Barton Mines' easement gift envisioned to boost area's recreational assets

NORTH CREEK | The hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities in northern Warren County are soon to receive a substantial boost, as Barton Mines has pledged to donate a recreational easement on 200 acres of their forested land to the town of Johnsburg. Situated between the multi-use Raymond Brook Ski Trail and the Schaefer Trail, the land easement will allow the development of trails that connect the North Creek Ski Bowl to the trail network of Siamese Pond Wilderness as well as the Garnet Hill cross-country ski trails, while as providing new access to the peak of Gore Mountain. The easement donation was announced July 24 to the public in a presentation by Barton Mines officials at the Tannery Pond Community Center in North Creek. After the event, Barton International CEO Randy Rapple said the trails might be developed and ready for hiking by summer 2025, if not sooner. "As a family-run business for 146 years, Barton Mines is taking this action because it's consistent and in spirit with how we've always worked with the town," he said. "Our company recognizes there's a direct relationship between what's good for our town is good for our business as well." Present at the announcement was state Sen. Dan Stec, an avid hiker. He praised the donation, noting that trails on the 200-acre easement will create a "shortcut" between two prime recreational trail networks. In a prepared statement, Johnsburg Supervisor Kevin Bean said Barton Mines' donation provides "a phenomenal opportunity" for Johnsburg and North Creek to boost its reputation as a year-round recreational destination. Rapple echoed Bean's comment. "The reality is, outdoor recreation is a huge component of the area's economy," he said. In his statement, Bean praised Barton Mines for their easement offer and the company's ongoing stewardship of their land holdings. "Barton has been responsibly managing an Adirondack natural resource to generate economic opportunity here for 146 years, and this project will add to that tradition in a new and exciting way." Participating in the July 24 presentation July was Charles "Chuck" Barton, CEO of the Warren-Washington Industrial Development Agency, who was Chief Operating Officer of The Barton Group for nearly 15 years. Also present was his brother Peter, who retired from his executive role in the company. Community leaders anticipate that the easement donation will complement the pending $43.6 million developments at Gore Mountain — featuring a new Ski Lodge, quad ski lifts, and a "rail zipline," expected to attract thousands of new visitors and boost the region's economy. The pending trail connections stemming from the easement donation reflect the objectives of the North Creek Recreational Trail Plan, prepared in 2019 by community volunteers working with the Warren County Planning Department, its consultants, and the town of Johnsburg. This plan's mission statement cites that the expanded trail network would "enhance the local economy, celebrate the natural environment, bring community members together, and promote a healthy and active lifestyle."

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Barton Mines' easement gift envisioned to boost area's recreational assets

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