The ADK Silo Project

The work at this site builds on activity that has been in place since 2017. Located in Lewis, New York, the property includes a former missile silo and existing support structures. The site is used for authorized government system testing and performance—focused on understanding how systems operate in real conditions. It is not new development and does not involve large construction or expansion. Each test is conducted under government oversight, with regulation and presence throughout.

Activity at the site is limited and planned in advance. Testing takes place in short, controlled events throughout the year, with long periods of no activity in between. The work involves remote sensing and detection. It looks at how systems observe and measure in real conditions.

This is non-kinetic and non-destructive. There are no live munitions and no explosive materials used.

Each event lasts only a fraction of a second. Every test follows set procedures to make sure it stays within expected limits. This is not daily or ongoing use. Most of the time, the site is quiet and inactive.

Some sound may be heard briefly at nearby locations. Based on noise modeling, sound levels are expected to be similar to familiar rural sounds, such as distant thunder or a passing truck.

The key difference is duration and frequency. These sounds are short and infrequent, not ongoing. There is no continuous noise, and normal quiet conditions return right away.

The project is designed to work within the existing setting. It uses current structures and cleared areas, without changing how the land looks or functions day to day. Activity is limited in scope and carefully managed so the surrounding environment remains the same. The property is private land. It is not part of a National Park, and public recreation is not allowed at the site.

The land is also managed under a New York State 480-a forest management plan. This is a long-term agreement focused on responsible forestry and conservation. It involves working with forest rangers to maintain tree health, manage the land, and support the overall condition of the forest.

The goal is simple: allow controlled use of an existing site while maintaining the quiet, natural character of the Adirondacks.

The Adirondack Park is a mix of public and private land, with clear rules that guide how land can be used. These rules are set by the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) and are designed to protect the natural environment while allowing certain types of activity.

Military training and related activity are not new to the region. The APA has a long history of working with the U.S. military and the New York Air National Guard on training activities in and around the Park. These efforts are allowed and have to follow environmental review requirements and are carefully planned to avoid impacts. 

The work at the site is structured to stay within these rules. Activity is limited, planned in advance, and carried out in short, controlled events. It does not involve ongoing operations or continuous use.

The site uses existing infrastructure and does not involve large-scale construction or expansion. Most of the time, the property is quiet and inactive.

Have questions? Visit our FAQ page for clear answers about the site and how it operates. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, send us an email. We’re glad to help and will respond as openly and transparently as possible.