Moss Island and Citizen Activism

Moss Island was saved from becoming simply a bridge support largely by the activism of Paul Stewart and a few others from the SUNY Albany Save our Environment Group. They fought and asked questions, raised concerns and spoke out against constructing the bridge over Moss Island. Instead the bridge was moved slightly to the south and is virtually as quick to get to Little Falls.

Citizen activism in one’s community can really make a difference. While the national environment may be almost untreactable, citizen activism on the local level can make a real difference. Often the opinions of citizens are dismissed by governments as unworkable only to be implemented after enough activism forces government to reconsider the default options.

Moss Island today is a big draw for rock climbers and tourists alike. It provides a beautiful place to walk, enjoy nature within city limits, to carefully observe the natural wonders known as the potholers. Indeed, what city leaders at one time just viewed as a place to cross is one of the city’s greatest assets