Acquisition Increases Public Access and Recreational Opportunities
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Adirondack Land Trust today announced the addition of 250 acres to the Forest Preserve on Moxham Mountain between Minerva, Essex County and North Creek, Warren County. The acquisition will increase public access to the south side of Moxham Mountain for hiking and rock climbing.

“Working with partners like the Adirondack Land Trust, New York is protecting the Adirondack Forest Preserve for future generations while providing visitors with new opportunities for recreation. The addition of 250 acres on Moxham Mountain is a great example of how land conservation leverages environmental and economic benefits for New Yorkers and visitors alike,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “DEC partnerships with land trusts are vital to achieving our conservation goals, and we look forward to continuing to work together to protect and enhance our shared environment.”

“The Adirondack Land Trust has always focused on how protected lands can benefit communities,” said Adirondack Land Trust Executive Director Mike Carr. “We are proud to partner with DEC and the Town of Chester to help conserve a beloved local landmark. This is an example of how a small but strategic land purchase can have wider impact and protect New York’s collective investment in the Forest Preserve.”

The Adirondack Land Trust purchased much of the south face of Moxham Mountain in 2019 from the Brassel and Zack families and the Brassel estate for $160,000. On Aug. 6, the land was transferred to New York State for addition to the Forever Wild Forest Preserve, in accordance with the family’s wishes. DEC and the Student Conservation Association opened a northside trail to Moxham’s 2,418-foot summit in 2012, as part of the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest. The current 2.7-mile trail climbs 1,152 feet and offers more solitude than some of the Adirondacks’ popular peaks.

“The town of Chester looks forward to this opening up more public access to Moxham Mountain. This is right in line with our comprehensive recreation master plan, and it affords the public more opportunity to access Moxham and the surrounding area,” said Chester Town Supervisor Craig Leggett.

“This exceptional Adirondack landmark will remain forever undeveloped and beautiful, and eventually accessible to those who want to enjoy its unique terrain. Moxham’s cliffs command attention and challenge hikers to reach the top, where they can enjoy views of Gore Mountain and the Hudson River to the south and the High Peaks to the north,” said Mary Brassel Zack, who grew up in the Adirondacks and now lives in Pennsylvania, and whose parents bought the land in the 1950s.

The mission of the Adirondack Land Trust is to forever conserve the forests, farmlands, waters, and wild places that advance the quality of life of communities and the ecological integrity of the Adirondacks. The land trust has protected 26,710 acres since its founding in 1984. To learn more, visit the Adirondack Land Trust website or contact info@adirondacklandtrust.org, (518) 576-2400.

Moxham Mountain, site of 250-acre purchase in 2019 for addition to the Forest Preserve. Photo courtesy of the Adirondack Land Trust.