Changing definition of nature

 This semester, we have discussed the different ways in which nature is defined in the Adirondack park and how this definition has changed our perception of the Park over time. The purpose of the Adirondack Park, in the eyes of mankind, is never stagnant; As our understanding of nature changes, so do our attitudes towards the Park. Throughout its history the Adirondack wilderness has been viewed as something to conquer, a resource to be cultivated, a recreation spot to be conserved, and a separate area to be preserved. Based on our class discussions, it appears that we are on the edge between the latter two definitions of the national Park in regards to state owned land. This is an important moment in history for the Adirondack park because we are in the process of again changing how we define nature.

The definition of nature in the Adirondacks has evolved since humans first inhabited the area. In the earliest history of the Adirondacks that we have discussed, Adirondack settlers set the first definition of nature as something to be conquered. The wild and infertile landscape created one of the first perceptions of nature as an obstacle to mankind's survival. In the late 1800's/early 1900's during the age of Industry, the ADK wilderness became a valuable resource for logging and paper industries. As the demand for timber grew exponentially, we changed our definition of nature to something that could be cultivated for industry. The industry boom desecrated vast amounts of Adirondack wilderness, destroying ecosystems and causing disastrous forest fires that threatened homes and valuable vacation spots for wealthy New Yorkers; the definition of nature gained a new facet as something to be conserved for recreational use. Today, excessive recreation and degradation of park land has prompted a new definition of nature as something to be preserved and kept largely separate from humans.

In today's age of global warming, declining resources and vanishing wilderness, preservation of nature has become a priority in the Adirondack Park. Recreation is becoming unsustainable and detrimental to the environment in many parts of the park. ATV's have carved up Adirondack trails and land has been overused by theme parks and mansions. Nature is more rare and valuable than it has ever been in history, and we are realizing that preservation may be our only way to ensure its survival. As this new definition of nature becomes more predominant in park land, we can expect significant changes in regards to humans' role in the Adirondack Park. Perhaps human use of ADK land will be increasingly restricted in State owned land. Whether this change is for the better is up to debate. Like the people before us, we are in the process of changing our definition of nature in the Adirondack Park.