JOHNSBURG, N.Y. (AP) — The family of environmental activist Howard Zahniser has granted New York state a conservation easement on the cabin where much of the Federal Wilderness Act of 1964 was drafted.
The easement allows for the site to be protected as part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. The family also donated more than five acres of land to the state as a tribute to their late father’s wilderness advocacy.
The lands are in the Town of Johnsburg in Warren County. The gift, announced Wednesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the signing of the historic Wilderness Act.
Since the signing of the National Wilderness Act 50 years ago, the amount of federally designated wilderness areas has grown to 109 million acres in 44 states.
