What is "The Bob"?
408,000 acres of wild lands
441 lakes and ponds 25 gateway communities... |
The
Bob Marshall Wild Lands Complex, or "The Bob", as it is commonly
referred to, encompasses over half a million acres of both public and private
land. Located largely within the western sector of the Adirondack Park, this
region was first identified as an important conservation area by the renowned
forester Bob Marshall in the early 1900s. Today the Bob serves as the largest area
of protected private and public lands in the eastern United States,
encompassing 408,000 acres, 441 lakes and ponds, over 400 miles of hiking trails,
and 71 miles of rivers. Deep within the heart of this complex stands one of the
largest old growth woodlands in the east, with some trees surpassing
300 years of age. Completely devoid of developed roads, over 85% of this land
is now under the protection of either state ownership or conservation
easements. Surrounded by 22 gateway communities, the trails and waterways within these wild lands give visitors the
opportunity to experience this spectacular natural treasure, and provide a
glimpse into the North Country as it was centuries ago.
The importance of maintaining such large masses of land untouched by development, both to people and wild animal and plant species, cannot be overstated. Such expansive, unpdisturbed wild lands are essential for the maintenance of large, wide ranging species such as bear, eagle, and moose. In fact, moose have just recently reestablished themselves within the Adirondack Park almost a century after they were driven from the area. The sanctuary the Bob provides has played a key role in their reintroduction, and indeed, it has been estimated that this complex has the capacity to sustain virtually all native Adirondack animals and ecosystems. This provides hope that species such as wolf and cougar, natives no longer found in the Park, might one day return and thrive within the Adirondacks. |
400+ miles of hiking trails
71 miles of Wild, Scenic, & Recreational Rivers 22 gateway communities... |