Satellite-Projected Image of Blue Line to be Implemented
Schroon Lake, N.Y. — Originally proposed in 1885, the installation of a visible boundary to define the borders of the Adirondack Park is finally a reality.
The new border will consist of a satellite-projected image of a blue line, designed to commemorate the blue ink that was used to define the Park boundaries when they were first drawn on New York state maps leading up to the Park’s official establishment in 1892.
The Blue Line Projected Perimeter Project was spearheaded by the Adirondack Cartologists Society, and it has been been supported widely. Project proponents boast that the highly visible, defined boundary provides several benefits.
First, as a tourism destination since the late 1800s, the Adirondack Park’s lack of entrance gates has long been a source of confusion for leisure travelers to the region. Destination marketing representatives confirm that confusion exists. “Visitors often complain that they want to brag about entering the park, but are not sure when exactly they cross the Blue Line,” said Jimmy McKanta, president of the Adirondack tourism bureau. “With the increased importance of word of mouth promotion via social media, that ‘bragging’ is of more marketing importance than ever before."
Perimeter Project committee member Dave Shore was responsible for acquiring the grant funding for the development of the graphics and the actual satellite technology. Shore touts the maintenance-free nature of the projected Blue Line. “A line that is painted or otherwise physically drawn on the ground would require caretakers,” he said. “The projected blue line will show on TOP of the snow and leaves, eliminating the need for shoveling or raking.”
Wildlife advocates are also in favor of the project, highlighting the benefits of a purely visible blue line versus a physical boundary with access gates. “We are pleased that once the Projected Perimeter is in place, it will not affect wildway corridors,” said John Axis of the Adirondack Black Bear Society. Although the organization has expressed interest in a physical border to the Park as a checkpoint for things such as the transfer of invasive species, and firewood from outside the park, they agree that the positives outweigh the negatives. “Once out of hibernation, the bears, and all other animals for that matter, will be free to leave the Park.”
While the project has been met with unprecedented support for an initiative of its significance, some groups have expressed concern. The Park in the Dark Coalition, a local environmental group that seeks to protect the land inside the Blue Line from any increased light pollution, has made some proactive suggestions. “We’d like to suggest that at the very least, a darker blue within the electromagnetic spectrum is used,” said Willie Rightway, a representative from the Coalition. “That caveat would be appreciated, in order to keep the wavelengths of visible light down to a reasonable level.”
Elected officials see the projected Blue Line as having potential economic benefits. “This Projected Perimeter could have a built-in revenue component,” said Mayor Rabideer of the Saranacs. “A visitor Park Pass could be introduced, perhaps with a projected Blue Line-activated QR code. Those without one would be able to pay for them at strategically placed electronic kiosks. Passholders would earn a list of benefits, including 6er and 46er trail access.”
The Projected Perimeter Project committee has not yet finalized a Blue Line time line, but anticipates implementation no later than the 150th anniversary of the Adirondack Park’s establishment.*
For more information about the Blue Line Projected Perimeter Project, contact the Adirondack Cartologists Society via GPS or visit adirondacksusa.com.
*The preceding story is fabricated in celebration of April Fools day, popular for the commission of good-humored practical jokes of varying sophistication.
