The Nature Conservancy, we will continue to promote similar initiatives that benefit both the environment and the economy in New York State."

In coming months, the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will work with The Nature Conservancy to acquire portions of the tracts for inclusion in the Adirondack Forest Preserve, particularly those that protect major lakes and key ecological resources. The lands are expected to provide permanent protection for Clear Pond and Round and Bog lakes, protect important open space and natural resources, and create important new public recreation opportunities including canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The agreement is expected to provide public recreational access to a significant portion of the lands while preserving their status as privately owned forest lands managed for their timber values. The latter would be subject to conservation easements that restrict future development and allow for ecologically sustainable forestry practices.

DEC also will work with the Conservancy on the creation of a snowmobile trail on the Round Lake tract.

Since 1995, Governor Pataki and the State Legislature have committed more than $300 million to protect more than 300,000 acres of environmentally significant open space statewide.