The Black River Environmental Improvement Association (B.R.E.I.A.) was formed as a not-for-profit corporation on August 16, 1984. It is financed through a private, family foundation.

The purpose of B.R.E.I.A. is to develop a park system in which the public could enjoy healthful, outdoor recreation in a quiet, safe, and natural environment. Entrance and use is to be free of charge and unrestricted for the stated purposes. B.R.E.I.A. was created for the perpetual enjoyment of the public. Except for the management functions, it has only public uses. No portion is reserved for private functions.

In planning the system, the goal of protecting the environment while allowing public access was meticulouly adhered to. The trails go through breath-taking scenery, across and beside rushing streams and into deep forests. All construction uses environmentally-safe materials and displays an aesthetically-pleasing rustic stule harmonizing with the Adirondack region.

In order to accomplish the goals and guarantee the area would be available for future generations, it was also necessary to protect the lands of the park from development and commercial use.

The initial facility was a 10 kilometer trail on the towpath of the abandoned Black River Canal. Designed for year 'round use, the trail was, and continues to be, the most heavily travelled by cross-country skiiers. Bicylists and hikers can also be found on the nearly-level trail which includes the historic limestone locks of the old canal.

Today, B.R.E.I.A. boasts 50 kilometes of trails, most of which are machine groomed for cross-country skiing during winter months.

The recreation trails are only a small part of the system however. The thousands of acres surrounding the paths and bridges are waiting to be explored and all of the plants and animal life available for study.

The land is under three types of ownership: B.R.E.I.A., state, and private.

Rules for use of the properties are few. Motorized vehicles are not allowed. Firearms are not allowed. The philosophy of B.R.E.I.A implies the most important rule--respect the land and everything which lives there and respect others who use the system.

In 1992, B.R.E.I.A. became a supporting organization of the Adirondack Land Trust (A.L.T.). In 1998, 685 acres were granted A.L.T. easements, protecting it forever from development and guaranteeing its wild state.

The portions of the system on state forest lands are also permanently protected as open space.

B.R.E.I.A. trail system helps temporarily preserve open space on the remainder of its lands on the holding of a significant number of cooperating private land owners.

That protection will last as long as the agreements with the landowners and as long as the foundation endures.

Because the B.R.E.I.A. lands are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and no entry fee is charged, it is difficult to maintain an accurate head count of users. Each of the warming facilities have sign in sheets, but it is estimated that only about two percent of the skiers register.