State officials sign deal to protect 84,000 acres

ALBANY — New York officials have signed conservation easements with a lumber company to protect more than 84,000 acres of timberlands in the northeastern Adirondacks from development.

The state paid $10.8 million last week to the Lyme Timber Co., of Hanover, N.H., that will provide some public recreation access as well as ongoing logging in the Sable Highlands according to certified conservation standards.

Department of Environmental Conservation spokesman Yancey Roy said it followed through on a commitment the state made almost four years ago in January 2005.