Clarence Adelbert Petty (August 8, 1905 – November 30, 2009) was an American Supervising Forest Ranger in the Adirondack Forest Preserve, a conservationist and an avid outdoorsman. He is best known for his advocacy supporting protection of the Adirondack Park. Petty graduated from

Saranac Lake High School Saranac Lake High School is located in the village of Saranac Lake, New York, USA. There are currently about 350 students in grades 9 through 12. It is under the jurisdiction of the Saranac Lake Central School District, whose offices are housed o ...

in 1925, struggling with mathematics. In the same year, he matriculated into the forestry program at the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University. Again struggling in college, he was given a job to teach the use of a transit theodolite and survey equipment, though, early on, he barely understood these instruments himself. Teaching others helped Petty develop both a better understanding of surveying and a better appreciation for social interactions. He graduated in June 1930. One of his enduring legacies is the classification of land in the Park as either forest or wilderness; this classification determines permitted uses. In wilderness areas, motor vehicle access is very limited; snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, seaplanes, and motorboats are prohibited. The classification resulted in large part from his study of more than of rivers and streams, a project he undertook by canoe and portage in the early 1970s. He was in his 60s at the time. Petty worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps during the

Great Depression The Great Depression (19291939) was an economic shock that impacted most countries across the world. It was a period of economic depression that became evident after a major fall in stock prices in the United States. The economic contagio ...

and served in the Navy as a pilot in the Pacific during World War II. He remained an active pilot and flight instructor into his 90s. He bequeathed his homes in Canton and Corey, New York, to the Nature Conservancy after his son Ed's lifetime tenancy.

Accolades

In tribute, ''Adirondack Explorer'' magazine's Dick Beamish wrote an obituary for Petty.Beamish, Dick. (2010, March/April).
''Adirondack Explorer'' 12 (2): 23. Saranac Lake, NY. He wrote that "In reference to heview (mentioned in the ''New York Times'' obituary) that Clarence was 'repressive and arrogant'... Nothing could be further from the truth." which brought forth many letters from readers. Portions of resulting submissions follow. * "Clarence was a man's man and a gentleman's gentleman. He spoke out calmly and passionately for the Adirondack Park. He listened to the opinions of others and refrained from attacking their views. Even those who disagreed with him found him a man to respect." * "A 'Clarence Petty Great Wilderness' (of some near Cranberry Lake) rings a sweet bell. That would be a deserving capstone for his dedication, perseverance, and lifelong contributions." * "Ever since I subscribed to the 'Adirondack Explorer', the first segment I would look for would be 'Questions for Clarence.'" * "I regret never having met him and being able to thank him for the single-handed efforts that ensured that one of the most beautiful and intriguing places on this Earth would remain that way forever." * "I've enclosed a check in his memory to use as you see fit to promote his causes. A foundation should be formed in his name. Let this be the start." Ballston Spa

Notes

References

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Petty, Clarence 1905 births 2009 deaths State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry alumni American foresters Adirondack Park Civilian Conservation Corps people People from Saranac Lake, New York American centenarians Men centenarians Scientists from New York (state)