ABSTRACT

Sustainability in principle and sustainability in practice can differ dramatically. Indeed, even the definition of sustainability is highly contested, with the term being appropriated by divergent interests to advance and serve their needs. The Adirondack experience provides a compelling illustration of the complications that can arise in attempting to define and implement sustainable ecosystem management in an economically marginal, but highly valued, region situated in close proximity to one of the wealthiest, most mobile populations on the planet. The Adirondack Park experience is representative of a number of American and worldwide trends that are relevant to ecosystem management. Bill McKibben a best-selling author and resident champion of the Park, considers the Adirondacks 'the world's first experiment in restoring an entire ecosystem'. Any attempt at ecosystem restoration raises questions about baseline ecological knowledge, possible unforeseen and undesirable ecological consequences, and questions of political acceptability.