In addition, ADK throughout the early '90s until the recent purchase, was busy urging the Champion Corporation to sell and the New York to buy these lands. Lobby efforts by staff and ADK members remained consistent and strong. At 1997 Open Space Hearings across the state, ADK members appeared in enormous numbers to support the purchase of the Champion parcels. And lobbying by ADK's counsel and Deputy Executive Director, Neil Woodworth helped pave the way for this historic purchase and agreement. The Santa Clara lands are comprised of a mix of northern hardwood and conifer forest cover types, and include many bogs and wetlands.
Portions have a nearly pristine boreal wilderness character.
The land has a mix of rivers, ponds and low mountains and hills. Its three major rivers, the Deer River, the East Branch of the St. Regis, and Middle Branch of the St. Regis are all included in the Wild, Scenic and Recreational River System. They include stillwater, whitewater, waterfalls and rapids. The Santa Clara Tract is located in west-central Franklin and eastern St. Lawrence counties. From the west, Potsdam, N.Y., follow Route 11B east to Nicholville.