Feb 20, 2008 — Less than a week after the state unveiled a plan to add more than fifty thousand acres of the former Finch, Pruyn land to the Adirondack forest preserve, the Spitzer administration has unveiled the purchase of another big chunk of land. State officials say New York has acquired nearly 7000 acres of land around Tahawus, in the Essex County town of Newcomb. Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

Feb 14, 2006 — New York's Department of Environmental Conservation is planning to restore and preserve a fire tower in the Central Adirondacks. The proposal is included in the DEC's draft Unit Management Plan for the Blue Ridge Wilderness and Wakely Mountain Primitive Area. The plan calls for keeping the Wakely Mountain fire tower, fire observer's cabin and a wooden helipad for radio communications, historic preservation and recreation. While fire tower supporters are backing the plan, others say it violates long-standing state environmental policy. Chris Knight reports.  Go to full article

Jun 23, 2003 — An 8.5 million dollar land deal announced last month will add thousands of acres to the state forest preserve, on the southern edge of the Adirondack High Peaks. Conservation and outdoor recreation groups have praised the deal. But it will almost certainly mean the removal of an antique fire tower that sits on Mt. Adams, near the town of Newcomb. Brian Mann made the climb last week and sends this audio postcard.  Go to full article

Sep 07, 2001 — Fire towers are almost all gone from mountaintops in the Adirondacks. But not so in the West: commentator Betsy Kepes has the long view from a ridgetop in Idaho, where her summer combines fire spotting with tourist relations.  Go to full article

Aug 07, 2001 — Commentator Betsy Kepes has the view from her summer home--atop a fire tower in Idaho.  Go to full article