SUNY ESF to Cut Ribbon on Newly Renovated Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower

Ceremony to take place 1 p.m., Oct. 14 at the Fire Tower

10/10/2025

NEWCOMB, N.Y. — Oct. 10, 2025 — The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) will celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower in Newcomb with a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14 to again give visitors to the Adirondack Park spectacular views to the autumnal splendor of the mountains.

ESF President Joanie Mahoney and members of the ESF community will hike the reopened four-mile Goodnow Mountain Trail for the ribbon-cutting at the fire tower. The event will begin at the trailhead and conclude with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the fire tower.

The tower and trail were taken offline July 7 to facilitate renovations. The project, funded by the SUNY Construction Fund and private donations, included the installation of new galvanized metal steps, roof, and landings that were airlifted to the mountaintop by helicopter. The project also included repainting the tower and restoring the cabin at its base.

“ESF is honored to steward the Goodnow Mountain property and proud to restore this historic fire tower for future generations,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “The tower has long served as a platform for scientific research and environmental education, helping deepen our understanding of the Adirondack ecosystem. The tower’s restoration reflects our commitment to preserving both the natural beauty and the legacy of this region. We’re grateful to be part of the Newcomb community and to continue our work protecting and enhancing this extraordinary landscape.”

“This fire tower should last another hundred years,” said Elizabeth Parsons, ESF senior project manager. “All the materials that we used are well suited for a fire tower in the Adirondacks on top of a mountain.”

The Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower was erected in 1922 to enable New York state to monitor for fires that could devastate the North Country’s forests and villages. Since then, along with providing a rewarding view of the Adirondacks to countless visitors, the tower serves scientists conducting research in a variety of disciplines.

About SUNY ESF

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.