Role Cards
These descriptions are provided to give students a start on understanding their roles. Further research should be done for students to understand their roles and positions more fully.

FISHERMAN
There are many different types of fish in the Adirondacks. They are fished both for sport and for food. One of the points raised by fishermen in the past is that the construction of dams disrupts the life patterns of fish. Also, large-scale cutting of forests can alter the run-off of water into the streams, carrying more topsoil into the water.

SAWMILL OWNER
Many local residents rely upon locally milled lumber for basic needs such as housing. Many companies and consumers outside of the park would also buy lumber, providing an increase in jobs and money in the local economy. Sawmill owners would like to see a loosening of the restrictions on cutting on state land.

RIVER RUNNERS
Several companies operated on the upper reaches of the Hudson River providing rafts and guides for tourists during the spring and summer months. Any construction of dams or cutting of trees would alter the flow of the river and make their business prospects much less certain.

PRO-TAX RELIEF STATE LEGISLATOR
Many state legislators see the land of the Adirondacks as a possible source for tax revenue. Many counties in the park are among the poorest in New York State and development of land would increase its value and the amount of taxes collected by the state and local governments.

WILDLIFE MANAGER
The Adirondacks are home to the largest concentration of black bears in the lower 48 states. They are also habitat for a large number of other species that are threatened or endangered in other parts of the country. Development, even at the edges of the park or around existing towns could threaten the balance of the ecosystem by reducing the area that animals occupy undisturbed by humans.

FURNITURE MAKER
There is a long tradition of fine furniture making in the cities and towns that surround the Adirondacks. The peak of this manufacturing was 100 years ago, but many small companies continue, emphasizing craftsmanship and quality. An increase in logging would allow them to expand their output and provide more jobs in the local economy.

CANADIAN REPRESENTATIVE
Canada is very concerned about several environmental issues associated with the Adirondacks. The quality of stream run-off into the St. Lawrence River system, airborne pollutants, and chemicals in the water are among their concerns should development of the resources of the park be allowed.

MINING COMPANY
The Adirondacks are rich in mineral resources, many of which have not been exploited. The world's largest garnet mine is one of the current mining operations within the park boundaries. Further exploration could lead to the development of many more facilities.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE OWNER
Many recreational vehicle owners would like to have improvements made in facilities within the park that would allow them easier access. Among these improvements are wider roads, parking facilities, service areas, and gas stations.

WILDERNESS EXPLORER
People enjoy exploring the park by hiking its many trails, canoeing its rivers and lakes, and climbing its mountains. Further development of the park would make these experiences easier for more people, but would degrade the wilderness for those who are devoted to the wilderness.