From here the road gets rough. On Thursday, October 10, 2013 I got my first glimpse of the Essex Chain Lakes. Most recreational users of the Adirondacks are likely familiar with the recent activity concerning the Essex Chain Lakes tract, which is part of the former Finch, Pruyn & Co. lands purchased by New York State from The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The State Land classification of this tract has been in the news for several months and the decision is now in the hands of the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) and will be subject to approval by the Governor.
Kiosk & register box at Deer Pond parking lot. The day was slightly overcast, warm and dry. The mornings have been cold, so my two friends and I took our time
getting started. It was 11:05 AM by the time we signed in and started carrying
our lightweight solo canoes the 0.25 miles to Deer Pond. Still waters and no
bugs made ideal conditions for exploring the Chain Lakes.
getting started. It was 11:05 AM by the time we signed in and started carrying
our lightweight solo canoes the 0.25 miles to Deer Pond. Still waters and no
bugs made ideal conditions for exploring the Chain Lakes.
Second Lake outlet. Leaving Deer Pond we carried
0.5 miles to Third Lake, paddled into Second Lake and then carried to First Lake. The carry to First is flagged and lightly brushed out, but it has not been cut or developed yet. We paddled the length of the lake then down the outlet as far as the first beaver dam. Wanting to explore the other lakes in the chain we retraced our strokes to Third Lake.
0.5 miles to Third Lake, paddled into Second Lake and then carried to First Lake. The carry to First is flagged and lightly brushed out, but it has not been cut or developed yet. We paddled the length of the lake then down the outlet as far as the first beaver dam. Wanting to explore the other lakes in the chain we retraced our strokes to Third Lake.
A glimpse of Vanderwhacker Mt. We stopped for lunch and watched as a member of the Gooley Club trolled around, fishing from an aluminum boat power by an electric motor. Although I am pleased to have a new portion of the Adirondacks to explore, I couldn’t help but think about the sense of loss members of the Club must be
feeling. These lakes have been a special part of their lives for a long time and now that is all changing. For the next five years this group will have lease access to the camp buildings and will be able to use motor boats on Second through Sixth Lakes. The DEC’s Interim Plan allows Club members to use electric motors from July 1st to September 30th and ten hp gas motors from October 1st to the end of the big game hunting season and from ice out until June 30th. As the day went on a few more fishing boats appeared on the water. Another paddler we encountered made a comment about eliminating motorized boats from the tract. I on the other hand did not find the boats to be bothersome. My earliest experiences in the wilds were fishing with my grandfather in boats like these.
feeling. These lakes have been a special part of their lives for a long time and now that is all changing. For the next five years this group will have lease access to the camp buildings and will be able to use motor boats on Second through Sixth Lakes. The DEC’s Interim Plan allows Club members to use electric motors from July 1st to September 30th and ten hp gas motors from October 1st to the end of the big game hunting season and from ice out until June 30th. As the day went on a few more fishing boats appeared on the water. Another paddler we encountered made a comment about eliminating motorized boats from the tract. I on the other hand did not find the boats to be bothersome. My earliest experiences in the wilds were fishing with my grandfather in boats like these.
This sign was not posted when we entered the tract. After lunch we resumed exploring
lakes Fourth through Seventh. As it was getting later in the day we did not have time to investigate Sixth or Eighth Lakes. We will save those for future trips. The sun was setting as we retracted our route to the Deer Pond carry. We arrived at the parking lot before needing to break out the headlamps. We talked to some mountain bikers at the parking lot and discussed the potential for riding that the logging roads on the tract would provide.
lakes Fourth through Seventh. As it was getting later in the day we did not have time to investigate Sixth or Eighth Lakes. We will save those for future trips. The sun was setting as we retracted our route to the Deer Pond carry. We arrived at the parking lot before needing to break out the headlamps. We talked to some mountain bikers at the parking lot and discussed the potential for riding that the logging roads on the tract would provide.
The day’s paddle was an enjoyable experience. I am grateful to have the opportunity to explore this
beautiful area. While we were paddling we discussed the classification options currently being decided by the APA. I think we all had preconceived ideas about what classification we would favor. The area certainly is a great addition to the Forest Preserve; many people will enjoy experiencing it. Having seen the
tract first hand has provided me with a much better idea of the recreational use potential available. Given the character of the land I favor a Wild Forest classification over Wilderness. The
road network was constructed for extracting timber and can easily withstand the impact of mountain biking which would be allowed as Wild Forest but not as Wilderness. As far as motor boats, I think the current restrictions that apply to Gooley Club members would work for me. I know that some paddlers would disagree, but the area can certainly withstand this level of use. In addition, the Wild Forest classification would allow appropriate development of accessible facilities for use by people with disabilities.
beautiful area. While we were paddling we discussed the classification options currently being decided by the APA. I think we all had preconceived ideas about what classification we would favor. The area certainly is a great addition to the Forest Preserve; many people will enjoy experiencing it. Having seen the
tract first hand has provided me with a much better idea of the recreational use potential available. Given the character of the land I favor a Wild Forest classification over Wilderness. The
road network was constructed for extracting timber and can easily withstand the impact of mountain biking which would be allowed as Wild Forest but not as Wilderness. As far as motor boats, I think the current restrictions that apply to Gooley Club members would work for me. I know that some paddlers would disagree, but the area can certainly withstand this level of use. In addition, the Wild Forest classification would allow appropriate development of accessible facilities for use by people with disabilities.
Map from DEC Interim Plan I hope that those deciding the final classification have had
a chance to explore and discover what the tract has to offer for the people of New York State.
a chance to explore and discover what the tract has to offer for the people of New York State.
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