Mavs00
08-07-2009, 09:51 AM
After a very vigorous selection process, the Foundation is proud to announce that that the 2nd project being financed this year (in addition to the Mt. Adams Firetower Restoration) is a project submitted by the Adirondack Ski Touring Council.
After a selection process by -OUR MEMBERS (http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/membership.php)-, they voted on supporting the following grant proposal.
Adirondack Ski Touring Council: (Submitter: Tony Goodwin)
Project: Jackrabbit Trail Easement Purchase.
Purpose: To ensure trail continuity for the 4-season Jackrabbit Ski Trail from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake and allow for western trail access to the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area and McKenzie and Moose mountains. That access is currently covered only by a revocable easement.
Grant Details: Currently, the trailhead on McKenzie Pond Road in Saranac Lake is the only trail access to the west side of the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area for the Jackrabbit Ski Trail. Currently, the trailhead and first ˝ mile is privately owned. Permission has been granted by the owner for the purchase of 400 ft of easement and a re-routing of the trail on safer, ski-friendly terrain. The project will also create significantly better parking – especially for winter users. Currently, the parking at the existing trailhead is an unsafe situation and the Town of N. Elba has placed signs prohibiting parking on the roadway - effectively blocking winter access to the current trail start. The Council and the Town of N. Elba have partnered to construct a Snowplow turnout at the new trailhead that will ensure safe parking along McKenzie Pond Road. Upon completion of the project the Jackrabbit ski trail will have year-round public trail continuity from Lake Placid all the way to Saranac Lake as well as a safer parking situation Along McKenzie Pond Road.
We will be fundraising and donating an amount (up to $5000) that will be used to partially fund (1/3 funding) the purchase of the easement, construction costs and associated fee’s (specific breakdown is available). They are receiving other funding to make up the total amount of the project ($15,000)
That's right..... after going up high with the -MT. ADAMS FIRETOWER (http://adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8800)- restoration program, we have chosen to "stay low" with this project and support a "lowland" project that we know will make a huge difference to the Adirondack recreation community. :tup:
It goes without saying that the Jackrabbit Ski Trail is an incredible Adirondack recreational resource with a rich history (perhaps Tony can provide a brief overview :) ). Becoming involved with this project, along with our ongoing Mt. Adams restoration project, will have a significant impact on the landscape of the Adirondack recreational community. I hope that ALL of you, will somehow find a way to help contribute to this effort. I know that, for me, I will take great pride the first time I'm able to gaze out from the Adams tower, or drive by McKenzie Pond Road and see cars parked SAFELY off the road, that I was a part of that. That I helped make a difference. I hope that we all will be able to feel that.
I would like to personally thank all of the submitters for making this such a great process and submitting worthy proposals from which to choose from. For one, I am extraordinarily happy to be be involved in such wonderful project's.
All money raised through the end of this fundraising cycle trough donations (tax deductible), auctions (more coming on this). and other sales will go to these two projects. Spread the word, and let's MAKE THIS HAPPEN.
After a selection process by -OUR MEMBERS (http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/membership.php)-, they voted on supporting the following grant proposal.
Adirondack Ski Touring Council: (Submitter: Tony Goodwin)
Project: Jackrabbit Trail Easement Purchase.
Purpose: To ensure trail continuity for the 4-season Jackrabbit Ski Trail from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake and allow for western trail access to the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area and McKenzie and Moose mountains. That access is currently covered only by a revocable easement.
Grant Details: Currently, the trailhead on McKenzie Pond Road in Saranac Lake is the only trail access to the west side of the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area for the Jackrabbit Ski Trail. Currently, the trailhead and first ˝ mile is privately owned. Permission has been granted by the owner for the purchase of 400 ft of easement and a re-routing of the trail on safer, ski-friendly terrain. The project will also create significantly better parking – especially for winter users. Currently, the parking at the existing trailhead is an unsafe situation and the Town of N. Elba has placed signs prohibiting parking on the roadway - effectively blocking winter access to the current trail start. The Council and the Town of N. Elba have partnered to construct a Snowplow turnout at the new trailhead that will ensure safe parking along McKenzie Pond Road. Upon completion of the project the Jackrabbit ski trail will have year-round public trail continuity from Lake Placid all the way to Saranac Lake as well as a safer parking situation Along McKenzie Pond Road.
We will be fundraising and donating an amount (up to $5000) that will be used to partially fund (1/3 funding) the purchase of the easement, construction costs and associated fee’s (specific breakdown is available). They are receiving other funding to make up the total amount of the project ($15,000)
That's right..... after going up high with the -MT. ADAMS FIRETOWER (http://adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8800)- restoration program, we have chosen to "stay low" with this project and support a "lowland" project that we know will make a huge difference to the Adirondack recreation community. :tup:
It goes without saying that the Jackrabbit Ski Trail is an incredible Adirondack recreational resource with a rich history (perhaps Tony can provide a brief overview :) ). Becoming involved with this project, along with our ongoing Mt. Adams restoration project, will have a significant impact on the landscape of the Adirondack recreational community. I hope that ALL of you, will somehow find a way to help contribute to this effort. I know that, for me, I will take great pride the first time I'm able to gaze out from the Adams tower, or drive by McKenzie Pond Road and see cars parked SAFELY off the road, that I was a part of that. That I helped make a difference. I hope that we all will be able to feel that.
I would like to personally thank all of the submitters for making this such a great process and submitting worthy proposals from which to choose from. For one, I am extraordinarily happy to be be involved in such wonderful project's.
All money raised through the end of this fundraising cycle trough donations (tax deductible), auctions (more coming on this). and other sales will go to these two projects. Spread the word, and let's MAKE THIS HAPPEN.