Acts of Wilderness (Re)Classification and Impacts on Well-Being

Since its inception in 1892, Adirondack Park (ADK) communities in Upstate New York, USA, have been subjected to near continual land use and regulatory changes. Over the last few decades these changes have been particularly... [ view full abstract ]

Since its inception in 1892, Adirondack Park (ADK) communities in Upstate New York, USA, have been subjected to near continual land use and regulatory changes. Over the last few decades these changes have been particularly intense as the state seeks to expand wilderness land through purchase and (re)classification action. A large majority of the time, the voices of Adirondack local communities go unheard. While pro-environmental organizations and those preservationally-minded celebrate such actions, many communities in the Central Adirondacks are not so optimistic. For example, wilderness (re)classification broadly restricts natural resource use, curtailing longstanding economic activities by Adirondack local community members (i.e. logging, mining). These actions and reactions call into question how disparate players in this system formulate understandings of the roles and utilities that forest resources play. This has led to conflict and even violence in some cases (actions in effigy and arson more generally). This paper compares effects of wilderness (re)classification on residents’ perceptions of community-level economic well-being, including tourism potential, to perceptions of and attitudes towards wilderness by a variety of stakeholders (i.e. Adirondack Park Agency members, tourists). Interviews show wilderness ideals at the core of why outsiders (tourists) seek out a visit to the Adirondack Park. With increases in (re)classification action and general pressure to act, there are inherent tensions between the tremendous potential for recreation, nature tourism, outdoor education, and research; and the potential limits put on local economies and local community identity. As a result, community well-being is more vulnerable than ever before. In this context, well-being is a holistic measure including economic realities and attitudes related to the lived experience of wilderness (re)classification. Although others have conducted study in national park/reserve settings outside the US using similar concepts (such as coercion and militarized conservation), this paper applies a political ecology lens asking who is privileged in wilderness (re)classification events and how this influences disparate stakeholders’ perceptions and attitudes towards the true role wilderness plays in the development of strong Adirondack community well-being.