The Niskayuna-based environmental group Protect the Adirondacks! is urging state voters to approve an Adirondack land swap that will appear on the statewide election ballot Nov. 3.

The swap would trade six acres of state forest land in Colton, St. Lawrence County, where a new power line now runs, for 10 acres of private land that will be added to the state Forest Preserve.

Voter approval is required because the swap would amend Article 14 of the state constitution, which established state lands in the Adirondacks as "forever wild."

The 46-kv power line was built along Route 56 to improve power reliability in the Tupper Lake area.

The alternative to crossing state land would have been a route roughly four miles longer cutting through private forest.

"We believe the amendment and land exchange make sense because this is an important electric reliability project, it saves many acres of working forests owned by private landowners adjoining the highway, and protects sensitive Adirondack plants, animals, and wetland systems," said Save the Adirondacks! Executive Director David Gibson.