Counties Want Adirondack Snowmobile Trail Decision Appealed

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The New York State Association of Counties wants a court decision on snowmobile trails appealed.

A mid-level state appeals court ruled earlier this month that the state Department of Environmental Conservation must halt planned construction of new wider snowmobile trails in the Adirondack Forest Preserve.

The court agreed with the environmental group Protect the Adirondacks, which said cutting 25,000 trees for the 27 miles of "community connector" trails violated the "forever wild" clause of the state's constitution. The decision redefines "timber" to include trees less than three inches in diameter.

The counties say the trail would benefit the environment by moving snowmobiles to the edge of the Forest Preserve.

A DEC spokesman says no decision has been made on whether to appeal to the state's highest court.