ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the methods used to measure biological diversity of the Park, optimal biological goals for the future, and methods for better protection of the Adirondack Park's biological resources. The Park's current land-use plan, enacted by the Legislature in 1973, is one the nation's earliest attempts at whole landscape analysis and protection of complete ecosystems via comprehensive regulatory programs for private lands and state land management. The Park is within a day's travel of 70 million people who increasingly look to it for all forms of recreation. Elements of the Park's biodiversity that should receive protection consideration because they are most vulnerable include both rare elements and ecologically sensitive elements. The Park is exposed to many of the forces and processes that are, worldwide, altering the nature of ecosystems. These stresses include global climate change, urbanization, increased intensity of access and recreational use, competing uses for natural resources and loss of habitat.
