Proposition 5 Endorsed by New York League of Conservation Voters

New York City-based environmental organization urges voter support for Adirondack Land Swap

LEWIS, NY (10/22/2013)(readMedia)-- Proposition 5 on the New York State ballot has received the endorsement of The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV).

Calling the proposition (also known as The Adirondack Land Swap) "an important environmental issue," the League wrote in its "eco politics daily" blog that the proposal will preserve 100 jobs and provide new access to mountains and streams in the Adirondacks.

"The New York League of Conservation Voters is proud to lend our support to this initiative ... Please vote YES on Proposition 5 on Nov. 5!" the League wrote.

The League of Conservation Voters is a non-partisan organization that describes itself as "the only statewide environmental organization in New York that fights for clean water, clean air, renewable energy and open space through political action."

By approving Proposition 5 on Election Day, New York voters will approve expanding the Adirondack Forest Preserve by 1,500 acres of forests that are rich in fishing and hiking opportunities and that provide greater public access to the Jay Mountain Wilderness, Hurricane Mountain Wilderness and Taylor Pond Wild Forest. Included are more than two miles along Spruce Mill Brook, more than a mile along Derby Brook and approximately one mile along the north branch of the Boquet River.

In return for these new lands, New York State would provide longtime Adirondack business NYCO Minerals Inc. with temporary access to 200 acres of Forest Preserve land that immediately adjoins NYCO's wollastonite mine in the Town of Lewis, Essex County. Providing this access will allow NYCO to continue its operations at the site for an additional eight to ten years, helping sustain 100 jobs very important to the fabric of this rural community. At the conclusion of this period, NYCO would reclaim and replant the 200 acres and donate the land back to the Forest Preserve.

Proposition 5 is good for the environment and the economy of the Adirondack Park. It provides more open space and recreational opportunities in the Adirondack Forest Preserve and protects 100 jobs and the communities, schools, churches, fire departments and small businesses that depend on NYCO and its employees.

For more information, please visit www.adirondacklandswap.com