The Adirondacks

I can't recommend enough this program from PBS on my "home park", the Adirondacks. It's aired once on our local PBS station, and I'm hoping they will re-broadcast it; keep your eyes peeled.

I grew up in the Adirondack Park, the largest state park in the nation - larger, in fact, than several famous national parks put together. Within the Park, approximately 1/2 the land is owned by New York State and the other 1/2 is privately held. The balance that needs to be maintained between those 2 interests - public and private - is the most difficult question that faces people concerned with (and/or living in) the Park, and it is one of the main subjects of this documentary. Despite the presence of Bill McKibben, this program is a fair representation of the current state of the Park and the efforts of many people to grapple with how to meet the needs of the residents and those of the environment, both now and in the future.

The Adirondacks is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Some of the Park's beauty is best experienced by getting far out into the backcountry, but much of it can be seen within driving (or even walking) distance of its many small, beautiful towns. That fact - that you can experience nature in a fairly isolated and wild setting and still stay in a small town with "all the comforts of home" - is so unique; it's really what makes the Park so special. That and its people - fiercely independent, the most "Western" Northeasterners I've ever met - they are proud of their home and the fact that they can "make it" in such an unforgiving place.

Take a look - even just read the program notes on the PBS site - you'll find that the Adirondacks are a place worth knowing about. Enjoy.