Living in the serene communities of the Adirondack Park has always been a privilege. The natural beauty and tranquility of the park have been a part of our daily lives, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle for many of our visitors and full time residents alike. However, a new threat looms over this cherished landscape: the proposal for Unconventional Concepts, Inc., a defense contractor, to begin operations of a Howitzer cannon testing site within the park.

This proposal is not just concerning for the peace and quiet we've come to enjoy, but it raises significant environmental and safety concerns. The Adirondack Park is a protected natural area, home to a diverse range of wildlife and expansive forests that have been rigorously preserved over decades. Introducing a defense contractor into this ecosystem could lead to potentially irreversible and unknown damage to the environment. Noise pollution, potential for projectile ricochet to fly onto the Route 9 and I-87 (real concerns raised by Benét Laboratories, which was part of the reason his contract was canceled in 2023, according to FOIA documents provided by Adirondack Enterprise reporting), and disruption of wildlife are just a few of the very real threats this plan poses. When asked at local town meetings, Unconventional Concepts has stated no environmental impact studies have been done see what impact this may have on local wildlife. 

Furthermore, setting a precedent of allowing defense operations within the park jeopardizes the core values and protections that have made Adirondack Park unique and precious. The park's reputation as a sanctuary for both people and wildlife is at stake. No economic gain to a handful of community members can justify the kind of disruption from Unconventional Concepts or similar contractors.

The Howitzer heavy weapons testing that Unconventional Concepts wants to establish is just the most urgent matter of our concerns. According to a recently published NYT article with the owner, he also wants to start hosting drone competitions this summer. The future of what other military operations the owner of wants to conduct on the property remains uncertain, but he has left public meeting attendees with the impression that the Howitzer testing is just the beginning. 

The community is not opposed to Howitzer testing in general. Our concern is the fact that there are many places that this testing can be done outside the blue line. The FOIA documents provided to the Adirondack Enterprise also stated that there were plenty of existing Howitzer testing  sites, therefore there was no need  for a new site, hence why the contract was cancelled. So if that’s the opinion of the organization that canceled the defense contract, why do we need this in the park?

We urge the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) to consider the long-standing commitment to preserving this park's integrity and to listen to the voices of local residents who will be most affected. Instead of paving the way for future projects of a similar scope to be granted a permit, let's focus on eco-friendly initiatives that enhance the natural beauty of our park and support the local economy through sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.

Join us in standing against the establishment of defense operations in Adirondack Park. That's what Fort Drum is for! Let's protect our community, our wildlife, and our future. Please sign this petition to ensure that Adirondack Park remains a sanctuary for all who cherish its beauty and peacefulness.

NYT article https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/24/nyregion/howitzer-adirondacks.html

FOIA document links: https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/communities/government/army-branch-dropped-lewis-cannon-testing-over-safety-concerns-for-state-roads/