Landscape of Hope | 2020–2021 Reflecting on 2020 and Looking Ahead

Dear Members and Friends, One of those problems that people of In 2020, you and our partners all backgrounds and beliefs continue to accomplished a great deal on behalf of Please accept our sincere thanks for work on and care about is the overuse the ecological integrity, wild character, everything you have done to help of and wear and tear on our most and people of the Adirondacks. preserve the Adirondack Park. This is a popular wilderness lands and waters. vast landscape filled with fragile niches Governor Cuomo, the Department Thank You, of solace and refuge. In the face of a of Environmental Conservation and global pandemic, economic challenges, the state Legislature responded by systemic racism, polarizing politics, and recognizing the problem, identifying climate change crises, the Park has recommended changes in management, William C. Janeway become more important than ever. and by providing additional funding. Executive Director

The progress addressing these Part of the money to pay for these crises in the past few months has changes will come from the $300 Whitney Industries has listed 36,000 acres been encouraging. That’s because million Environmental Protection in Long Lake for sale. It is now possible to people who love the Adirondacks Fund; which will aid both wilderness permanently protect these lands and waters. The pulled together. Rather than trying preservation and the economy. Adirondack Council looks forward to working with to shut out the rest of the world, the colleagues in the land trust community and state Adirondacks remained a “Landscape Please enjoy this annual review of and local officials to secure the future protection HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC. © CARL PHOTO of Hope” open to all. The Park remains elected and appointed officials’ actions CONTENTS of these lands, listed as priorities in our 2020 a place where people come together affecting the Adirondack Park’s clean VISION research series and in the NYS Open to solve problems and work to make water and clean air, wildlands, and 2 Letter from the Executive Director Space Conservation Plan. the Adirondacks more welcoming and communities over the last 12 months. inclusive – even if we have to socially This is the only comprehensive account William C. Janeway 5 2020 Report Card distance from one another for a while. of the state of the Park and includes a Executive Director 6 The Governor 2020 “report card” and 2021 priorities. @WillieJaneway 8 State Legislature 11 The Courts Board of Directors Ethan Friedman Staff Members Mary Godnick Ongoing Project Attorney General Rush Holt Marketing and Communications Associate Consultants 12 Chair Robert J. Kafin William C. Janeway Julia Goren Michael A. Bettmann, M.D. Lee Keet Executive Director Adirondack VISION Project Director Adirondack VISION Project 13 Tip of the Hat Eric W. Lawson Tom Woodman Vice-Chairs Rocci Aguirre Jerome Page Racey Henderson Sarah C. Hatfield Deputy Director and Director of Conservation Essex Farm Institute Program Director Clean Water Initiative Justin Potter 14 Preserve Whitney! Laurel Skarbinski Jackie Bowen David J. Miller John Reschovsky Jess Kelley p.14 Legal Counsel Treasurer Conservation Associate Development Assistant Brian Ruder Karyn A. Booth, Esq. Local Government Daniel J. Ryterband 16 Kate Russell Elaine Burke Casey Marvell Thompson Hine LLP Secretary Douglas Schultz Director of Operations Policy Fellow Noah Shaw Phil Gitlen, Esq. 18 Dept. of Environmental Conservation Liza Cowan Kevin Chlad Ryan Nerp Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP Douglas Stewart Our Mission Director of Government Relations Seasonal Research Associate Kurt Abrahamson Curtis R. Welling Scott B. Goldie, Esq. Caroline Dodd * 21 Adirondack Park Agency Emily M. Bateson Ethan Winter Deborah J. Pastore Conboy, McKay, Bachman, and Kendall LLP The mission of the Adirondack Council is to ensure the Seasonal Research Associate Mary Bijur Development Director Matthew Melewski, Esq., ecological integrity and wild character of the Adirondack David E. Bronston Diane Fish Federal Government John F. Sheehan The Boutique Firm 23 Charles D. Canham, Ph.D. Senior Advisor Director of Communications Park for current and future generations. Ann E. Carmel Bernard Melewski, Esq. J. A. Tyler Frakes Georgina Cullman, Ph.D. Charlotte Staats * 25 Other Agencies Membership Director J. Michael Naughton, Esq. Executive and Program Assistant Thomas Curley Young/Sommer Written and Edited by Adirondack Council Staff Philip R. Forlenza Lisa M. Genier 26 Awards Program Analyst * Clarence Petty Intern View online at: AdirondackCouncil.org Copyright 2020 - Adirondack Council 27 2021 Priorities Cover: Lake George from Cat Mountain PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC.

2 ADIRONDACK COUNCIL STATE OF THE PARK 2020–2021 3 2020 ABOUT REPORT THE PARK CARD

PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC.

The Adirondack Park is the world’s largest intact temperate deciduous forest. It is also the largest park in the contiguous United States. It contains six million acres (9,300 square miles), covers one-fifth of New York State Elected and appointed government leaders made decisions late in 2019 and is equal in size to neighboring Vermont. The Adirondack Park is nearly three times the size of Yellowstone National Park. and in 2020 that affected the legacy of the Adirondacks. Here is a More than half of the Adirondack Park is private land, devoted report on the 2020 State of the Park priorities (issued Sept. 2019). principally to hamlets, forestry, agriculture, and open-space recreation. Nearly 775,000 acres are protected from development by conservation easements Defend the East’s Protect Clean Water and Support Working Forests held by the state or private organizations. The Greatest Wilderness Reduce Road Salt Pollution and Farms Park is home for 130,000 permanent and 200,000 The state provided a total of $1 billion The state recognized the need for but seasonal residents in 120 hamlets and 9 villages. The Governor recognized the problem this year for clean water grants to did not significantly improve incentives, The Park hosts 12.4 million visitors yearly. of overuse. The state dedicated more funding, reassigned a few Forest Rangers, communities; provided a larger grant regulations, funding, or policies to help the Nearly half of the Park is publicly owned and embraced recommendations to better for Lake George; and the Senate and Park’s ecologically sustainable, climate- Forest Preserve, protected as “Forever preserve world-class wildlands, protecting Assembly passed bi-partisan legislation friendly working forests and farms. The state Wild” by the NYS Constitution since visitor safety, natural resources, and the to establish a state task force to address authorized $2.5m for climate-resilient farms, 1894. About 1.1 million acres of these visitor’s opportunity for a wilderness road salt pollution and keep roads safe. again, but none for the Adirondack Park. public lands are protected as Wilderness, experience. A poorly designed amendment where non-mechanized recreation may be to constitutional protections for “Forever Strengthen the Improve Community enjoyed. Most of the public land (more Wild” on Cathead Mt. was set aside. Adirondack Park Agency Communications than 1.4 million acres) is Wild Forest, where motorized uses are permitted on State: Combat Climate The Governor and Senate get credit for The state did not require telecom designated waters, roads and trails. agreeing on a new, improved full slate companies to provide universal Change and Acid Rain of nominees to the APA board, including broadband access in the Park; or Plants and wildlife abound in the Park. Old New York dedicated new funds and new and returning board members improve cell coverage with incentives for growth forests cover more than 100,000 staff for and started to execute the with needed expertise. However, while “substantially invisible” infrastructure in acres of public land. The western and Climate Leadership and Community the Agency can function, it has not communities and on major highways. southern Adirondacks are gentle landscapes Protection Act; fought acid rain in court; indicated that it is stronger and remains of hills, lakes, wetlands, ponds, and streams. In promoted clean energy and closed the underfunded, understaffed, and ill-equipped Expand the northeast are the forty-six High Peaks. Forty- state’s last coal-fired power plant. with outdated conservation tools. Conservation Funding three of them rise above 4,000 feet and 11 have alpine summits that rise above the timberline. Federal: Combat Climate Update Invasive The state authorized expanded funding including a $3-billion “Restore Mother Species Protections The Adirondacks include the headwaters of Change and Acid Rain Nature Bond Act” and a $300 million five major drainage basins. Lake Champlain and The Trump administration policy changes The state extended, but did not strengthen, Environmental Protection Fund together the Hudson, Black, St. Lawrence, and Mohawk Rivers all MAP KEY at the Environmental Protection Agency the law against the transport of invasive protecting pure water, air, wildlife, draw water from the Adirondack Park. Within the Park are rolled back progress combating climate species; advocates have another year to and wildlands, and addressing climate more than 2,800 lakes and ponds, and more than 1,500 miles Public Forest Preserve change and acid rain. The Adirondack persuade state leaders to require that change, overuse and pollution. In an of rivers, fed by an estimated 30,000 miles of brooks and streams. Council and others successfully challenged boats and trailers be decontaminated historic action, Congress fully funded the Private Land some of these changes in court. at state inspection stations prior to Land and Water Conservation Fund. Through public education and advocacy for the protection State Conservation Easement launch in Adirondack waters. of the Park’s ecological integrity and wild character, the Adirondack Council advises public and private policymakers Waterbodies on ways to safeguard this great expanse of open space. Select Communities

4 ADIRONDACK COUNCIL STATE OF THE PARK 2020–2021 5 Great Plan, Who’s Says Goodbye, Good Cleaning Up Doing the Work? Riddance to Coal the Queen THE Despite advances in planning and policy Governor Cuomo closed the last coal-fired The Governor added $9.4 million to a objectives, the Governor’s commitment power plant in New York in March, retiring $3-million Water Infrastructure Improvement to controlling overuse and overcrowding Somerset Station on the shore of Lake Act grant to the Village of Lake George, plus on the Forest Preserve can only come Ontario in Barker, Niagara County. The a Department of Environmental Conservation GOVERNOR to fruition through the deployment 675-megawatt plant was opened by New $2.5-million Water Quality Improvement of adequate personnel. So far, he has York State Electric & Gas Corp. in 1983. Project grant, bringing the total state rearranged the Forest Ranger force, but The Town of Somerset plans a park on part PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC. investment to $14.9 million in a new sewage has not added the positions needed to of the 1,800-acre parcel. Coal-fired power treatment system. The remaining cost of the Steady at pressures on the state budget this year. Given for planning how the state will comply with carry out their work. More Forest Rangers, plants are a primary source of acid rain. project will be covered by a zero-interest loan the Helm its potential for local economic stimulation, the requirements of the Climate Leadership planners, land managers, trail crews, from the Environmental Facilities Corporation. the Adirondack Council urges the Governor and Community Protection Act of 2019. The scientists, and engineers are still needed. Seeking Diversity in This investment will result in a total savings Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s handling of the and Legislature to pass and present a new Act, which is the most ambitious climate law Troubled Times to village taxpayers of nearly $25 million. Coronavirus pandemic was a master bond to the voters as soon as possible. in the country, requires New York to reduce Park Agency Nominees class in public administration. He calmly For the second year in a row, the final economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions Slate Much Improved confronted the reality of Overuse Task Force: by 40 percent by 2030, and by at least 85 budget included $250,000 for the a wave of infections that percent by 2050 (based on 1990 levels). In June, the Governor nominated a full Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI), which flooded into New York Strong Actions Needed slate of candidates for the Adirondack seeks to make the Adirondack Park a City from Europe, while In November 2019, Governor Cuomo and the Investing in Park Agency (APA) board that included more welcoming, diverse, equitable, and repeating a message of Department of Environmental Conservation individuals with experience in environmental just place for visitors and residents alike. unity and perseverance. (DEC) created a task force to develop the Future law, science, planning, and wilderness Nicole Hylton-Patterson of the Bronx was His daily briefings were a plans to address the ecological, public In his proposed budget, the Governor did preservation. Nominated and confirmed by hired in 2019 as the ADI’s first executive reassuring source of calm safety, and community issues associated not seek to reduce the amount committed the Senate were environmental scientist director. She works for the Adirondack for listeners from coast with overuse on the Park’s most popular to environmental projects through the Zoe Smith, former Supervisor for the Town North Country Association, a not-for-profit to coast, which stood in CUOMO trails. Released in June 2020, the group’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). of Fine Mark Hall, Supervisor for the Town community- and economic-development stark contrast to voices in initial report called for limits in trail and In a difficult state budget year, the EPF of Johnsburg Andrea Hogan, and retired organization, and is also supported by a Beachgoers are greeted with a warning of Washington. Overall, he led the state from parking capacity (beginning with a pilot remained at $300 million during budget Central New York Regional Director for the team of volunteers. When Hylton-Patterson elevated E. coli bacteria in Lake George. the highest rates of infection to the lowest project), better sanitation, improved public negotiations with the Legislature. The DEC, and lawyer, Ken Lynch. Re-nominated to was targeted with hateful racially oriented in about two months. He also used this interaction, and more comprehensive fund dedicates $31 million for parks and new terms were Elk Lake Lodge owner and graffiti in Saranac Lake in July 2020, Reality Calls, platform to denounce police brutality and planning. A more detailed report came open space. The “state land stewardship” environmental philanthropist John Ernst, the Governor backed up his commitment call for racial justice and equity. out in August. Adirondack Council Deputy part of the EPF increased to $34.4 million former Lake Pleasant Town Supervisor Dan by ordering a criminal investigation. Collect Director and Director of Conservation Rocci from $33 million and includes funding for Wilt, and Lake Placid resort owner Art Lussi. In response to calls for better cell phone Bonding Economy Aguirre is a member of the task force. the Governor’s effort to curb overuse and Wilderness preservation author and college Smarter Communities coverage statewide, the Governor in to Ecology Cancelled overcrowding in the High Peaks Wilderness professor Chad Dawson’s term had not and Visitors September 2019 appointed a task force Panel to Form Area and other popular Forest Preserve yet expired at the time of the nominations to assess the coverage gaps and propose In April, the Governor and Legislature but did on June 30, 2020. That leaves In the final budget approved by the Climate Plan destinations. For the first time in years, the solutions. Rather than seeking a cooperative approved a $3-billion Restore Mother budget didn’t include a raid on funds from Dawson as the only member of the board Legislature and the Governor, the EPF solution, some local Adirondack officials Nature Bond Act, ostensibly showing that In February, Governor Cuomo made the the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. without the protection of a defined term. included funds to help Park communities. have pressured the Governor to abandon environmental protection can be a source of final two appointments to his 22-member It provides $2 million for community the state’s successful policy of screening economic recovery in these times of social Climate Action Council, which is responsible Agency Rules Antiquated, smart growth grants, of which $600,000 cell towers and other tall structures from and financial strain. But in late July, the was slated for Adirondack communities. Staff Decimated (x2) view (adopted February 2002). Officials Governor withdrew it from consideration Also included is more than $10 million for claimed that the Adirondack Park had been by the voters, citing a lack of federal “There’s a real question of The Governor didn’t strengthen the Climate Smart Communities, plus another left behind when it comes to coverage, while support during the COVID-19 crisis and a what’s the maximum use Adirondack Park Agency’s outdated rules for $4.5 million for “Climate Resilient Farms.” the rest of Upstate was connected. The faltering economy. If it had been approved of the resources without development, nor did he replace the staff lost Funding for invasive species controls task force quickly dispelled those notions. by voters in the November election, the to budget cuts made more than a decade ago, remained at just over $13 million and It studied the costs of better cell coverage Bond Act could have provided capital damaging the resources during the Great Recession. Environmental Lake George will get $450,000, as it did across Upstate New York and found it would projects funding to address climate change, and a balance between science has advanced significantly since in 2019. The EPF provided $300,000 split require $633 million to fill coverage gaps clean water, overcrowding/overuse on the tourism, economic the Agency’s regulations were last updated between the Paul Smith’s and Newcomb outside of the rough terrain and sparse Forest Preserve, and created jobs. State development and in 1987. The APA had 72 employees under Visitor Centers, and $2.1 million to populations of the Adirondacks and Catskills. investments in clean water would bring new Gov. George Pataki. Today it has 54. promote local culture, trails, and parks in It has not reported an estimate for the filtration and treatment plants and much- preservation is needed.” Warren, Essex, and Hamilton counties. cost of full coverage inside the two parks. needed relief to local property taxpayers. - Governor Cuomo addressing overuse PHOTO: NANCIE BATTAGLIA Fixing the problem Park-wide will require The COVID-19 crisis has placed unusual special funding and state supervision.

6 ADIRONDACK COUNCIL STATE OF THE PARK 2020–2021 7 North Country Association, has a new Lifting a Assemblywoman Didi Barrett that enhances executive director, Nicole Hylton-Patterson Legal Stigma protections for certain endangered of the Bronx. She hopes the organization species. Currently, there are many STATE can help make the Adirondack Park a more Sen. Peter Harckham, D-South Salem, endangered species that would be at welcoming and just place for visitors and and Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, risk of losing protection if the United residents. Several Adirondack communities D-Poughkeepsie, introduced legislation that States Department of Interior were to LEGISLATURE held vigils and protest marches in June would remove a significant remove species from its list of protected to denounce police violence and systemic barrier for those seeking species. This legislation would provide racism following the murder of George Floyd to sell a conservation New York State the authority to review easement to the state that PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC. in Minnesota and subsequent protests. these actions prior to a species losing includes public recreation its protection and make a decision in the BOTH HOUSES which increased to $34.4 million from Low Sodium Diet Coming for a on private property. The best interest of its wildlife. The legislation $33 million. An additional, $1.2 million for for Adirondacks Firsthand Look bill would remove any is pending the Governor’s signature. “Essex County Overuse” was included in the liability for landowners Environmental Conservation Committee Acting to Preserve the land protection and management funding Sen. Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo and Sen. and leaseholders arising Chairs Englebright and Kaminsky made Closing a Environment & Create Jobs for the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Elizabeth Little, R-Queensbury, joined with from injuries by those HARCKHAM Assemblymen Billy Jones, D-Chateaugay, special trips to the Adirondack Park using hiking trails on Loophole In April, the Legislature approved a $3-billion following the 2019 Legislative Session and Daniel Stec, properties covered by a conservation Both houses passed legislation (A.2655/ Restore Mother Nature Bond Act. The Bond Invasive Species Transport to better understand issues facing the R-Queensbury, to pass easement. Conservation easements S.3392) sponsored by Assemblyman Act would have provided capital projects Law Extended to 2021 Park and its communities. Both know and the bipartisian “Randy are agreements in which landowners Steven Englebright and Senator Rachel funding to address climate change, clean value the Adirondacks and the laws that Senate Environmental Conservation Preston Road Salt give up certain property rights (such as May, that will regulate oil water, and overuse on the Forest Preserve. protect its natural resources. They met Chair Todd Kaminsky, D-Long Beach, and Reduction Act.” This development and recreation rights) but and natural gas waste in State investments in clean water would with environmental organizations, Park his counterpart in the Assembly Steven legislation aims to reduce retain ownership of the land and the rights New York as “hazardous bring new water purification and treatment residents, local officials, and visited local Englebright, D-Setauket, road salt contamination to farm, harvest timber, etc. Some potential waste.” Despite New plants, and the people to run them. Clean businesses. They also found time to unwind agreed to a one-year in wells, especially sellers have been reluctant to include York’s ban on high-volume energy investments would mean new jobs in the woods, on the water, and on the trails. extension of the law along state highways recreational rights in their agreements due hydraulic fracturing, building, improving and maintaining solar, banning the transport of in the Adirondacks. KENNEDY to concerns over personal injury lawsuits. there was a loophole wind, and hydro-power facilities. Energy invasive species from one It would establish the which did not regulate conservation projects bring new jobs in waterbody to another. The Adirondack Road Salt May, Fahy Adapt the transportation, building and installing modern heating and ban requires boaters to Reduction Task Force and FDR’s Playbook treatment, storage and ENGLEBRIGHT cooling equipment, and in buttoning up ensure that their crafts direct the departments disposal of oil and natural leaky, older buildings. Bond Act monies could In an attempt to help jumpstart the are clean, drained, and of Transportation, gas waste as “hazardous waste.” The new also be used for much needed recreational economy in the wake of the COVID-19 dry before entering state KAMINSKY Environmental law will ensure toxic and harmful oil and facilities as part of a comprehensive plan to pandemic, Sen. Rachel May, D-Syracuse, waters. The law was set to Conservation, and natural gas waste is handled with the utmost combat overuse. In July, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Assemblywoman expire in 2019 but was extended to 2020 by Health to conduct a caution and does not contaminate New withdrew the Bond Act from consideration by Patricia Fahy, D-Albany, a similar agreement. It is now set to expire in three-year, road salt York’s air and water. The Governor signed voters, citing a lack of federal aid during the sponsored a bill to create June of 2021. This allows advocates such as reduction pilot program JONES the legislation into law in August making COVID-19 crisis and a sagging state economy. a new Works Progress the Adirondack Council another opportunity on every state road in the New York the first in the Nation to close L-R: Kaminsky, Janeway & Englebright Administration in New to seek an amendment that requires boat Park. Recent testing by the Adirondack the hydraulic fracturing waste loophole. New Funds inspections prior to launch, throughout Watershed Institute at Paul Smith’s College York. The program would showed that 64% of tested drinking water Strengthening Regional put people to work on for Wilderness the Adirondack Park. The state has already More Work Needed created a network of free boat inspection wells downhill from state roads were Food Systems much needed public In a difficult state budget year, the and decontamination sites around the Park. found to have sodium levels exceeding infrastructure projects, on Key Issues Legislature approved a $300-million Assembly and Senate Agriculture Committee the federally recommended health limit which would aid the FAHY In a year overshadowed by the COVID-19 Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The Chairs, Donna Lupardo, D-Binghamton, of 20 parts per million. The legislation economy and conservation pandemic and the massive call to action for final budget agreement also removed a and Jen Metzger, D-Middletown, sponsored now requires the Governor’s approval. at the same time. Areas of concentration racial justice, lawmakers had their hands full. provision that would have paid state staff legislation to establish New York State would include: contact tracing, conservation Still, there are several issues the Legislature salaries from the EPF, which is reserved Food Supply Working Group. The legislation and climate change projects, projects to should take action on if it comes back to for capital projects only. For the first time Budget Boosts Adirondack (A.10607-A/ S.8561-A) is designed to improve boost New York’s creative economy, and session in 2020. They include bills that in several years, the budget didn’t include Diversity Effort the resiliency of New York’s food supply projects that enhance the agricultural sector. would create incentives for better private a raid on the Regional Greenhouse Gas chain as the COVID-19 pandemic exposed Understanding that diversity, equity, and forest and farm management, legislation to Initiative. In addition to $31 million for parks areas for opportunity. Through a stakeholder inclusion are important in every corner Protecting address the misuse of ATVs and UTVs, and a and open space, the fund is slated to pay process the working group is looking to of the state, the Legislature approved the Endangered Species law to prevent the destruction of the Park’s for parts of the Governor’s effort to curb $250,000 proposed by the Governor this reduce the vulnerability of New York’s food Both houses passed legislation (S.8750/ most sensitive private wildlife habitat, via overuse and overcrowding in the High Peaks year for the Adirondack Diversity Initiative supply chain and strengthen regional food A.4077-A) sponsored by Senate EnCon new, conservation-minded subdivision rules. Wilderness Area and other popular Forest A boat steward inspects a motorboat before launch (ADI). The ADI, a program of the Adirondack systems. The legislation passed both houses Preserve trails via “state land stewardship,” and is pending the Governor’s signature. Committee Chair Todd Kaminsky and

8 ADIRONDACK COUNCIL STATE OF THE PARK 2020–2021 9 SENATE ASSEMBLY Protection Fund, insisting that it remain funded at $300 million or more, while also ensuring that it included funding to relieve Bond Act Would Benefit On the overuse and overcrowding on popular Economy & Environment Soap Box trails in the Adirondack Forest Preserve. THE Senator Kaminsky and Majority Leader Assembly Environmental Conservation Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-Yonkers, Chairman Englebright and Speaker Carl For ATVs, championed the passage Heastie, D-Bronx, led their Bigger Isn’t Better of the Restore Mother support of the $3-billion COURTS Assemblyman John Salka, R-Oneida, Nature Bond Act, guiding Restore Mother Nature sponsored a bill that would allow dune- it to easy approval in Bond Act, guiding it to buggy-like Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) to PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC. their house. The Bond easy approval in their be registered for use for the first time in required under the Clean Air Act. Since Sadly, the court deemed this use by a few Act would have helped house. The Bond Act New York. The bill would raise the current Federal Court Upholds September 2017, the Trump administration hundred people a year to be essentially both the economy would have helped both weight limit for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) Anti-Pollution Rule refused to enforce the “Good Neighbor” the same as allowing anyone to use it. and the environment the economy and the eligible for registration from 1,000 to In September 2019, the U.S. Court of policy. The Council was a party in this case. There are tens of thousands of registered by financing projects environment by financing 1,500 pounds. The current limit ensures Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld snowmobile users within a half-day’s drive that create jobs and STEWART-COUSINS projects that create jobs HEASTIE that only smaller (up to two riders) ATVs a strengthened version of the Cross-State of this site. The DEC relied on an exception sustain eco-tourism while and sustain eco-tourism are allowed on public lands. The higher Air Pollution Rule. This rule is a landmark to the Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers improving water quality, preventing while improving water quality, preventing weight limit would permit much larger emission standard under the Clean Air Act’s Act that allows existing uses to continue. erosion, and protecting wildlife habitat. erosion, and protecting wildlife habitat (See UTVs (a.k.a. side-by-sides) which can hold “Good Neighbor” policy, designed to protect The Council was a party in this case. In July, Gov. Andrew Cuomo withdrew the Acting to Preserve the Environment & Create up to six riders and do more damage to downwind states such as New York from Bond Act from consideration by voters. Jobs on pg 8). They also rallied support roads and trails than smaller ones. in their chamber for the Environmental coal-fired air pollution from upwind states. It Federal Court Initially Eyesores Won’t reduces sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, Misapplies Pollution Rule and the resulting soot, smog, and acid rain.

Improve Coverage The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency In May, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the In late 2019 and 2020, Senator Little joined Senator Little Retires Farewell to Eco- estimates this rule will prevent more than District of Columbia incorrectly deferred to the U.S. Environmental Protection with some local Park officials in a call to State Senator Elizabeth Little, R-Queensbury, Champion Brodsky 67,000 asthma attacks each year and will abandon the Adirondack Park Agency’s Agency (EPA) when it rejected Maryland’s will retire from the Senate at the completion provide American families with over $12 in (APA) successful policy of concealing cell Retired long-time Assembly Environmental and Delaware’s appeals for protection of her term on December 31, 2020. She has health benefits for every dollar invested. towers from view. Making towers taller and Conservation Committee Chairman Richard from upwind air pollution. Coal-fired represented the 45th The Council was a party in this case. uglier won’t help expand coverage. Contrary Brodsky – winner of the Adirondack Council’s smokestacks on 36 power plants upwind of District since 2003. to complaints, cell companies report Legislator of the Year and Conservationist these states cause acid rain all year long. Little previously served Court Orders Trump EPA that the APA’s standard has not delayed of the Year awards Each plant has pollution controls installed seven years in the to Protect NY, NJ deployment of towers. Most locations with -- passed away in April to curb sulfur- and nitrogen-based smoke. State Assembly after limited cell coverage lack sufficient potential of 2020. A Democrat In July, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the However, those controls aren’t sufficient having been elected in a subscribers to attract vendors. Newer from Greenburgh in District of Columbia told the Environmental in spring and summer to prevent nitrogen special election in 1995 technologies that will allow more coverage Westchester County, Protection Agency (EPA) that they must pollution from mixing with heat and to represent the 109th of communities and travel corridors use Brodsky served in carry out their obligation to stop states sunlight to create smog. So these plants District. When Senator equipment that doesn’t require stand-alone the Legislature from from allowing smog-causing air pollution also have a second set of controls that Ron Stafford announced LITTLE Wild and remote section of the Upper Hudson River towers. Deployment of these technologies 1983 to 2010. Brodsky emissions to blow into New York and New they must turn on, but only when the EPA his retirement in 2002, PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC. in rural areas may require state incentives. helped create the Jersey, preventing us from meeting air orders them to. Prior EPA administrators Little ran for and won the State Senate Environmental Protection BRODSKY quality standards. The ruling is expected routinely granted petitions from states seat. Little said her greatest legislative NY High Court Weakens Fund (1993) and the Clean to prevent thousands of premature deaths, seeking relief from upwind pollution. But achievement has been the approval of Wild River Protections Water Clean Air Bond Act (1996) as well as due to lung diseases, and it will also help in 2017, the Trump administration began five state Constitutional Amendments to legislation to curb acid rain and discourage to curb acid rain. Under the Clean Air Act’s The NYS Court of Appeals misinterpreted denying all such petitions and started address matters specific to the Adirondack New York power plants from selling pollution “Good Neighbor” policy, it is illegal for state law when it ruled 4-3 that the Dept. requiring downwind states to meet an Park. In each case, she collaborated with allowances to upwind coal-fired power any state to create enough air pollution of Environmental Conservation (DEC) could unreasonable and unscientific burden in the Adirondack Council to ensure the plants. Brodsky was a candidate for state that it causes a public health hazard in a open a new public snowmobile trail on proving harm. New York, Connecticut, and amendment would meet with the approval of attorney general in 2006 and 2010. Brodsky downwind state. The court agreed that NY a formerly private road next to a “Wild” New York City filed similar petitions in 2017. conservationists and citizens statewide. The dropped out of the 2006 race to be a kidney and NJ receive excess summertime smog section of the Upper Hudson River. Wild river The Council was a party in this case. The 45th Senate District includes six counties, donor for his then 13-year-old daughter. from 350 coal-fired power plants and other corridors are supposed to be managed as victory in the New York case effectively two cities, 83 towns, 20 villages and the U.S. He retired from public office in 2010. sources in nine different states. It also motor-free Wilderness. Prior to the state’s reversed the loss in this case. portion of Akwesasne, the indigenous Mohawk agreed that the EPA should be ordering purchase, the Chain Lakes Road in Indian Nation that straddles the Canadian border. those plants to turn on their already- Lake was used for snowmobiling only by installed summertime smog controls, as private club members and their guests.

10 ADIRONDACK COUNCIL STATE OF THE PARK 2020–2021 11 ATTORNEY TIP OF GENERAL THE HAT

PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC. James Lawsuit PARTNER CONTRIBUTIONS In 2019, the Ausable River Association Will Save Lives completed a three-year rehab project to Each year the Adirondack Council repair trout habitat on the Dream Mile Attorney General Letitia James saved many recognizes individuals and not-for-profit between Wilmington and Black Brook. The lives when she persuaded the three-judge organizations whose work has advanced Association also warned that Mirror Lake panel of U.S. Court of environmental protection and shown how had become so contaminated by road salt, Appeals for the District nature and people can thrive together in it was no longer turning over in the spring of Columbia in July the Adirondack Park. and fall, which will lead to an oxygen- to issue a unanimous depleted dead zone at the bottom. decision to force the U.S. In October, the Adirondack Mountain Environmental Protection Club hired Michael Barrett, an attorney The Adirondack Land Trust paid $200,000 Agency (EPA) to protect who served in the NYS Assembly Codes for five acres on Indian Carry and Indian Oxbow on the Raquette River, Tupper Lake Committee and for two governors, to New York and New Jersey PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC. Point on Upper Saranac Lake, which will be from smog emitted by replace a retiring Neil Woodworth as added to the Saranac Lake Wild Forest Area other states. Under the JAMES Executive Director. In November 2019, the Wild Center of the publicly-owned “Forever Wild” Forest “Good Neighbor” policy in published a tool kit that will allow others Preserve. The Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI) the Clean Air Act, it has been illegal since to duplicate its successful Youth Climate hired Nicole Hylton-Patterson as its first 1990 for any state to emit enough smog- Summits. Executive Director. causing air pollution to cause a public health risk in another state. The court said In the face of economic pressure brought the EPA was obligated to force more than Junk oil-tanker cars lay idle next to the Boreas River in the heart of the Adirondack Park - After by New York’s free tuition program at SUNY 350 power plants in nine upwind states to public outrage the junk cars were removed by owners Iowa Pacific in the spring of 2018 colleges in 2019, Clarkson University PHOTO: BRENDAN WILTSE turn on already-installed pollution controls. moved its Adirondack Semester program The EPA estimates that the summer smog Suing to Save Water, out of downtown Saranac Lake and on to controls prevent thousands of premature Reclaiming Railroad the Paul Smith’s College campus, helping deaths each year in the Northeast, most Through ‘Abandonment’ Birds, and Amphibians both private institutions. of them in NYC and NJ and help prevent a Attorney General Letitia James’ staff In May 2020, the Attorney General In October 2019, the Adirondack North return of acid rain. The Trump administration pressed ahead with efforts to persuade sued the Trump administration over its Country Association launched a new was the first to refuse relief to New York. the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to weakening of the Clean Water Act. This Upper Saranac Lake grant to fund projects ($2,500 to $45,000) declare a section of railroad “abandoned” Act regulates water quality by making it PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC. L-R: ADI Executive Director Nicole Hylton- designed to strengthen local farms, food between North Creek and Tahawus. The illegal to discharge pollutants into U.S. Patterson and DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos entrepreneurs, food hubs, and cooperatives. In the summer of 2019, a state boat designation would prevent future rail car waters without a permit. The changes launch steward trained by the Adirondack junkyards on the site by taking control away the Trump administration finalized in The Adirondack Foundation and Watershed Institute stopped an infestation from Iowa Pacific Holdings of Chicago, which April weakened the requirements of the Cloudsplitter Foundation issued of the invasive plant hydrilla into Lake was storing dozens of derelict oil tankers National Pollution Discharge Elimination special grants in 2020 to help families, Champlain. In 2020 a boat with zebra there. Local and state officials could then System and eliminated protections for communities, and businesses address the mussels was stopped and cleaned before seek public input on the best public uses for seasonal tributaries and vernal pools that COVID-19 and economic crises. entering Lake Placid. Well-trained stewards the corridor. Part of the railroad was built are important to amphibian and reptile are doing an outstanding job of spotting on state Forest Preserve by order of the reproduction. The Adirondack Park Agency The Environmental Defense Fund and the and removing unwanted plants and animals federal government in the 1940s to extract Act does a better job than federal law of Sierra Club joined with the Adirondack from boats and trailers prior to and following minerals needed for fighting World War II. protecting Adirondack waters from pollution. Council to intervene on behalf of New York launching on Adirondack waters. The mine has been closed for roughly 50 However, water in other areas of New York State, New York City, and Connecticut Coal-fired power plant along Lake Erie years. More recently, rail bike excursion will suffer from Trump’s actions. Migratory in a suit petitioning the Environmental PHOTO: ISTOCK businesses have used part of the line. birds and other wildlife can be affected by Protection Agency for smog relief. Beet harvest at Juniper Hill Farm in Wadhams the quality of waters outside of the Park. PHOTO: BEN STECHSCHULTE

12 ADIRONDACK COUNCIL STATE OF THE PARK 2020–2021 13 “ADIRONDACK FOREVER WILD IS FOREVER PRESERVE WHITNEY! INCOMPLETE WITHOUT WHITNEY” - William C. Janeway, Adirondack Council

G .OR GES RIMA LARRY , MASTE N MASTER Lows Lake Round W E Lake 5 Ponds S Wilderness Long Lake Little Tupper Lake Slim Pond

Lake Lila William C. Whitney Wilderness Lake PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC. Eaton MAP KEY Salmon Long Lake Public Forest Preserve Lake Whitney Industries Land ICONIC, 36K-ACRE WHITNEY PROPERTY FOR SALE Private Land

Conservation Easement Whitney History Brandreth Little Forked Waterbodies Lake New York State Founded in 1897, the Whitney’s Adirondack estate Marylou bequeathed the remainder of the property on Lake in the Town of Long Lake is nearly as old as the her passing in 2019 to her widower John Hendrickson. Whitney Industries Land Adirondack Park (1892). It was established by William He has placed the entire estate up for sale. Today, Sargent Pond C. Whitney, Secretary of the Navy during the Cleveland the 36,000 acres or 57 square miles is equal Wild Forest administration and a member of a sportsmen’s club on in size to Staten Island, or 2.5 times the Little Forked Lake. He purchased about 80,000 acres. size of Manhattan. The property includes the historic Great Camp Deerlands, William C. Whitney was the grandfather of Cornelius wildlife nurseries to the region, providing State Open Space Conservation a 17-bedroom, 11-bath rustic-style protected habitat for local and migratory Vanderbilt “Sonny” Whitney. Sonny Whitney also cared mansion with outbuildings including a Plan Recommends Protection deeply for the local landscape, returning whenever he birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles two-story boathouse on Little Forked The Whitney property comprises the northeastern could to oversee his timber operation and preserving whose homes are threatened elsewhere. Lake built by William West Durant. corner of the Adirondack Council’s proposed 408,000- important fisheries. In 1958, he married actress Marie Perhaps most important of all, the acre Bob Marshall Great Wilderness or Wildlands Louise (Marylou) Schroeder. He sold pieces of the Whitney property’s limited development An Ecological Paradise Complex, which would be large enough and wild estate to neighbors and associates over the years. He and lack of public highways allow it to enough to host the return of large Adirondack natives passed in 1992. In 1997, Gov. George Pataki bought for The Whitney property contains more than connect a broad array of Adirondack such as the moose, timber wolf, and someday, the $17 million a 15,000-acre tract containing Little Tupper 30 lakes and ponds and hundreds of miles of wildlife habitats and ecosystems. These cougar. The last moose and last cougar recorded Lake, which was until then the largest private lake in brooks and streams, a series of interconnected uninterrupted connections will be crucial to as shot by hunters in the Adirondacks were shot on a single ownership in America. Pataki combined these waterways. Its possibilities as a paddler’s paradise wildlife survival as climate change forces species to Whitney property. In 1993, the Council’s plan was 15,000 acres with the adjacent Lake Lila Primitive Area are unrivaled on the East Coast. More importantly, its move from current locations to newly suitable homes. incorporated into the NYS Open Space Conservation to create the William C. Whitney Wilderness Area. waters contain sensitive trout habitat, much of which is now in better shape than it was 20 years ago when acid Plan, which guides the state’s strategic fair market rain was causing daily harm. Vast wetlands serve as the Above: Whitney for sale offers potential for this gate to open, and value investments in open space preservation. public paddling on waters closed for over one hundred years

14 ADIRONDACK COUNCIL STATE OF THE PARK 2020–2021 15 Cathead Proposal Please Discard Discounts Alternatives 16 Years of Success LOCAL Advocates pushed for a Constitutional Over the objections of some members, Amendment to authorize a road and vehicle the Warren County board of supervisors access through the Silver Lake Wilderness passed a resolution in 2020 urging the and up Cathead Mountain for access by Adirondack Park Agency (APA) to abandon GOVERNMENT Hamilton County and a private club. The its successful policy governing the siting state pays for and has rights to access and and construction of cell towers and other

PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC. maintain existing radio tower infrastructure tall structures. Since 2004, the APA’s policy for the State Police and Department of has been to screen towers from view to Overuse Hurts Cut Us Loose from an abandoned locomotive and coach rail Environmental Conservation. There are protect the Park’s magnificent wild scenery faster, less expensive, more reliable, and and natural landscapes. Cell companies Economy Too Iowa Pacific, Please car removed from tracks at the county- Anderson Falls and historic stone arch bridge owned rail station in North Creek. environmentally friendly alternatives that have said the policy posed no significant in Keeseville, Town of Chesterfield The Adirondack Association of Towns In January 2020, the Warren County Board can quickly establish dependable county hurdle to providing coverage. The APA has and Villages (AATV) called on the NYS of Supervisors voted unanimously to ask Serving up Sanitation emergency communications on Cathead never denied a cell tower permit request. Conservation-Smart Dept. of Environmental Conservation to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to Mountain and deliver better coverage for Subdivisions? Not Now address the problem of overuse in the declare the railroad tracks between Hadley Sense in Old Forge the Route 30 and Benson Road corridors Other Ways The AATV’s 2020 agenda dropped its High Peaks Wilderness Area and other and North Creek to be abandoned. An Understanding that the lack of public that have not been fully evaluated. The to Get There support for a compromise “Conservation popular Forest Preserve destinations. The abandonment ruling would remove control restrooms for visitors and recreationists Adirondack Council supports improved Design” bill, which clustered development AATV’s 2020 political agenda identified of the tracks from insolvent operator Iowa can quickly become a public health emergency communications infrastructure The AATV dropped its call for expanded float and included transfers of development rights the problem as serious and getting Pacific Holdings, of Chicago. It would also hazard impacting water quality, in for the County, but these needs can be plane access to lakes in Adirondack Forest and density bonuses, aimed at improving worse. Local government support helped allow the county to stop spending money 2019 the Town of Webb built public met with alternatives that don’t require Preserve in 2020, after having pressed the the Adirondack Park Agency’s protections to persuade state officials to improve maintaining the line for nonexistent traffic restrooms in Old Forge using a $100,000 an amendment alienating the publicly- issue in their annual legislative agenda for remote, wildlands and waters where parking enforcement, increase public while a future use is settled. New York smart growth grant from the state. owned “Forever Wild” Forest Preserve to for many years. The matter has largely major subdivisions are proposed. The information, and conduct some preliminary State is seeking a similar abandonment permanently benefit a private party. been settled by the courts, which ordered Adirondack Council and partners worked trail improvements. The Governor also of the tracks just north, from North the Adirondack Park Agency to remove with AATV to negotiate a bill that they appointed a task force to make short-term Creek to Tahawus in Essex County. such access from all lakes surrounded could support. The AATV’s 2019 agenda and long-term changes in management. by lands designated as Wilderness. This said it would work with the Adirondack Freight Rail Outweighs is a positive step towards preserving the quiet and solitude of Wilderness lakes. Common Ground Alliance to achieve such Actual Fate a bill. In 2019, the Alliance endorsed the In May, Essex County officials opposed Let’s Be Safe Conservation Design bill sponsored by Assembly Environmental Conservation the abandonment of the railroad between Out There North Creek and Tahawus, claiming it Chairman Steven Englebright, D-Setauket. was still viable for freight. The line runs Keene Town Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson In 2020, the bill languished in committee. between an abandoned iron mine ghost has exhibited leadership on the issue of town in Newcomb and the village that hosts A helicopter accesses a remote, off-grid radio overuse of the High Peaks Wilderness Legal Deja Vu Gore Mountain Ski Center. Abandonment Visitors in Old Forge, Town of Webb communications network site in Maine Area, pressing state officials for assistance in Clare would not preclude future freight or PHOTO: ALPHA ENERGY in controlling summer crowds that jam passenger traffic. It would only remove the Sweet Views on trailheads and gobble up public parking in In 2019, the Town of Clare chose not to A boat steward wears a face mask and maintains bankrupt current operator and give the Park-wide Appeal his town. Though challenging, he continues oppose the Adirondack Council’s lawsuit proper social distancing while educating a Swede Summit to seek creative ways to ensure public which asked a NYS Supreme Court justice to boater on aquatic invasive species prevention state, local officials and other stakeholders for Broadband the option to decide the line’s future. In February 2020, Warren County officials safety while safeguarding the amazing throw out the town’s new ATV trail because it The AATV 2020 agenda calls upon state announced that they had worked with Wilderness areas to which Keene is a was an illegally converted public roadway. The officials to provide broadband internet Spreading the Solution, landowner Lyme Timber Co. to gain gateway community. This spring, rather than Council tried to prevent the town from taking Seeking Clean Up from coverage throughout the Adirondack Park. Not the Invaders public access to the summit of 1,896- risk public health for short-term economic the illegal action, warning that it would sue Former Operator foot Swede Mountain. The mountain is Large areas of the Park remain without and was confident of victory, as it had won The AATV joined Adirondack conservation gain, Wilson suspended the operation of its near the Hague-Horicon town line. The services because there are too few potential similar lawsuits against Lewis County and the organizations in the winter and spring of In September 2019, Warren County sued hiker shuttle during the COVID-19 pandemic. summit has great views and a 101-year- subscribers to lure commercial operators. Town of Forestport, Oneida County. However, 2020 to call for a more comprehensive boat the Southwind Rail Travel Limited of old fire tower closed since 1968. The It is up to state officials to close the gaps in July 2020, town officials announced inspection program inside the Adirondack Wilkes-Barre, a railroad company that county is working with state officials on a in ways that are affordable for Adirondack that they were proposing basically the Park. The Association noted that more has left rotting railroad cars on county rehabilitation plan for the tower and trails. residents. Broadband must be universal or same unlawful route as before. The Council inspection stations would help curb the property in Johnsburg for more than eight rural residents will lag behind the rest of the will continue to monitor and is keeping all spread of invasive species and remind boaters years. The county filed a lawsuit in NYS state economically for the foreseeable future. options on the table going forward. to stop for an inspection before launching. Supreme Court in Warren County seeking a trespass finding and court order to have

16 ADIRONDACK COUNCIL STATE OF THE PARK 2020–2021 17 DEPT. OF ban open fires, and set new group size Lifting a Sometimes the Best limits. Even though visitation to High Cloud of Soot Path is No Trail at All Peaks continues to rise and the Wilderness ENVIRONMENTAL becomes impacted from this overuse, the The DEC approved new emissions standards In an effort to protect some of the wildest DEC has not implemented limits on hikers. It for so-called “peaker” power plants in the terrain in the High Peaks region of the has now been advised by several Adirondack New York City metro area, where the mostly- Park, the DEC’s recently approved Unit organizations, Leave No Trace and the DEC’s diesel turbines are used to create electricity Management Plan (UMP) for the Sentinel CONSERVATION own advisory group that limits are needed when demand is greatest. Decreasing Range Wilderness Area keeps a 10,000-acre (See Action to Preserve Wilderness on pg 18). emissions from peakers will decrease soot portion of it as trailless. Located in the Essex and fine particle pollution and prevent lung County towns of Jay, Keene, North Elba, Forests Curb Climate and heart damage in NYC, Long Island, and Wilmington, the Sentinel Range sits Inching Toward Change; Slow the Cutting and Westchester County, while diminishing northeast of the High Peaks Wilderness Area Half-Century of Conservation Capacity Limits a small source of acid rain Upstate. and contains such summits as Kilburn and In February, the DEC released its draft Pitchoff, as well as the Jackrabbit Ski Trail. The NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) The DEC has made modest advances in NYS Forest Action Plan for public review The UMP includes a clear prohibition of ATVs celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Earth Day of 2020. controlling illegal parking and consequent and comment. This 10-year strategic plan in the unit, and a moratorium on the use of The agency was created by Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller, overcrowding of trails in popular destinations provides long-term, comprehensive, and fixed anchors for rock climbing until a working replacing the former Conservation Department. adjacent to NYS Route 73 in Keene. By coordinated strategies for addressing the group is convened. The DEC is recognizing The current Commissioner is Basil Seggos (pictured striping the parking spaces, erecting signs challenges facing the state’s forests today. that access to Wilderness is important for right with Executive Director William Janeway). banning roadside parking, and enforcing This is essential at a time when forests are the public to understand, appreciate it and the ban, the DEC made progress in curbing needed to play a key role in New York’s protect it, but there are some wildlife and Overuse is Real and Building More the impact of too many visitors in the Park’s overall plans for curbing the effects of plant species that cannot sustain contact We’ll Try to Fix It Sustainable Trails most popular locations. The DEC said the accelerating climate change. In preparing with people. Trailless Wilderness areas size of parking lots at Wilderness trailheads the plan, the state worked with federal get few human visitors and thus preserve In February, DEC Commissioner Seggos In response to concerns expressed by the A forest ranger interacts with a hiker coincide with its best estimate of how many officials and determined that the current niches for the most sensitive species. told members of the Legislature holding Adirondack Council and others, the DEC PHOTO: NANCIE BATTAGLIA visitors could recreate there at the same rate of forest harvesting in certain areas state budget hearings that overuse of the continued two major trail reconstruction time without causing lasting damage. While of the Adirondack Park is higher than the Support for High Peaks Wilderness Area and other efforts in the High Peaks Wilderness Area Keeping Salt the rate of increase slowed for a couple of growth rate and not sustainable. It was also popular destinations in the Adirondack in 2019. New, more gently sloped and more Forest Rangers the popular trailheads, at most peaks, use discovered that the Forest Preserve, where in the Shaker Park was a serious issue that requires sustainable trails are under construction at increased and foot traffic was roughly twice logging is banned by the NYS Constitution’s The Commissioner and the DEC reaffirmed In January, the DEC granted the Village attention. He promised to dedicate more Mt. Van Hoevenberg and Cascade Mountain, the Wilderness resource capacity limit. “Forever Wild” clause, is far more effective at support for the unique and important role of of Lake Placid $225,000 to construct a two of the Park’s more popular summit of his own staff to solve the problem and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere than the state Forest Rangers, as a complement salt shed for the highway department. destinations. Like most of the trails in the work with other state agencies to improve Adirondack commercial forests. Its higher to the Environmental Conservation Officers Uncovered salt piles lead to water High Peaks, these paths were not sustainable conditions for visitors and protect natural biomass also allows it to outpace commercial (ECOs). The DEC continued to maintain contamination. The Village of Lake Placid in the face of increased levels of use. Trail resources. Seggos said good planning was forests outside of the Park, where the Forest Ranger force at or near historic contains Mirror Lake and Lake Placid, as sections suffer from serious erosion and needed to ensure that local communities overharvesting has not been a problem. “fill levels.” Forest Rangers fulfill a unique well as sections of Chubb Brook and the water damage. The Council identified 130 would benefit from increases in tourism. and important role as a key element of Ausable River. The grant came from the NYS miles of trails that are too steep, wet, or the DEC’s care, custody, and stewardship Water Quality Improvement Project fund, Action to Preserve otherwise unsustainable in their current Stegemann Retires of state forest lands across New York and a program that awards monies to improve state within the High Peaks alone. Wilderness In March, Robert Stegemann retired as DEC in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. water quality and protect drinking water. Region 5 Director. In the job, Bob oversaw the In June, Commissioner Seggos endorsed Don’t Rush the work of his High Peaks Wilderness regional operations on the eastern two-thirds Nope. We’re Good Better Plan ‘Forever’ Decisions of the Adirondack Park Advisory Group, which advised him to take Without More Staff on Deer Feeding action in seven distinct areas of Wilderness Cars parked on the shoulder of NYS Route 73 and was based in Ray The DEC waited until late July to provide In April, Commissioner Seggos, as he management. The state appointed the group near the Roaring Brook trailhead in Keene Brook. He also served In December 2019, the DEC improved its the Legislature with three proposed has done many years in a row, told state in response to widespread concern over as Commissioner policy on feeding wild deer when it modified Constitutional Amendments, each seeking Legislators holding budget hearings that record numbers of visitors and damage to Has the Authority, Seggos’ designee on its current ban to allow feeding for the to amend the “Forever Wild” clause (Article he had enough staff to care and protect natural resources from overuse of popular the Adirondack Park purpose of inoculating deer herds with 14, Section 1). The clause protects Forest Won’t Use It the Adirondack Park. Proper care of the hiking trails. These recommendations, Agency’s decision- insecticides that repel and kill ticks. Deer ticks Preserve in the Adirondack and Catskill Since 1999 when the first Unit Management overused High Peaks Wilderness Area which included imposing limits on trails making board. Bob steps are the top vector for Lyme disease and other parks from logging, sale and development. Plan (UMP) was approved for the High alone will require more Forest Rangers and parking capacity to protect water, The subjects of the proposals were down after nine years tick-borne neurological ailments in humans Peaks Wilderness Area, the DEC has had STEGEMANN and Assistant Rangers, Environmental wildlife, and fair access to the solitude of as Regional Director. He and dogs. The DEC has banned deer feeding important – an emergency radio tower, the authority to limit the total number Conservation Officers, land managers, true wilderness, were meant to provide an came to the DEC after working as a spokesman by the public in an effort to curb Chronic new winter sports facilities and the sale of hikers and campers that use the trails planners, trail crews, and engineers. As the action plan for this summer. Another set of for the Empire State Forest Products Wasting Disease, which deer can transmit of surplus state buildings. All deserve and campsites in this area of the Forest Leave No Trace team discovered during its recommendations for longer-term use in Association and for 18 years as manager of to one another when feeding in groups. a full and open public discussion, not a Preserve. The same UMP authorized the whole-Park survey, the High Peaks are not future years is expected out later in 2020. sustainability at International Paper Co. frantic, last-minute effort at deal making. DEC to mandate the use of bear canisters, the only location in need of more attention.

18 ADIRONDACK COUNCIL STATE OF THE PARK 2020–2021 19 Helping Hand for Some ATV Trails not make decisions on how to manage the Snakes, Frogs & Bats are Just Bad Ideas area over the next decade or more based on 30-year-old data. This has been an In September 2019, the DEC proposed The DEC has not publicly opposed the unfortunate pattern across several unit plan ADIRONDACK changes to its Endangered and Threatened creation of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) revisions in the past decade. In August 2019, Species Regulations. The changes are connector trail through the Croghan Tract the Council provided recommendations intended to clarify and improve the Conservation Easement in Lewis County. on proposed revisions to the UMP. stringent rules protecting endangered and While the Adirondack Council has supported PARK AGENCY threatened species, while also helping to limited ATV use on some easement lands, Cow Still Loose, reduce potential project delays when the a new trail at this location is inappropriate. PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC. species are present in a construction or The Croghan Tract shares a seven-mile Barn Door Missing agricultural project area. Identifying and border with the trailless Pepperbox In January 2020, the DEC amended the Management Plan Son of Frankenpine addressing potential impacts to endangered Wilderness Area, one of the quietest corners Unit Management Plan for the Sentinel Preserves Unique Area is Less Scary and threatened species and their habitats of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. An ATV Range Wilderness Area without closing the early in the planning process has proven trail here would facilitate trespass into this Jackrabbit Ski Trail to motorized traffic. The The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) In 2019, Agency staff worked with AT&T to be the most successful way to avoid area and add to the ATV-related damage trail sits atop a former town road that the worked with the Dept. of Environmental to expand cell phone coverage in the harmful impacts from construction and already suffered in this part of the Park. DEC closed when it created the Wilderness Conservation (DEC) to bring about some Elizabethtown region without creating an other new development. The plan’s focus on Also, ATVs are not designed for road use. area in the Essex County towns of Keene and important conservation gains in the Unit eyesore on an otherwise natural landscape. forest habitats protect timber and Eastern North Elba. Wilderness areas are supposed to Management Plan for the Sentinel Range Located in the hamlet of New Russia, the massasauga rattlesnakes, cricket frogs, Could Help the be motor-free. In 2018, the DEC lost a lawsuit Wilderness Area it approved in January tower is situated so it provides coverage tiger salamanders, Indiana and Northern Cause, But Won’t in which it offered several justifications for 2020. The plan includes more than 10,000 with only a small portion rising above long-eared bats, and spruce grouse. its decision to close the road, but none were acres that will remain trailless in an effort to treetops, which is disguised as a pine Prospect Mountain, Lake George, towers sited When the Lake George Park Commission found to have extinguished the town’s right to protect wildlife and rare plant communities. tree. Its location makes it “substantially prior to the APA’s “substantially invisible” policy and towns around the lake wanted to the road. However, the judicial panel took the The Agency also secured a DEC commitment invisible” to passing motorists on U.S. PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK require that anyone launching a boat first unusual step of offering the DEC a solution. to important monitoring, rehabilitation Route 9. The Agency also approved, in get it inspected and decontaminated, it had They wrote that Highway Law 212 “vests DEC and restoration efforts, including trail July 2020, a “substantially invisible” cell Returning Drainage to to overcome opposition from the DEC. Now with the authority to order the abandonment reroutes and parking area closures, to tower in Newcomb, behind the water tower. More Natural State that the Adirondack Council and others are or discontinuance of a road passing over or protect the unit’s natural resources. The Agency’s towers policy is working. The APA worked with the Ausable River calling for comprehensive inspections prior through lands within the Forest Preserve...” Association to develop a set of permits to launch anywhere in the Adirondack Park, The DEC declined that opportunity as well. Substantially allowing the organization to systematically the DEC is again not supporting the effort. replace existing stormwater culverts with The network of free inspection stations is Visible Invasive Insect much larger ones. Hurricanes Irene and already in place, but the program leader has In January, the APA allowed AT&T to Lee caused the Ausable to jump its banks said, “our stewards only inspect a fraction Found in the Park construct a 94-foot monopole cell tower Northern Myotis in several locations, flooding riverside of boats launching into Adirondack waters.” In August, the DEC confirmed that it had in the Town of Duane, Franklin County PHOTO: LARRY MASTER, communities and causing millions of Council staff counted trailered boats discovered an infestation of the invasive but did not require the company to MASTERIMAGES.ORG dollars in damage. Emergency response passing the new inspection station at Exit insect Emerald Ash Borer inside the conceal it. Open sky behind the tower will efforts by local governments to straighten 18 on the Northway during Memorial Day Adirondack Park, in Warren County. This is a allow it to be seen from public roads. Won’t Do its and widen streams with bulldozers only and the July 4th weekends and found that success of monitoring but a failure to keep Duty on ATVs made flooding worse downstream and more than 85% passed without stopping. a destructive invasive bug out of the Park. Visual ruined trout habitat. The Association is Unlike prior administrations, the Cuomo The ash borer digs into the trunk and lives Camp site in the High Peaks Wilderness Area Clutter working to restore the natural contours of administration’s DEC has not taken charge to below the bark, causing a D-shaped hole as it Antiquated Data Yield the river and protect the community with enforce state policy and law against ATV use emerges. It interrupts the transport of water Tent Site Standards In February, the APA approved two “co- Obsolete Policies located” cell towers to fill gaps in coverage storm drains that won’t plug as easily. on public lands and/or roads. Under the Pataki and nutrients from roots to crown. Leaves Protect & Provide Access administration, for example, the DEC sued The DEC’s update of the 30-year-old Fulton yellow and die and the tree expires quickly. in Raquette Lake, Hamilton County, and the Warren County Town of Horicon to stop Chain Wild Forest Unit Management Plan The affected trees were found by Department In September 2019, the APA approved a along NYS Route 28, where one would it from using roads on the Forest Preserve as (UMP) has attempted to accommodate of Transportation personnel at the Warren plan that sets the standards for primitive have sufficed. Due to their location, both part of an ATV trail network. More recently, additional or more intense uses without County Canoe Launch on the Schroon River tent site development and maintenance the 90-foot and 85-foot towers were the DEC has abdicated this task and private conducting the research needed to determine in the Town of Chester. A sample was sent to in Wilderness, Primitive, Canoe, and Wild disguised as pine trees, but were left in citizens have had to step up to defend the the impact. Located in the southwest part Cornell University Insect Diagnostic Lab for Forest Areas of the Adirondack Forest the open rather than partially concealed Forest Preserve and their own homes from of the Park between Inlet and Old Forge, the further review. Ash trees account for about Preserve. Overall, it will minimize impacts by forest. AT&T and T-Mobile refused to ATV damage and trespass. The Adirondack unit is very popular with visitors. While the 7% of all New York forests, DEC said, but a to natural resources and improve the cooperate on use of a single structure, Council has worked with local residents to stop DEC proposes efforts to address overuse smaller percentage inside the Adirondack user experience by preserving a sense of so the Agency’s “co-location” is really unlawful ATV trail expansions in Lewis County, at Bald Mountain, it failed to conduct a Park. Ash trees are deciduous, provide shade solitude and establishing standards for two Frankenpines next to one another. the Oneida County Town of Forestport and in science-based review of all of the unit’s and shelter for wildlife and are a source of maintenance. The Adirondack Council and 2019 the St. Lawrence County Town of Clare. land and water resources and their capacity strong-yet-light wood products including tool others provided input into the APA’s plan. Assemblyman Dan Stec with Ausable River to withstand public use. The DEC should handles, furniture, and baseball bats. Association Executive Director Kelley Tucker

20 ADIRONDACK COUNCIL STATE OF THE PARK 2020–2021 21 We Have a Few River Permit Scofflaw Lyme Timber Questions this Time Gets Rare Treatment Plan Sustainable In March 2020, the APA took a step in In February, the APA brought a rare In December 2019, the APA approved a FEDERAL the right direction on large, backcountry enforcement action against the owners of timber harvest plan submitted by the subdivisions when it issued a Notice of Brampton Retreat, a resort in Thurman, Lyme Timber Company for lands in Arietta Incomplete Application to the developers Warren County, for a series of land use and Lake Pleasant, Hamilton County, that seeking a 37-lot suburban-style and Wild, Scenic & Recreation Rivers Act fits within the scope and management GOVERNMENT development around Woodward Lake. violations dating back to 2017. After 20 plan of the conservation easement the The project is in the Fulton County towns phone calls, three site visits, one meeting state owns on the property. The 509-acre PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC. of Northampton and Mayfield. The APA at the APA offices, four staff letters, and “shelterwood overstory removal” and requested more information on biological three proposed and subsequently ignored 134-acre “free thinning treatment” are Bi-Partisan Cooperation Land and Water Fund Helping Hand surveys, wetlands, building height, settlements, Agency staff recommended the tools for maximizing economic return on on Acid Rain Revived, Permanent Much Needed maintenance plans, and construction maximum fine of $1,548,000 for the 1,032 commercial forests within the sustainability methods. Next, we will see the developer’s days since the first staff letter was sent standards set by the Forest Stewardship Despite the shutdown of the federal The U.S. Senate and House approved on Congress helped countless rural businesses response and the APA’s reaction. alleging violations, with some of the penalty Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative government complex in Washington, D.C. in bi-partisan votes, and the President signed and not-for-profit organizations survive suspended. At press time, the violators had certification programs. The Council has March of 2020 due to COVID-19, members of legislation to fully and permanently fund the early phases of the COVID-19 economic not paid the fine, or attempted to negotiate supported individual forest management the New York Congressional the Land and Water Conservation Fund shutdown by providing two rounds of timely a settlement. The APA has referred the case permits for what the Agency defines as a delegation found time (LWCF) and invest in critical needs within Paycheck Protection Program grants to to the Attorney General for prosecution. “clear cut,” while raising concerns about to express support for national parks and other public lands. The businesses across the nation. These loans cumulative impacts and the need for a protecting the Adirondacks Great American Outdoors Act, which passed helped businesses ride out major challenges, New Housing Needed comprehensive assessment of harvesting. from acid rain. U.S. Reps 73-25, restores and makes permanent the and under specific criteria, are forgivable. in Developed Area Antonio Delgado, D-Hudson, $900 million in annual appropriations Combined with direct relief grants to Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, for the LWCF, as it was originally created households, the two programs did much to In July 2020, the APA approved a map Caroline Maloney, in 1964. In addition, it would provide ease suffering in the Adirondacks and beyond. amendment for the Town of North Elba to D-Manhattan, and Elise $9.5 billion over the next five years to reclassify about 34.5 acres from Moderate Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, TONKO deferred-maintenance projects on public Intensity Use to a Hamlet, which could make worked together to send lands managed by federal agencies. possible the creation of new, lower cost letters to House and Senate housing. The change to Hamlet would lift appropriations committee Burn Baby current limits on the number of principal members. They sought Burn residences per acre and allow for more both to protect the U.S. Proposed Woodward Lake subdivision intensive commercial development. This Environmental Protection The Trump administration’s attempts to paves the way for a conversion of the Cell Agency’s operating re-establish coal as a major fuel source Science Center property on Barn Road Opposed to Timber havest in the western Adirondacks budget and to create a caused air pollution increases of 200% into housing for 2,400 athletes competing Conservation Design PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC. new grant program for to 323% in the fall of 2019 from coal-fired in the 2023 World University Games. acid rain and climate data MALONEY power plants that cause acid rain and The APA’s representatives told the After the games, it would find a new life Cumulative Impact collection in the Northeast. Federal budget contribute to climate change, harming the legislature they did not support a as much needed community housing. Not So Clear-cut negotiations were continuing at press time. Adirondacks and public health. The Park has “Conservation Design” bill aimed at better seen significant reductions in sulfur dioxide protecting water quality, wildlife, and open The APA continued to approve intensive Solomonic Refusing to air pollution from power plants since 1995. space in the Park’s most remote private Solution forest harvesting methods across In 2019, as the Adirondacks were nearing forests. For the most sensitive private lands the Park in 2019, but still refused to Lend a Hand recovery from acid rain and making progress In May, the Park Agency approved advanced of the Park, the bill would require clustering count the cumulative impacts of those In September 2019, New York State, New on carbon, the numbers begin going back in plans to redevelop an historic 119-mile rail of development to conserve the greatest decisions. While clear-cutting and York City, and Connecticut sued the Trump the wrong direction. Power plants emitted Executive Director William Janeway on Capitol corridor connecting Remsen to Lake Placid amount of wildlife habitat and allow for other rapid removal techniques can fit administration after EPA Administrator Andy more pollution and caused clouds that pass Hill to advocate for the Adirondacks into a recreational trail for bicyclists, skiers, migration of species as the climate changes. within an overall management plan, Wheeler denied New York’s petition for relief over the Adirondacks to carry more pollution and snowmobilers to the northeast, and a It would also close a loophole that allows the APA must take account of what is from smog under the “Good Neighbor” policy than the year before. The only reason these scenic passenger train for tourists to the Setting the Standard some developers to avoid completing wildlife happening on the larger landscape, not of the Clean Air Act. The policy forbids any changes didn’t create a public health crisis southwest. The controversial project has and wetland surveys prior to the APA’s just individual tracts. The state forester state from causing enough air pollution to is that the COVID-19 economic shutdown for Bad Standards inspired more than 700 public comments to acceptance of their complete application. has warned that the pace of harvesting create a health hazard in another state. New took so much traffic off of the highways The Trump administration has by far the APA and conflicts between rail enthusiasts The bill had support from the conservation on Adirondack commercial forests is York’s air is polluted by smokestacks in more and slowed so many factories that the air exceeded the most ruthless acts of any and recreationists. The state gave a share to community, local government officials, and too rapid and therefore unsustainable, than a dozen upwind states. Another NY and overall got cleaner for many major cities. prior administration in tearing down and both sides, proposing that the rails be ripped the Common Ground Alliance core team. especially in light of emission reductions CT lawsuit, with the Adirondack Council and refusing to enforce federal standards up between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid called for in the 2019 Climate Leadership others, led to a decision by the U.S. Court of that protect the environment and public for a recreational trail, while the line from and Community Protection Act. Appeals in Washington, DC reversing this. health. Among the changes in 2019 were Tupper Lake to Remsen be fixed up for trains.

22 ADIRONDACK COUNCIL STATE OF THE PARK 2020–2021 23 decreased fuel economy standards for the auto industry, temporarily loosened enforcement of regulations for air polluters (if they are facing COVID-19- OTHER related challenges that impact monitoring and reporting), eased requirements for ensuring that climate change impacts are AGENCIES considered in the environmental reviews of most infrastructure projects, ceased enforcement of rules that require owners of PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC. energy companies and major construction projects to avoid killing rare wildlife and ORDA: Clean Up Needed migratory birds, eased controls on coal Before Big Games plants’ toxic ash, loosened rules governing To accommodate new sports facilities for mercury emissions; and advanced a rule the 2023 World University Games at Mt. that makes it harder for the Environmental Van Hoevenberg, the Olympic Regional Protection Agency to use scientific Development Authority (ORDA) is proposing research to inform its decisions and rule- to amend the “Forever Wild” clause of the making. More than 1,500 households NYS Constitution. The amendment would also responded to the Adirondack Council’s clean up several existing violations of the action alert on this issue this spring. clause that date to before the 1980 Olympic Winter Games when ORDA was created. If Does Climate Really Waters of United approved by the NYS Legislature in 2020, Affect the Environment? States Recede the resolution would need to pass again in Olympic Sports Complex in Lake Placid, the bobsled run at Mt. Van Hoevenberg 2021 and be approved by the state’s voters In February, the Trump administration In April, the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of on the left and the ski jumps on the right in November 2021. The Legislature must announced that it planned to weaken the Engineers finalized a new definition of PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK also approve “enabling legislation” to carry landmark 1970 National Environmental waters of the United States, weakening out tasks authorized by the amendment. Policy Act (NEPA) and its provisions the requirements of the National Pollution shutdown. Maintaining a network of was doing a poor job of identifying which requiring environmental impact statements. Discharge Elimination System and permits trained professionals during a crisis is no construction projects would likely spread A Council on Environmental Quality proposal issued for dredge and fill under Section Broadening the easy task. The lake’s ecological integrity invasive species and monitoring those sites would allow the review of environmental 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The Region’s Appeal depends on the Commission’s success. for compliance. The Adirondack Council has CWA regulates the quality of water by reported boater-compliance problems at impact statements without consideration People of color are not often visiting making it illegal to discharge pollutants the boat inspection station on the Northway of projected impacts of greenhouse gas the Adirondacks. With state and federal Audit: Must Do Better to into navigable waters without a permit. In and other sites. The DEC cooperated emissions and effects on the global climate. Wood frogs and many other species of government investments of more than Stop Aquatic Invasives 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that with the Comptroller on the audit. If adopted, the 47 pages of revisions would amphibians and reptiles reproduce in seasonal $330,000, the Adirondack Experience this act also included isolated wetlands. The In July, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli be the most substantive since the late wetlands, also known as vernal pools and Adirondack Wild Center, two major Obama administration expanded the list of PHOTO: LARRY MASTER, MASTERIMAGES.ORG reported that his audit of the Department 1970s. They would curtail environmental attractions in the Park, are figuring out why Lake Not-So-Placid regulated “waters of the United States” in of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) analyses, limit disclosures to the public, and trying to reverse the trend. The effort is Following Gunshots 2015 to include some seasonal tributaries Statistical boat inspection and expedite federal approvals for major funded by nearly $212,000 from the federal and vernal pools that are important to Shenanigans system revealed many In September 2019, the State Police projects, including fossil fuel pipelines. Institute of Museum and Library Services amphibian and reptile reproduction. The shortcomings in its ability frightened homeowners and students and In September 2019, EPA Administrator Andy and nearly $130,000 from Empire State Trump administration’s rollbacks undo the to protect the lakes and faculty at a boarding school just outside Wheeler promoted three-year-old (2016) Development’s Market New York Program. Obama changes and reduce the scope of rivers of the Adirondack Lake Placid when they held weapons data on Twitter showing a modest dip in Both institutions have been leaders in seeking the law further than the 2006 decision. Park from invasive and practice at the nearby Mt. Van Hoevenberg power plant emissions nationwide, while he ways to make the Adirondack Park more In May, NYS Attorney General Letitia destructive non-native biathlon facility. Unlike the quieter, was simultaneously working to weaken or welcoming to all visitors and residents. James filed a lawsuit to overturn this. plants and animals. The single-shot .22 caliber target rifles used eliminate a host of clean air rules. The Trump auditors found stewards by biathletes, the troopers’ high caliber administration did not begin until 2017. Keeping Eye were not inspecting all DINAPOLI weapons reverberated through the area, on the Target watercraft launched or alarming those nearby by the unknown approaching boaters they saw leaving the source of the gunfire. The Adirondack The Lake George Park Commission did an waterbody to ensure their vessels had been Council and others reminded the police excellent job of continuing its mandatory properly cleaned. Auditors said required that the NYS Constitution details how the boat inspection and decontamination educational signage about invasive species biathlon facility is to be used exclusively program in the spring of 2020 despite Pharoah Lake Wilderness was not always found at launch sites or for sports training and competition, and a host of challenges presented by the was hard to find. They also said the DEC the police training was relocated. COVID-19 pandemic and economic

24 ADIRONDACK COUNCIL STATE OF THE PARK 2020–2021 25 2021 AWARDS PRIORITIES

PHOTO © CARL HEILMAN II/WILD VISIONS INC. PHOTO LARRY MASTER, MASTERIMAGES.ORG

Conservationist of the Year Postponed Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Federal and state elected and appointed government leaders will be Adirondack Council postponed its 2020 Conservationist of the Year making critical decisions in the year ahead that will affect the legacy of the ceremony and will present the award at Great Camp Sagamore Adirondacks for all time. Priorities for 2021 include: in Raquette Lake in 2021.

PHOTO: BRIAN STYK Preserve Wilderness Stop Invasive Species Approve Environmental Complete and implement plans to Achieve comprehensive boat Agency Reforms Kaminsky Shows Leadership address overuse, expand education, inspection compliance Park-wide. Increase funding, staffing, and oversight build infrastructure, pilot enforcement of of the Department of Environmental During the summer of 2019, the Adirondack Council presented an Wilderness resource capacity limits and Support More Vibrant Conservation and the Adirondack award to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee Chairman increase personnel, to protect natural Park Agency, and update planning Todd Kaminsky, D-Long Beach, for his outstanding first year of Communities resources, and secure community benefits. and conservation tools to better protecting the Adirondack Park and defending the integrity of (L-R) Senate Environmental Conservation Committee Chairman Todd Provide funds for planning, smart incentivize private land stewardship. the Adirondack Park Agency during the 2019 Legislative Session. Kaminsky and Assembly Environmental Conservation Chairman Steve Win Conservation Funding growth, communications, health care, The Senator exhibited both leadership and grace under pressure Englebright visit the Adirondack Park Agency office in Raybrook, NY jobs, housing, and recreation. in negotiations over legislation and nominees for public office. PHOTO: NANCIE BATTAGLIA Reauthorize a $3-billion Bond Act for water, Defend the NYS Constitution climate, and overuse and fully allocate the Expand Park Diversity Equity Defend the integrity of the “Forever Wild” $300-million Environmental Protection After Three Decades, Semple to Semi-Retire and Inclusion Efforts clause of the state constitution, and secure Fund, plus $1 billion for clean water, second passage of the “Environmental Bill of The Adirondack Council and 100 or so of our closest friends including funds for the Adirondack Park. Plan and start to implement actions for Rights” so voters may approve it in 2021. joined us in New York City to help honor New York Times editorial a more welcoming, inclusive Adirondack board member Robert B. Semple Jr. for his excellent editorial Combat Climate Park that celebrates all kinds of diversity. essays on Adirondack issues. For 30 years, Bob advised Governors and Presidents to take better care of the Adirondacks, acquire Change and Acid Rain important conservation lands, protect the Park from acid rain, Promote clean energy and continue and reform the antiquated rules governing development. He and implementation of the new climate Adirondack Council Communications Director John Sheehan have law, expand renewable energy, restore been discussing Adirondack politics regularly since 1991. federal protections against acid rain, and enhance research funding.

(L-R) Renowned New York Times editiorial board member Robert Semple The Adirondack Council is committed to our mission, our values and these priorities. We will use the best available and Adirondack Council Communications Director John Sheehan science and respect diverse views in order to achieve these results. We will employ our knowledge of the political process to be the leading environmental advocate for the Adirondacks. We work with partners, promote diversity, and find common ground when possible. We carry on the legacy of early conservation visionaries and ensure the Park is known and protected as a national treasure.

26 ADIRONDACK COUNCIL STATE OF THE PARK 2020–2021 27 NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 994 103 Hand Ave. | PO Box D-2 | Elizabethtown, NY 12932 SYRACUSE, NY

[email protected] @AdirondackCouncil www.AdirondackCouncil.org @AdirondackCouncil 518.873.2240 @Adk_Council

Adirondack Advocates Making a Difference At a time when your voice is essential to protecting the legacy of the Adirondacks for future generations, YOU and other advocates responded. Advocates took action to preserve wilderness, address overuse, protect wildlife, reduce road salt and water pollution, stop EPA environmental policy rollbacks, and more! Over 17,000 individual connections with state and federal policymakers were made over the last year. THANK YOU! Advocates gather for Adirondack Environmental Lobby Day at the state capitol pre-pandemic PHOTO: BEN BROSSEAU, ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB

Support Adirondack NEW! Neck Gaiters | $20 NEW! 2021 Available in three colors (blue, green or orange) Forever Wild Conservation two designs (loon logo or mountains) and two styles Calendar | $14 Whether you are in the Adirondacks (lightweight or insulated) 12-month calendar or elsewhere, you too can show your Measures (9.5” x 15.5”) featuring award-winning support for preserving the water, landscape photographer air and wildlands of this national Carl Heilman II treasure. Visit our online shop at donate.AdirondackCouncil.org or call us at 518.873.2240 to purchase Loon Logo a variety of branded merchandise. Hats | $20 All proceeds support our daily advocacy for the Adirondack Park. Tri-Blend Circle Car Decal or Tees | $20 Bumper Sticker | $5 Shown in athletic gray, also Canvas Tote available in evergreen, indigo, cranberry or coffee. Bag | $15 Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL