Resolution for the Responsible Sale of the Snowbowl Property

Thelomathesian Society, St. Lawrence University

October 29, 2006

Drafted by Louise Gava '07, Biology major and conservation biologist

& Barrett Miles '07, Environmental Studies / Economics major and Outing Club President `05

Considering St. Lawrence University is the determining factor for the future land use of the 394.5 acre Snowbowl Property; and

Considering St. Lawrence Board of Trustees recently passed an environmental resolution stating St. Lawrence University's commitment to “promoting a more sustainable lifestyle through daily actions as well as comprehensive decisions;” and

Considering the Students of St. Lawrence University have shown a significant interest in the preservation of the wild condition of the Snowbowl Property; and

Whereas the Snowbowl Property should not be sold for development, and the university should seriously pursue a buyer that will guarantee the preservation of the land in its current wild state; and

Whereas the Snowbowl Property is a wild tract remotely located in the northwest corner of the Adirondack Park far from any significant development and neighboring DEC State Land; and

Whereas the development of this steeply sloped land with sandy soils will likely create greater erosion causing unnatural levels of sediment runoff; and negatively impact the Cold Brook Watershed's human and biological communities; and

Whereas preserving this land is a wonderful opportunity for St. Lawrence University to practice their environmental commitment and stewardship of North Country lands; community resources; environmental ethic; and aesthetic values; and

Whereas the St. Lawrence Land Trust is willing to work with any buyer to place a conservation easement on this property and preserve its wild state; and

Whereas this land has sentimental value for current students as well as seventy years of alumni, many of whom which value undeveloped open areas. We, the Thelomathesian Society, hereby resolve that the Snowbowl Property be sold and managed in a way that preserves its natural integrity and does no harm to the surrounding watershed or ecosystem, but that allows for the land to remain wild. It is clear that environmental issues are a high priority among the trustees, administration, faculty, and student body. We are not against development in general, simply the development of the Snowbowl Property. While upholding previous environmentally conscious resolutions, we must honor our commitment to environmentally sustainable actions. This decision will reflect the direction of St. Lawrence University as an environmentally conscious steward of North Country Land well into the future. Through this resolution, we the student body, take a unified stance for the responsible sale and preservation of the Snowbowl Property in its current wild state.

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