Home / Environment / Alibaba Co-founder Buys Adirondack Wilderness for Conservation
Alibaba Co-founder Buys Adirondack Wilderness for Conservation
1 Sep
Summary
- Jack Ma acquired 28,100-acre Brandon Park for $23 million in 2015.
- The estate includes 10 miles of the St. Regis River and vital wildlife habitats.
- The purchase emphasizes private ownership's role in conserving valuable landscapes.
In the summer of 2015, a significant portion of the Adirondack wilderness was acquired by Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba. Ma purchased the 28,100-acre Brandon Park estate in Franklin County for $23 million. This vast property encompasses nearly 10 miles of the St. Regis River, numerous trout streams, woodlands, lakes, and ponds.
Ma's representatives stated the primary purpose of the acquisition was conservation, though he also planned to use it as an occasional retreat. The estate includes considerable forest cover and habitats essential for wildlife, such as white-tailed deer. This purchase underscores the role of private stewardship in maintaining the undeveloped character of the Adirondack Park.
Brandon Park's conservation history predates Ma's ownership, having previously been part of a larger Rockefeller family preserve. While remaining private land, its acquisition by Ma signals a commitment to preserving its ecological value. A nonprofit entity was intended to manage the property, marking Ma's initial investment in conservation land outside China.
