Editorial: ALT has right plan for Glenview

It's impossible to pick the best view in the North Country, but one that would certainly be in the running is that of the Glenview Preserve north of Saranac, where the meadows give way to forests and a stunning mountaintop panorama beyond. This view, unlike some, is safe for all time. It's protected by the Adirondack Land Trust, an organization dedicated to sensible preservation, not just of the forests and mountains in which we hike, but the farmlands that grow our food and contribute to our economy. ALT purchased the 238 acres of what was a family farm in 2016, with the obvious intent of protecting this living postcard from being marred by development. The Trust is now interested in opening this land to the public so people can enjoy not just a drive-by, but will be able to wander through the meadows into the forests and wetlands to the rear of the property. These lands are rich in a diverse array of birds, creatures and plant life, with opportunities for education, scientific study, art and solitude. ALT has made more than a good-faith effort of keeping neighbors apprised of its plans, holding public meetings and having personal discussions with those who live in the neighborhood. Some of these people are still not pleased, believing that more public access inevitably leads to problems with traffic, litter, noise and, yes, public displays of yoga. These neighbors have further gone on a bit of a public relations offensive, circulating petitions urging that the land remain wild and not be subjected to man-made development. We are sure these neighbors' hearts are in the right place, and we greatly appreciate their concern with wildland preservation, which is at the core of the Adirondack Park ethic. But perhaps some misconceptions have arisen from this effort, of which the community should be aware. First, and perhaps most critically, if the land were held to the Forever Wild standard consistent with the state Forest Preserve — as some have argued it should — the trees would grow up in the meadow (it would be illegal to cut them) and in the matter of a few decades the view everyone so loves would be gone for good. Second, the man-made "development" anticipated by ALT primarily consists of a parking area, hiking trails and interpretive signage. Other improvements, such as viewing or yoga platforms are proposals the trust offered up should they be something the community was interested in. There is nothing on the order of the development that might have occurred had the Trust not stepped in to protect the property, and it is dishonest to imply otherwise. We do believe the neighbors are correct that the property, under ALT's management, would attract more visitors, but unlike the neighbors, we see this as a positive thing. A formal parking lot would make the stretch of highway safer, giving gawkers and photographers a safe place to get off of the road. Many hikes to places of great Adirondack beauty are inaccessible to people not in top-notch shape; the largely level Glenview Preserve is different, an opportunity for those with disabilities, bad knees or the blessing of old age to share in this great and magical beauty that we all love. Even so, it is unlikely Glenview will be overrun. Most likely it will be like Marcy Field in Keene Valley, a similarly flat and dramatic plot of ground enjoyed by passing motorists while the hiking trail remains lightly used. As owners of Glenview, ALT was under no obligation to hold public hearings and ask for community input. It did so because it is an organization of recognized integrity that wants to protect land and nature in a way that is most harmonious with the people who admire these qualities. Again, we salute the neighbors' vigilance. But we believe in this instance the community will ultimately not regret putting its trust in the Trust.

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Editorial: ALT has right plan for Glenview

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