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by Matthew T. Beal (Author)
Matthew's story begins shortly after the cleanup from the Big Blow, when Gould Paper Company, who had logged for decades in what is now known as The Moose River Plains Wild Forest, sold their land to the people of the state of New York.
Originally, the Conservation Department saw this wilderness area as a natural paradise for sportsmen. With its abundance of lakes and rivers set in a forest of pines and hardwoods, it was the ideal place to establish campsites for public use by anglers, hunters, hikers, and those who simply enjoyed being in the wild country. Matt's family brought him camping here as an infant, and he has visited regularly since then.
A journey through wild landscapes and cherished memories, this story is shaped by whispering pines, crackling campfires, the music of rivers and wildlife, and the timeless call of the Moose River Plains. For sixty years, these woods have been a sanctuary for me, my family, and my friends-a place of adventure, reflection, and deep connection with both nature and loved ones. My hope is that this book will encourage future generations to explore the Adirondack wilderness and all its wonders, creating their own indelible memories that will last a lifetime.
-Matthew Beal
This book celebrates the area that is close to his heart and mine. It's a family vacation chronicle illustrated with splendid photographs that reflect a period when access to the Plains was less restricted than at present. It also documents changes to the original intent and discusses measures that can be taken to support the continued preservation of the area for outdoor use. -William J. O'Hern, author of The Adirondacks-Moose River Plains: Life Around the Indian
