Adirondack Mountains
A mountain massive in northeastern New York forming a dome which was created by glaciation many million years ago. Many lakes dot the landscape of the region, including Lake George, Lake Placid and Lake Tear of the Clouds. There are numerous small and medium sized settlements which are inhabited by both humans and supernaturals. The area is a popular tourist attraction in all seasons for outdoor activities.
Adirondack Park
The park is part of New York's Forest Preserve program. It covers almost the same area as the mountains do. Managment of the park is in the hands of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Adirondack Park Agency.Special Territories
The special territories in the mountains are all controlled by members of the Adirondack Park Alliance.Wild Forests
Wilderness Areas
Etymology
The exact origin of the name is unknown. One possibility is the Mohawk word ha-de-ron-dah which means eaters of trees. According to missionaries this was a derogatory term used for the Algonquians who did not practice agriculture. They had to sometimes eat tree bark during harsh winters to survive. The first recorded use of the name was in 1837 by Ebenezer Emmons.Ecology
The region is the southernmost point of North American taiga and dominated by spruce, pine and deciduous trees. As the many lakes indicate there are many wetlands in the mountains. This habitat is home to many different animal species. These include a wide range of amphibians, birds and reptiles. Mammals native to the mountains are raccoon, beaver, river otter, bobcat, moose, black bear, and coyote.Natural Resources
The mountains are rich in several minerals and lumber. However, resource extraction is very limited since the establishement of the Adirondack Park. Adirondack Logging is one of the last logging businesses in the region. In the past many different settlements were founded by miners some of which are now abandoned like Tahawus.
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