Endstates
These endstates define the basic structure of the Adirondack Park future map. They represent different points of view about the future of the Park. They are not mutually exclusive but they capture divergent views on what our 25 year future should be.
Please read the endstates and then rank order them on two measures: desirability and attainability, using the tools on the next screens. It's best if you read the long versions of the endstates (push Explore) before completing the ranking exercise.
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A - Wild Park
The Park is managed under a strong interpretation of Article XIV “Forever Wild” that includes stricter private land use regulation and a hands-off approach to preserving the Forest Preserve. DEC and APA’s focus is preservation and enhancement of the wild experience, not revival of local economies.
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B - Usable Park
The economy and the environment beneficially reinforce each. Grow the economy by investing in a wide range of amenities and promotion for world class recreational tourism and attracting active retirees to settle here. Use the Park for the benefit of visitors and residents.
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C - Sustainable Life
The Park is a model of sustainable, low carbon footprint rural lifestyle with local renewable energy, especially biomass heat, local food, and widespread broadband. Revitalization of the Park’s communities is the top priority, with emphasis on the arts, education, healthcare and public infrastructure upgrades.
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D - Adirondack County
Government services are more centralized to reduce costs and improve effectiveness. Park-wide planning, promotion and branding are the norm. The fragmented Forest Preserve is consolidated.
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E - Post “Big Government”
Bottom-up, town-by-town economic development efforts try many different strategies. Some do well, some fail and disappear. Gaps widen between haves and have nots.
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F - Adirondack State Forest
External threats (e.g., climate change, invasives, health care costs, and demographic shifts in NYS) overwhelm the Park. Half of the Forest Preserve is made working State Forest in an attempt to forestall collapse in the heart of the Park.
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