A Wild Idea: How the Environmental Movement Tamed the Adirondacks

The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) was created to balance human activity with the preservation of wild ecosystems in the largest State Park in the US, but its creation was a complex and troubled tale of political dueling and communities pushed to the brink of violence. The book A Wild Idea shares the complete story of the APA's difficult birth, based on in-depth interviews with insiders who reveal surprising and shocking revelations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2021
Publisher: Cornell University Press

The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) is a remarkable achievement in sustainable planning, preserving wild ecosystems while balancing human activities in the vast region of New York's rural North Country. This sprawling State Park, larger than Vermont, has garnered praise from experts for its successful blend of conservation and development. However, the truth behind the APA's creation is a complex and troubled tale, revealing a series of political battles and communities pushed to the brink of violence.

The environmental movement in the Adirondacks began with a small group of hunters and hikers who were concerned about pollution and the degradation of the natural landscape. Their concerns grew into a massive wave of public outrage that reached its peak in the early 1970s. Despite facing numerous obstacles, these activists worked tirelessly to protect the Adirondacks. They successfully persuaded a powerful Governor to recruit planners, naturalists, and advisors, and tasked them with an unprecedented challenge: drafting two visionary land-use plans that would preserve the wilderness while allowing for sustainable development.

The team and the politicians who supported them dedicated themselves to this mission, working around the clock to draft the plans and turn them into law. Their efforts were remarkable, as they managed to navigate the complex political landscape and garner support from a wide range of stakeholders. However, they were not without their mistakes. The strict regulations imposed by the APA were met with determined opposition from local landowners who believed in the sanctity of private property.

A Wild Idea is a compelling and insightful narrative that delves into the story of the APA's birth and its impact on the Adirondacks. Based on in-depth interviews with five dozen insiders who played central roles in this saga, the book offers surprising and shocking revelations. It provides a rich and exciting account of state power and its imposition on rural residents, shedding light on the complex dynamics that shaped the Adirondack Park's preservation.

The book also highlights the passionate rebellion that erupted in response to the APA's strict regulations. Local landowners, who felt their rights were being violated, organized protests and rallies, and even resorted to violence to oppose the agency's agenda. The conflict between the APA and the local community was intense and lasted for several years, but ultimately, the Park's preservation was secured.

The Adirondack Park Agency's creation is a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the determination of individuals to protect the natural world. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can triumph over corporate interests and government overreach. The story of the APA is a cautionary tale that highlights the importance of balancing development with conservation, and the need to respect the rights of local communities and landowners.

In conclusion, A Wild Idea is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, politics, and environmental activism of the Adirondacks. It provides a nuanced and comprehensive account of the APA's creation and its impact on the region, and sheds light on the complex challenges that face conservation efforts in the 21st century. The book is a testament to the power of human resilience and the importance of preserving our natural heritage for future generations.

Weight: 28g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501759017