This project recognizes that the Adirondack State Park places borders around land traditionally inhabited by the Haudenosaunee people. This project recognizes their sovereignty, respects their tradition and supports their enduring presence on this landscape.
About this Project:
Take a look at most maps of the mountainous region of upstate New York and you will see a distinctive blue outline. This is the official state boundary of the Adirondack State Park, otherwise known as the “Blue Line.” My project investigates environmental conservation history in the Adirondack region of New York State through a behind the scenes look at the geographic space defined by the Blue Line. This approach draws from the experiences of workers who executed conservation efforts in the region, with the goal of understanding the impact of individual conservation workers on the landscape through a survey of their experiences. The post-World War II era saw a shift in conservation efforts in the Adirondacks, by way of heavier legislation to control land use. However, the on-the-ground work that helped to execute this environmental legislation is often left out of sweeping historical narratives of the Adirondacks. This project attempts to fill that gap in the historiography of the region while giving a stronger voice to the individuals who have impacted it.
Behind the Blue Line is a collection of exploratory maps that investigates the experiences of conservation workers in the Adirondack region of New York State in the mid to late twentieth century. Through a survey of worker experiences and stories from conservation efforts in the region, an understanding of the impact of individuals on the landscape of the Adirondacks can be gained. This project also showcases the execution of conservation efforts behind the legislative decisions that have determined environmental policy in the Adirondacks and brings attention to the current environmental concerns faced by the region.
