POTSDAM -- Clarkson University Adirondack Semester students this year examined a New York State funded initiative to develop “hut-to-hut systems” in the Adirondack Park, a recreation trail system that will link lodging and other local visitor amenities with public lands.

Working with the Adirondack Community-Based Trails and Lodging System (ACTLS), and guided by New York State’s Department of Conservation, and the Adirondack Park Agency, a “loop” for the Saranac Lake region was created.

The students will make a 45-minute presentation Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m. in Clarkson's Moore House Room 1009A (#22 on the map at http://www.clarkson.edu/about/clarkson_map.pdf).

The trail designs intended to consider preservation of ecologically sensitive areas while maximizing scenic and human-powered recreational opportunities that will draw tourists to the region.

Huts and lodging for the system are being designed to be ecologically responsible while providing an attraction that allows tourists the benefits of overnight trips without having to pack heavily or own significant gear.

Based on existing trail and hut systems in the U.S., such a system centered in the historically rich and ecologically diverse region of Saranac Lake could drive significant economic opportunity for the region.

Read more about ACTLS website at http://www.adirondacktrailsandlodging.org.

While St. Lawrence County is not part of the larger state plan, it could be expanded in the future. The area of the current plan encompasses the five towns in the heart of the Adirondack Park, including Newcomb, Minerva, Indian Lake, Long Lake and North Hudson.

When complete, this new recreational opportunity could give another economic boost to the Adirondack community by creating incentives for the expansion of local lodging and amenities for visitors.

New York state and local municipalities are embarking on plans to knit the state-managed lands with communities and private holdings that complement one another. Stakeholders and others, such as the towns, the Common Ground Alliance, conservation organizations, Clarkson University, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and the Adirondack Park Agency are working on a number of planning activities to accomplish the integration of state lands with private and municipal holdings for the economic benefit of the region and the environmental protection of the Adirondack Park.