Frequently Asked Questions

This is a project of Unconventional Concepts, Inc. (UCI) at an existing site in the Town of Lewis, built around a former missile silo that dates back to the 1960s. The site has been in active use in its current role since 2017. Today, it supports limited, carefully authorized, government-managed testing focused on engineering research and understanding how systems perform in real-world conditions.

No. The site is not new. It was originally built in the early 1960s as part of the Cold War–era Atlas missile program, when a network of underground silos was constructed across the region to support national defense. The Lewis location was one of twelve sites connected to Plattsburgh Air Force Base, forming part of a broader system designed during a period of heightened global tension. 

After being decommissioned in the mid-1960s, the site remained in place as part of the region’s historic landscape. Today, it has been in active use since 2017 as a national government research location. The current process is focused on reviewing specific types of activity at the site—not creating a new development. It is a continued, controlled use of an existing facility with a long and well-documented history in the Adirondacks.

The property is privately owned and located within the Adirondack Park on land designated for low-intensity use. Activities on the site must follow state and local regulations and are reviewed by the Adirondack Park Agency (APA). 

Military training and related activity are not new to the region. The APA has worked with the U.S. military and the New York Air National Guard over time on training and operations in and around the Park. 

The work at this site follows that same framework. It is reviewed as part of the APA process and designed to remain within established guidelines.

The site supports government-led research and testing focused on engineering and how systems perform in real-world conditions. This work is non-kinetic and non-destructive, meaning it does not involve live munitions or explosive activity.

All activity is limited in scope, planned in advance, and carried out in a controlled way. Government officials are present during testing, and both local officials and nearby residents are notified ahead of time. Testing is designed to gather data and improve system performance—not to create ongoing or large-scale operations.

No. No explosive materials are used or tested at this site. All work is non-kinetic and non-destructive, focused on engineering research and system performance. Activity is limited, carefully planned, and carried out in controlled, short-duration events. Government officials are present during testing, and advance notice is provided to local officials and nearby residents.

Activity is limited to about 30 events per year, usually on weekdays. Each event is short and planned ahead of time.

Each event lasts only a short time, often just fractions of a second. There is no continuous or all-day activity.

No. This is a privately owned research site. It is not a military base. The property was originally built in the early 1960s as a missile launch site during the Cold War, part of a network of Atlas missile silos. In total, there were ten sites in New York State and two in Vermont, with several located within the Adirondack Park.

Over time, these sites were decommissioned but remain part of the region’s history. The Lewis site is one of those locations that has continued to exist and be reused. In the past, it has even hosted open house days, allowing members of the community to visit and learn more about the site and its history.

Today, the site operates as a private research location. It is a controlled and limited use of an existing site, not a new development or a military installation.

The sound from testing is brief and not ongoing. Based on studies, it is similar to sounds already common in the area, such as distant trucks, quarry activity, or thunder. It may also be comparable to the sound heard near a shooting range, which already exists in the surrounding area.

There are established sources of similar or greater noise nearby, including a local gun club a few miles away and active mining operations within close range that use large amounts of explosives. In comparison, sound from the site is short in duration and occurs infrequently.

For a visual diagram of sound levels, please visit our project page. At times, you may hear a brief, low sound lasting only a fraction of a second. These sounds are softer than most everyday noise in the area and happen infrequently, with long periods of quiet in between.

Because activity is limited, these sounds happen from time to time, not every day. Testing is announced in advance so local officials and nearby residents are aware before it takes place.

Each event is planned in advance with clear safety steps. Activity is monitored and kept within set limits. Local officials and nearby residents are informed ahead of time. All testing is reviewed by the U.S. government, with officials present during each event.

Yes. This is private property, and public use is not allowed. There is no hiking, camping, or recreational access at the site.

The land is managed under a New York State 480-a forest management plan. This is a long-term program focused on maintaining healthy forests and responsible land use. It includes working with forest rangers to care for the trees and protect the condition of the land.

Unconventional Concepts, Inc. maintains the property with a focus on environmental quality. This includes caring for both the site itself and nearby areas within the Park, including helping remove public trash when needed. The company also supports local groups that work to protect and maintain the Adirondack environment.

These efforts reflect a continued focus on stewardship, conservation, and respect for the land.

The review process looks closely at potential impacts on both the environment and local wildlife. The goal is to make sure activity remains limited and does not harm the surrounding area. Testing is brief, infrequent, and carefully controlled, which reduces the chance of ongoing disturbance.

Compared to other existing uses nearby, such as local shooting ranges, the overall impact is expected to be lower. Those activities often occur more regularly and for longer periods of time. At this site, activity lasts only a fraction of a second and is spaced out over time, allowing the area to remain quiet and undisturbed most of the time.

This limited approach helps protect the natural setting and supports the continued presence of local wildlife.

The site is already used for research. The current proposal focuses on specific activities within that existing use.

No. Unconventional Inc. does not own or operate helicopters.

Any helicopter activity observed in the area is related to outside organizations conducting their own authorized operations.associated with external organizations, including the U.S. Army, when training or joint exercises take place.

At times, helicopters may be seen in the area as part of scheduled training or coordination activities.

These aircraft are not owned or operated by Unconventional Concepts Inc. They are associated with external organizations, including the U.S. Army, when training or joint exercises take place.

Yes. Some activity involves small drone systems used for research and testing. These are operated in a limited and controlled way and follow all applicable regulations.

Drone use is common in the area, including by utilities, real estate professionals, and other authorized operators for routine work and inspections.

Drone use is restricted to the property and does not extend beyond site boundaries. Operations are planned in advance and conducted under defined procedures to ensure they remain within approved limits.

Drone activity in this area is regulated, and use over private property is not open to the public. Only authorized operations are permitted.Never leave property and in accordance with rules and regs

The project is currently in the hearing phase of the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) review process.

Yes. The hearing process allows for public participation and input.

Yes. Work connected to the site has included cleanup, support for local services, and contributions to local organizations. refer back to silo page

The goal is to provide clear, simple information so people can understand what is happening at the site and how it is being reviewed. We are committed to sharing accurate, factual information.

If your question isn’t listed here, please feel free to reach out. We are committed to providing clear, straightforward information and responding in a timely and thoughtful way. This page is updated regularly.