State of the Park 2006 The Adirondack Park The Adirondack Park is the largest park in the contigu- Through public education and advocacy for the protec- ous United States. It contains six million acres, covers tion of the Park’s ecological integrity and wild character, one-fifth of New York State and is equal in size to neigh- the Adirondack Council advises public and private policy boring Vermont. The Adirondack Park is nearly three times makers on ways to safeguard this last remaining great ex- the size of Yellowstone National Park. panse of open space. More than half of the Adirondack Park is private land, devoted principally to hamlets, forestry, agriculture and open-space recreation. The Park is home for 130,000 per- manent and 110,000 seasonal residents, and hosts ten million visitors yearly. The remaining 45 percent of the Park is publicly owned For- est Preserve, protected as “Forever Wild” by the NYS Constitution since 1894. One million acres of these public lands are protected as Wilder- ness, where non-mechanized recre- ation may be enjoyed. The majority of the public land (more than 1.3 million acres) is Wild Forest, where motorized uses are permitted on designated waters, roads and trails. Plants and wildlife abound in the Park. Old growth forests cover more than 100,000 acres of public land. The western and southern Adirondacks are gentle landscapes of hills, lakes, wet- lands, ponds and streams. In the northeast are the High Peaks. Forty-three of them rise above 4,000 feet and 11 have alpine summits that rise above the timberline. The Adirondacks include the headwaters of five major drainage basins. Lake Champlain and the Hudson, Black, St. Lawrence and Mohawk Rivers all draw water from the Adirondack Park. Within the Park are more than 2,800 lakes and ponds, and more than 1,500 miles of rivers, fed by an estimated 30,000 miles of brooks and streams.

Map data provided by the Adirondack Park Agency State of the Park 2006

A Non-Partisan Review of Elected and Appointed Government Officials’ Actions Affecting the Adirondack Park

Written and Edited by Adirondack Council Program Staff Design by Sheri Amsel

Online Edition: www.adirondackcouncil.org ©Copyright by The Adirondack Council Fall 2006

Contents

2 3 4 8 9 11 13 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24

he mission of the Adirondack Council is to ensure the ecological integrity and wild character of the Adirondack Park. We envision the Adirondack Park Tcomposed of large core wilderness areas, connected to working farms and forests, and augmented by vibrant local communities, all within a diverse mosaic of biologically intact landscapes. State of the Park 2006

Dear Council Members and Friends:

At a recent meeting, one of our Adirondack Council Board members stated, “In our role as vigilant guard- ians for the Adirondack Park, we will often need to be critical of institutions and their actions. But if we criti- cize a situation, we should also be the solution department.” Creating solutions is the most exciting part of our team’s daily efforts to protect this very special place. Due to the Council’s collaborative efforts with a wide variety of elected officials, organizations and agencies, in this year’s State of the Park, I am happy to report that we have cleaner air, better water quality, more wilder- ness protected, and more engagement with local leaders on solutions that benefit Adirondack communities, their economies and the environment. As you read this 2006 State of the Park, I think you will understand how we accomplish our work and how much has been done. In this election year, we are currently communicating to all local, state and federal candidates whose dis- tricts include the Park. Our expectations are for them: to reduce air pollution, improve water quality, protect open space, revitalize local communities, and reform the Adirondack Park Agency and Department of Environ- mental Conservation. The coming year will present many new challenges and opportunities for the Adirondack Park. A new gu- bernatorial administration will take over in January 2007. In November, voters will also be selecting an Attor- ney General, Comptroller, members of the state Senate and Assembly, members of Congress and a US Senator. We have a busy year ahead of us as we work with these public servants to further protect the ecological integ- rity and wild character of the Adirondack Park. In next year’s State of the Park, we will report back to you on how well these elected officials have performed against the measures we have given them. Over this past year, I had the opportunity to meet many of our members and learn about your love for this beautiful place. Thank you for all your ideas and support; we can’t accomplish much without you. If you are not already a member of the Adirondack Council, I hope this publication convinces you to become one.

Sincerely,

Brian L. Houseal

On the Cover: Lake Simond is adjacent to the subdivision and development proposed by Preserve Associates in the Town of Tupper Lake. The Adirondack Council is concerned about the project’s backcountry fragmentation, upslope development, and water quality and wildlife impacts that would result from the 700 plus-unit plan as currently configured. Photo by Carl Heilman II.

2 The Governor

EPF Given a Final a board of directors and a citizens’ advi- the Park’s most important conservation sory panel to oversee these programs. efforts. Aside from appropriating money Boost to fight invasive plant species in the state In his final budget proposal, Gov. George Awareness Breeds budget, the Governor’s declaration helped E. Pataki asked the Legislature to spend to educate residents and tourists about $180 million towards environmental Vigilance the importance of protecting native plant capital projects around the state, creating The Governor declared the second week habitat and how to identify plants that the largest Environmental Protection Fund in July to be Adirondack Park Invasive don’t belong. (EPF) since the fund was created in 1993. Plant Awareness Week, benefiting one of The EPF uses money from the Real Estate Transfer Tax to offset environmental dam- age stemming from new development. The fund’s general categories include land acquisition, state land stewardship, and municipal landfill closures. Through the budget negotiations, the final EPF was increased to $225 million. The fund will provide $50 million for open-space protec- tion programs, a substantial increase from 2005. The EPF includes $3.25 million to fight invasive species, including $250,000 earmarked for non-chemical removal of Eurasian Milfoil from Lake George, $3 million for Quality Communities planning assistance, and $7 million for water quality improvements.

Short–sighted Proposal Short Circuited In April, Governor Pataki vetoed a bill Lakes in the St. Regis Canoe Area are among those threatened by invasive species. View which required annual Legislative ap- southeast from Long Pond Mountain. proval for the two programs adminis- tered by the NYS Energy Research and parcels intact to ensure the ecological Development Authority (NYSERDA). Give, and Ye Shall integrity of their land long into the future. The Systems Benefit Charge (SBC) is the Receive source of funding for the state’s Long- The Governor acted on a request from term Monitoring Program for Evaluating conservation groups including the Adiron- The Bob Grows Changes in Water Quality in Adirondack dack Council and the Land Trust Alli- The Governor took yet another step Lakes and energy efficiency programs. ance by adding a New York state-funded this spring in the long-term protection of The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) property tax credit for landowners who the proposed Bob Marshall Great Wilder- helps achieve the goal of having 25% of sign voluntary agreements to permanently ness when he announced the purchase of New York’s energy come from renew- protect their lands from development. 1,000 acres of land, with an additional able sources by 2013 The credit provides an income tax refund 800 acres protected through a conserva- and offers grants equivalent up to 25 percent of the local tion easement, along the shore of Lows for the research and property taxes paid (up to $5,000 annu- Lake, on the border of St. Lawrence and development of clean ally) on lands restricted by conservation Hamilton Counties. While the new state alternatives to fossil easements in which the development parcel remains unclassified for now, it is fuels. Funding for both rights are partially or entirely donated to expected to become part of the William C. programs comes from a not-for-profit land trust or governmental Whitney Wilderness Area, which begins small fees on consum- body. With half of the Adirondack Park’s just south of Lows Lake. The lake is in ers’ electric bills. The lands in private ownership, this tax credit the north central section of the Council’s Pataki Authority already has will encourage landowners to keep large proposed Bob Marshall Great Wilder- 3 ness; a plan consolidating several existing Failed the Class spruce and fir forests. It is the core of the Wilderness Areas into a single 408,000- Governor Pataki ignored the urgent low-elevation boreal biome that stretches acre roadless Forest Preserve and canoeing advice of every Adirondack environmental for nearly 200,000 acres in the river complex. organization last fall when he allowed the valleys of the northern Adirondacks. The Adirondack Park Agency and Department forest is home to some of the rarest wild- of Environmental Conservation to classify life in the Northeast, including moose, New Wilderness spruce grouse and two insect-eating plants Governor Pataki’s agencies in the the Forest Preserve lands immediately (pitcher plant and sundew) as well as a Adirondack Park worked together this east of Carry Fall Reservoir in the Town plethora of other endangered and protected spring to create a new Wilderness Area in of Colton, St. Lawrence County, as Wild native species. the west-central Adirondack Park com- Forest rather than Primitive. A Primitive The Governor allowed his agencies prised of 10,700 acres around the Bog designation, which is often considered to ignore this area’s fragile ecosystem and River in the southeastern corner of St. “Wilderness in waiting,” would have pre- make it possible for motorized vehicles to Lawrence County, between Sabbatis and vented any motorized access to the area’s negatively impact this special place. The Tupper Lake. The new Bog River-Round fragile boreal forests. Motorized vehicles next Governor should reverse this decision. Lake Wilderness became the Park’s 17th are allowed in Wild Forest Areas. The Wilderness Area of 10,000 acres or more. Jordan River Valley, east of Carry Falls The Park contains about 1.1 million acres Reservoir contains 73,000 acres of intact of state designated Wilderness.

State Legislature

allow the New York State Power Author- Neck, to increase the amount of money in Both Houses ity (NYPA) to construct the power line the EPF. In January, both lawmakers said alongside Route 56 in the Town of Colton, their goal was to increase the EPF to $300 Growth Spurt St. Lawrence County. The roadside is million by 2009. The legislation was not Legislators forged an agreement currently part of the Adirondack Forest passed, but it served as a negotiating tool with the Governor this summer to dedicate Preserve, where power line corridors are that helped secure the final EPF amount. $225 million to environmental capital prohibited. To avoid delays, NYPA had projects, creating the largest Environmen- planned, and the APA gave a permit, for Rights for Rangers tal Protection Fund in the state’s history. a power line route that skirted the Forest Senator Little and Assemblywoman In addition to land and water protection Preserve for over ten miles. The detour RoAnn Destito, D-Rome, gained the funds, monies are also available for local would damage wetlands, an old-growth approval for a bill that would guarantee planning assistance and specifically tar- white pine forest and the habitat of the NYS Forest Rangers the option of seek- geted for the Adirondack and Catskill Park endangered spruce grouse. The resolution ing binding arbitration when negotiating communities. outlined a procedure for NYPA to use a salaries, benefits and working conditions few roadside acres of Forest Preserve for with the state. Forest Rangers deserve the the power line, and in turn give a larger same protections as A Powerful Agreement amount of more valuable land back to the Sen. Elizabeth Little, R-Queensbury, other unionized state Preserve. If the resolution is approved by employees. Over and Assembly Environmental Conser- the Legislature again in 2007, it will be vation Committee Chairman Thomas the past decade, the placed on the November 2007 ballot for a Ranger force has DiNapoli worked together in June to pass statewide vote. a joint resolution of their two houses undergone sweeping to benefit Tupper Lake and the Park’s changes to its staff- environment. The resolution would result Legislation that Gets ing, district assign- in much less dam- the Green ments, district sizes, academy training, age to Adirondack Legislation was Destito forest ecosystems introduced by Environ- firearms requirements when a new power mental Conservation and overtime pay. line is built to Tupper Committee Chairmen Lake in 2008. The Senator Carl Marcelli- You Make the Call resolution is the first no, R-Oyster Bay, and Senator Little, along with former step in amending the Assemblyman Thomas Assemblyman Chris Ortloff, R-Platts- NYS Constitution to Little DiNapoli, D-Great burgh, and Teresa Sayward, R-Willsboro, Marcellino 4 persuaded the State extend the season so RVs could remain Police to repair the at campsites for four months each year. Senate long-defunct emer- Senator Little responded by criticizing the gency call boxes Agency and introducing a bill to undo the located alongside the Fighting Invasions current regulations. Senator Little man- Senator Little served the Park Adirondack Northway aged to get her bill through committee, but well in this year’s negotiations over the (I-87) between Pot- the bill was subjected to a fierce debate Environmental Protection Fund. The tersville (Exit 26) and from environmentally-minded colleagues. Senator secured $250,000 in additional Peru (Exit 35). The They produced photographs provided by funds to control invasive aquatic spe- call boxes are linked to Sayward the Adirondack Council, which showed cies in Lake George, above the $3 mil- local State Police sta- numerous examples of seasonal camp- lion already set aside for invasive species tions and each is powered by a solar panel grounds where RVs remained for years control statewide. The Senator also helped because there is no power line nearby. This and had been affixed with porches and secure $3 million for a Quality Communi- stretch of the interstate travels through decks. ties program to provide money for better dense forest, passing few homes or com- planning and measures to combat sprawl- munities, and carries very little traffic at ing development in the Adirondack and night. The phones stopped working Dec. Catskill Parks. 31, 1999, in what the troopers called their only Y2K-related computer malfunction. The Council urged that they be repaired. Defenders of Green Funding Safer Scraps Senator Minor- Senator Marcellino and Assembly- ity Leader David man William Colton, D-Brooklyn, gained Paterson, D-New approval for a bill that would limit the Amsel York City, and Sen. total amount of mercury used in produc- Neil Breslin, D-Del- ing new automobiles for sale in New York mar, held a press Power Grab State. The measure is designed to reduce conference along In March, both houses of the Leg- the amount of mercury with environmental islature passed a budget which included a emissions from the organizations calling provision that would have required annual incineration process on their colleagues to Legislative approval for two programs Paterson used to strip scrapped not override a budget administered by the NYS Energy Research cars down to base veto that would have required annual and Development Authority (NYSERDA); metals for recycling. Legislative approval the Systems Benefit Charge (SBC) and Organic mercury par- for the Systems Ben- the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). ticles, whether emitted efit Charge and the These programs’ funding comes from from a power plant Renewable Portfolio small fees on consumers’ electric bills. or incinerator, can Standard adminis- The SBC funds the state’s water moni- cause birth defects and Colton tered by the NYS toring program in Adirondack lakes. By neurological damage Energy Research and making these programs subject to budget and can disrupt the functions of internal Development Author- debates, the Legislature would have en- organs. Mercury can be inhaled in fine par- ity. The Legislature dangered 20 years of continued acid rain ticles or ingested by eating contaminated overrode several of research and monitoring in the Adiron- fish or other fish consuming animals. the Governor’s ve- Breslin dacks, and plans to develop renewable toes, but left these programs alone. energy systems state-wide. Preventing Protections Senator Little and Assemblyman Darrel Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, intro- duced identical legislation this session to strip the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) of its authority to regulate recreational The Adirondack Council does not accept government vehicles (RVs) at seasonal campgrounds in or taxpayer funding of any kind. The Council’s work is the Adirondack Park. The current regula- funded entirely by your private donations, strengthen- tions state that RVs parked at seasonal ing our advocacy efforts. campsites may remain for three months, but must then move on. Enforcement has been lax. In 2005, the APA announced it would step up enforcement, but would

5 Twenty Questions of timber, living or dead, from the Forest Adirondack Anarchy Sen. Elizabeth Krueger, D-Man- Preserve since 1894. In 1950, following Advocated hattan, carried out a a hurricane, Gov. Thomas Dewey sus- Senator Little moved a bill through the vigorous debate over pended enforcement of the clause to allow Finance Committee that would have re- the merits of a bill for the commercial removal of fallen quired the Adirondack Park Agency to is- sponsored by Senator trees from the Preserve. This resulted in sue a permit within 30 days for any devel- Little that would have widespread theft of unharmed trees and opment that met with the approval of any stripped the Adiron- extensive damage to rivers and streams. local government in the Park. The poorly dack Park Agency of its In 1995, after a storm of similar intensity, drafted legislation would have placed the authority to regulate the Gov. George Pataki ordered that the fallen same restrictions on the Lake George Park Adirondack Park’s 133 Krueger trees be left alone on the Forest Preserve, Commission, NYS Departments of Health private campgrounds. except to clear existing trails for public and Transportation, the Office of General The unexpected challenge forced Senator use. Senator Little’s bill did not pass the Services and every other state agency with Little to wait for a sufficient number of Senate. The bill was also introduced by authority over the Park’s natural resources majority colleagues to return to the cham- Assemblyman Aubertine in the Assembly, and safety regulations. ber to register their votes. The bill had but fortunately it died in the Judiciary Under the bill, if a town board ap- been expected to pass without debate and committee. proved a development that violated the many GOP Senators had left the chamber plain language of the APA’s rules and to conduct other business. Several major- regulations, the APA would be powerless ity members voted against the bill. While to stop it. Before the APA can modify or it passed with a slim majority, the debate deny any permit, the Commissioners must called the attention of the Assembly ma- vote at their monthly meeting to send the jority to the bill, where leadership did not project to an adjudicatory public hear- permit it to pass out of committee. ing, often taking longer than the 30-day window required by this legislation. Overdevelopment Opposition Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, D-Mama- roneck, forced a prolonged debate with Senator Little over the Bad Little Bills Senator Little gained the Senate’s approval for a slate of bills that would merits of Little’s bill that have caused great harm to the Adirondack Park and to the Adirondack Park would require the state Agency’s ability to protect it. One bill would have taken away the APA’s authority to transfer development to regulate private campgrounds. Another would have forced the state to increase rights to localities every the development allowed on private lands in towns where the state purchases new time the state acquires Forest Preserve. new Forest Preserve. The bill would have allowed significant over-develop- Oppenheimer ment of private land within the Park. Allowing a higher density of buildings per acre could degrade water quality and wipe out miles of existing shoreline wildlife habitat. It passed the Senate with the bare minimum of positive votes, but thanks to Oppenheimer’s resis- tance, it went nowhere in the Assembly.

Chopping Into the Forever Wild Clause Senator Little also proposed a Constitu- tional Amendment that would have weak- ened the Forever Wild Clause (Article 14, Section 1) by allowing anyone to remove fallen timber from the Forest Preserve. Due to ecological concerns, the Forever Wild Clause has prohibited the removal

6 registration fees were established with the tourism-based economy. This legislation Assembly intention of using these funds the follow- will guarantee that people seeking to use ing year to create a trail system for ATV waterways for passage through an area No Handouts riders. During the process of negotiating for fishing, boating, canoeing, and other Assembly Local Governments the details of such a program, the Assem- benign recreational activities where per- Committee Chairman, Robert Sweeney, bly consulted with environmental organi- mitted, will by law have the right to do so. D-Lindenhurst, refused to allow a bill out zations and insisted on increased fines and Members of the public wishing to access of his committee that would have aided seizure of vehicles from repeat offenders. waterways for such purposes must use the developers of a proposed 700 plus-unit It also refused to open the Adirondack public launch sites so that private property subdivision in Tupper Lake by allow- Forest Preserve to ATV trails, even to rights are not diminished. The bill moved ing them to avoid paying for the roads make connections between private lands all the way to the floor in the Assembly, needed to complete their controversial where ATV riding is legal. A still-pending where it was unfortunately left – without project. The developers wanted current Commissioner’s Policy at the Department being passed – at the close of session. town residents to pay for the new roads, of Environmental Conservation would promising they would reimburse taxpay- virtually outlaw ATVs from any area ers if the Resort project was not a success. of the Forest Preserve. The Adirondack Putting the Since the town would have to borrow the Council supports this policy, as well as the Brakes on Bad Bills money and use it on lands it doesn’t own, Assembly’s actions. Since no agreement Assembly Committee Chairs and members the developers needed special permission on the ATV trail development process was refused to act on several bills advanced from the Legislature to create a “road dis- reached, the increased registration fee and in the Senate that would have reduced the trict,” where the use of town funds would trail program were rescinded in the final APA’s authority to effectively regulate be legal. The Adirondack Council believes state budget. land use in the Park. The measures would the proposed project would cause forest have made it impossible for APA to prop- fragmentation, water pollution, wetlands erly review permit applications, changed degradation and unfair financial pressure Authority Not the way APA measures building height on town residents. Authorized — a criterion that can trigger a formal The Assembly, at the request of the Coun- review, moved development rights off of Preserving Our cil and other environmental groups, did Forest Preserve land on to private land, not pass a bill that would have allowed the and weakened the “Forever Wild” clause Communities creation of a Warren County Convention of the State Constitution. These bills Assembly EnCon Chairman DiNapoli and Sports Authority. Our main con- increased tensions between local govern- gained his house’s approval for the Com- cern was not the authority itself, but the ments and the APA, and did nothing to munity Preservation location it was planning to use for a new protect the ecological integrity of the Park. Act. The bill would convention center. Last year, the Town and allow local govern- Village of Lake George were preparing to ments to impose a real turn the 7-acre Gaslight Village property Unfortunate Alliance Assemblyman Darrel Aubertine estate transfer tax of into a wetland. This year, the County cosponsored two bills with Senator Little, up to 2 percent on the wanted the property for a new center, with which would have lessened the APA’s sale of any home that a parking lot that would negate any benefit authority and the protections afforded fetches a price higher of a smaller wetland on the property. The the Forest Preserve under the “Forever than the median value Council and others are hopeful the entire Wild” clause of the NYS Constitution. in its county. The funds DiNapoli property, which remains for sale, can be Unfortunately, neither Aubertine nor Little could be used for the turned into a wetland to help protect the introduced measures that would reform preservation of open space or for historic water quality of Lake George. preservation projects. The median value the Park Agency to make the process threshold was established to prevent the simpler for permit applicants and protect tax from being levied on working families Paddle Through the ecological integrity of the Park as or low-income housing. The Senate failed Assemblyman Alexander “Pete” well. The Council is urging lawmakers to to act on a similar bill proposed by Sena- Grannis (D-Manhattan) introduced find a balance between both goals, instead tor Marcellino, preventing the idea from legislation to ensure, of simply introducing legislation that moving further. by statute, the pub- increase tension between the regulatory lic’s right to access agencies and Park residents. Fortunately navigable waterways neither of the bills moved out of commit- Protecting the throughout the state. tee in the Assembly. Preserve The Adirondack Park The Assembly stayed strong and refused depends on tourists to create a new ATV trail system without seeking recreational environmental protection of the natu- opportunities to sustain ral resources. Last year, increased ATV a largely nature-based Grannis

7 Courts

Wrong Way, Go Back! State Supreme Court Justice Richard Aulisi in May struck down a local law in the Town of Horicon, Warren County, which had opened eight roads within the Adirondack Forest Preserve to all-ter- rain vehicles. The local law declared that all of the roads were actually town roads Damage caused by ATVs in the Aldrich and subject to town law, not to state laws Pond Wild Forest banning ATVs from Forest Preserve lands. The judge rejected this argument, stating that the town could show no proof that it owned or even maintained the roads, before or after the state added them to the Forest Preserve.

That’s Not Permitted In November, State Supreme Court new equipment to reduce pollution. The coal-fired power plants each year, without Justice Michael Daley in Herkimer County same argument used by Cinergy is also triggering a demand for new pollution ordered a halt to construction of a mansion being employed by the EPA to justify its controls. built on a narrow spit of land adjacent to poor proposal to change the NSR require- Second Lake of the Fulton Chain. The ment to the hourly rate. The states’ suit Frankenpine Freed judge upheld an enforcement judgment originated in 2001 when Cinergy backed In January, State Supreme Court by the Adirondack Park Agency Board of out of an agreement to clean up its plants Justice Frank Williams dismissed on a Commissioners ordering the owner to dis- without further litigation. technicality the lawsuit brought by the mantle sections of the house that exceeded Adirondack Council against the Adiron- height and square-footage limits. The Eliminating NSR dack Park Agency for its decision to allow partially constructed house exceeded the the construction of a 104-foot-tall fake 35-foot height limit by 14 feet and would Dodgers pine tree cell phone tower (a.k.a. Franken- have been more than seven times larger In March, the US Court of Appeals, DC pine) on a slope above Lake George. The than the 2,500 square-foot limit his permit Circuit, ended an attempt by the Bush judge blamed the law firm representing allows. Administration to weaken the Clean Air Act by rendering moot the “new source re- the Council for failing to provide court view” clause (NSR). Last summer, the US papers to one of the defendants on time. Preventing Power Plant Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) While he considered the Council’s petition Pollution declared that most equipment replace- to reargue the case, he came to the same In August, the United States Court of ment projects at power plants, refineries, conclusion the second time. The defeat Appeals, Seventh Circuit, unanimously and other industrial facilities were exempt marks the first time the Council has lost an ruled in favor of the federal government from the Clean Air Act’s NSR require- article 78 lawsuit, which allows citizens to and several states, including New York, ment to install new pollution controls at appeal arbitrary decisions made by state that electric company Cinergy Corp. could the same time. NSR states that any work agencies. not change how it measures emissions to beyond routine maintenance triggers a In August, several sections of the avoid cleaning up its dirty coal-fired pow- rule requiring the power plant to meet the Frankenpine tower were delivered to the er plants in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. same pollution standards as a brand new site on Pilot Knob in the Town of Fort Cinergy was attempting to use the ratio- plant. The judges told EPA that NSR was Ann, and construction began shortly there- nale that its emissions should be measured explicit in forbidding any work to extend after. based on an hourly rate instead of the the life of a power plant without installing current system of annual levels. This could new pollution controls. Until it was struck allow much more pollution to be emitted down, the EPA’s new interpretation of the without having to comply with the New Clean Air Act would have allowed power Source Review (NSR) program and install companies to replace 20 percent of their

8 Local Governments

The Route to a Better to unrelated areas of the Forest Preserve) jurisdictions. Town Supervisor Gerald Future have held up the portion of the deal in their Morrow said an overwhelming majority The Towns of Inlet, Old Forge and Webb respective towns. of lakeshore residents favored the ban. worked together in May and August to Auger Lake is west of Route 9 and I-87 gather community input and support for Reverse Course! in Essex County, just south of the Clinton a joint Rt. 28 Corridor Revitalization Former Lewis County Legislator County border. Plan. The plan will address waterfront Bruce Krug persuaded his colleagues in access; hamlet revitalization; economic December of 2005 to repeal a local law Revamped Proposal and market analyses of potential land- that had opened miles of county roads to The newly elected Saratoga County uses; sustainable, tourism-based economic ATV traffic, including roads in the Adiron- Board of Supervisors in January decided development; protection of community dack Forest Preserve. Krug insisted that to stop pressuring the Adirondack Park character and cultural resources; growth the county law was in violation of the state Agency to approve three new emergency management; and, protection of natural Vehicle and Traffic Law because the state communications towers on mountaintops resources. law banned ATVs from any road where and ridgelines around the north end of cars or trucks were allowed, with few, very the Great Sacandaga Lake. The county’s A Glaring limited exceptions. While supporters of proposal clearly violated the APA’s policy the county law refused to believe Krug, against highly visible structures that rise Improvement he finally persuaded the board to seek an above the surrounding trees. The Council, Last Fall, the Village of Lake George ap- opinion from the NYS Attorney General’s the Association for the Protection of the proved new zoning ordinances that placed office. The AG’s opinion confirmed that Adirondacks, the Residents’ Commit- new standards for parking, building height the law should be repealed. tee to Protect the Adirondacks, and one and landscaping. In addition, a new sign affected landowner, were set to mount code set regulations for placement, height, a legal challenge against the county’s lighting and size of signs. Internally il- proposal. The APA called for a formal, luminated signs would have to be taken adjudicatory hearing, which is required down within five years and omni-direc- before any permit can be modified or tional lighting must be removed or altered denied. The hearing was set to begin in within two years. the fall of 2005, but was postponed at the county’s request. The newly elected board Town Overrides Own decided to halt the permit process and call off the hearing. Chairman John Lawler of Veto Waterford told the Council that he wanted The Town of Franklin, Franklin County, to cooperate in finding the best system lifted its objections in May to the state’s for the county and offered to share the plan to acquire a conservation easement Bruce Krug of Constableville tells the media information presented to the APA by the on lands within the town that were sold to about damage done to public lands in Lewis county’s newly hired emergency commu- Lyme Timber of New Hampshire by for- County by ATV riders, during a press confer- ence in May at the NYS Capitol. He has been nications coordinator. mer owner Domtar Industries of Canada. Rather than continue posing a roadblock to a strong advocate for removing ATVs from the agreement, the town worked with state hiking trails and sensitive forests. Access for All officials to ensure that public access would The Village of Saranac Lake be included in the deal, and then lifted Decision Augurs Well won a $51,000 grant for its Riverwalk their objections. Both the Domtar and for Quiet Auger Lake from the state Environmental Protection International Paper Co. land sales remain In April, the Chesterfield Town Board Fund in July and will use the money to incomplete as a result of local objections. created a new local law banning personal complete a new access point behind the In both cases, the timber lands are watercraft (jet skis) from Auger Lake. The village offices for people with disabilities. spread over several counties and numerous board took advantage of a state law that Construction is expected to start in the towns, most of which raised no objections the Adirondack Council worked hard to spring of 2007. The state grant was part to the sales or the easements. Yet objec- gain approval for in 2000, which gave local of $2,073,650 doled out for 14 open space tions from a handful of towns (whose governments the right to regulate jet skis, recreation, preservation and waterfront supervisors want all-terrain vehicle access or ban them entirely, on waters within their projects in Hamilton, St. Lawrence, Jef- ferson, Lewis and Franklin counties in 2006. 9 E-Town’s Invisible Friend Elizabethtown will allow Verizon Wireless to install a cell phone antenna within the cupola of the Town Hall and receive $1,000 a month for its use. The antenna will not be visible from the outside of the building. After watching the Town of Fort Ann lose the battle against Frankenpine on Pilot Knob and learning that they can earn revenues by leas- ing their infrastructure and collocating telecommunications equipment, many communities have offered prime locations for rent. For example, the Town of Essex leases space on its water tower, as do other villages across the Park

Elizabethtown Town Hall

Lake Placid Sees across the Carry Falls Reservoir into a Down the Wrong Trail the Light rare and fragile low-elevation boreal forest The St. Lawrence County Legis- Village Mayor Jamie Rogers announced in that would be severely degraded by such lature is copying the poor examples set August that Lake Placid would begin re- traffic. In 1989, the Council proposed the by Lewis County’s attempts to legally placing existing streetlights on Main Street creation of a 73,000-acre Boreal Wilder- open roads to ATVs. It is also ignoring with shorter, more efficient lights that will ness in this forest, surrounding the Jordan the repeated losses in court by the Town reduce the community’s electricity use. River Valley. Motorized traffic is not of Pitcairn when it illegally opened roads Funding for the $188,000 energy-saving allowed in Wilderness Areas. Acreage in and was sued by its own taxpayers. The project came from the New York Power these four towns totals about 34,000 acres Legislature in July set in motion a plan to Authority (NYPA) and from the village’s of the 260,000. establish an ATV trail system on county own energy efficiency fund. The current forests that would have a usage fee. They lights were installed in 1968. The village Reversal of Fortune didn’t consider the cost to the public due is replacing 450-watt lights with twice as Lewis County officials are again to the inevitable damage to trail surfaces, many 200-watt fixtures. The placement violating the law in a mad dash to open air quality, wildlife habitat, water quality, and design of the lamps will direct more about 50 miles of access roads, fire lanes vibrant fisheries and local serenity. Public light downward, where it is needed, rather and trails to ATV traffic. The action officials should weigh those costs against than into the sky, where it is wasted. Thus, was taken without completing a proper the paltry revenue expected from trail fees, the streetscape will be brighter, despite environmental review, and in apparent rather than just anticipate the political the reduction in wattage. Streetlamps that violation of the State Vehicle and Traffic rewards of providing a new recreational shine sideways or reflect light upward di- Law. The roads and trails were opened amenity. minish the view of the local night sky and before Lewis County officials completed can disturb both people and wildlife. a legally required study under the State Next door, the Town of Harrietstown Environmental Quality Review Act. Such (Saranac Lake area) is also making use of reviews give the public an opportunity to a NYPA grant to improve energy comment on the plan and present evidence efficiency at municipal facilities, includ- concerning the areas’ suitability for ATV ing the town hall. use. Under state traffic law, roads that carry automobile traffic cannot be used by Largest Land Deal Still ATVs. This is the second time in the past five years that the county has acted hastily Victim of Local ‘Veto’ in violation of the law in an effort to ac- The Adirondack towns of Colton, Hop- commodate ATVs. In their final meeting of kinton, Parishville and Piercefield have 2005, the Legislature voted to rescind the refused to grant their consent to a final 2001 law opening portions of 39 county agreement that would forever protect from roads to ATV traffic, citing an opinion development their portion of the 260,000 from the state Attorney General that said acres of former International Paper Co. roads should be opened only to connect holdings located within their towns. Town actual trails or other riding areas, not other officials that have objected to the deal said roads. they want the state to first grant permis- sion for a snowmobile and ATV bridge Amsel 10 Adirondack Park Agency

Repelling Persistent to cooperate with the Agency’s remedia- should have as much information as pos- Invaders tion plan. In April, the Attorney General sible when ruling on projects of regional carried forward the enforcement action impact. When Chairman Whaley proposed In May, the Adirondack Park Agency by bringing suit against the landowner in the change in October 2005, Adirondack adopted a formal plan for fighting invasive Essex County Court on behalf of the APA. Council Executive Director Brian Houseal plants and animals that threaten the Park’s That case is still pending. It could bring informed the Commissioners and media rivers, lakes and streams. Until now, fines of $500 per day for land-use viola- that the Council would take action if it homeowners, state agencies, local govern- tions dating back to September, 2004. The sensed any further erosion of public input ments, environmental organizations, lake owner built his house beyond the height at the APA. associations and boating organizations restrictions given to him in his APA per- have fought independent battles against mit and also violated setback and erosion at least 48 non-native species, includ- APA in U.M.P. Slump control rules. ing zebra mussels and Eurasian Milfoil. The Park Agency has repeatedly Such invaders can change lake and river abdicated its responsibility to protect the ecosystems by consuming or out-compet- Mega-Resort Plan Forest Preserve by refusing to say no when ing native species and throwing off the Panned reviewing the Department of Environmen- natural balance. Zebra mussels crowd In March, the Agency told the develop- tal Conservation’s (DEC) Unit Manage- out native mussel species, can clog water ment partnership Preserve Associates to ment Plans (UMP). In the past 24 months, intakes, and can cause millions of dollars go back to the drawing board with its the Agency has approved DEC manage- of damage to residential water systems plans for a 700-plus unit residential and ment plans that violated both the letter and and municipal facilities. Milfoil crowds commercial subdivision on the slopes the spirit of the State Land Master Plan out native water plants and creates thick around Big Tupper Ski Center. The APA (SLMP). The APA’s main duty in review- mats of vegetation. Both species are eas- was concerned over the cursory treatment ing the plans is to ensure compliance with ily spread by boats that are moved from given new elements such as a shooting the SLMP. Its review is supposed to be a infected waters to non-infected ones, school, equestrian center and revised check on the power of DEC officials to de- carrying exotic species on their trailers, in marina plans within the application. The clare how “Forever Wild” public lands will bilge water and motor-cooling water. APA also cited the lack of approval from be managed. APA has approved plans that Large portions of the Park are still free of the Town of Tupper Lake for a local zon- contain such flaws as the retention of fire invasive species. The Council’s goal is to ing change and the lack of an agreement towers expressly ordered to be removed protect these places, while working to with the town and the Franklin County by the SLMP; authorization for tree-cut- eliminate existing invasions. Industrial Development Agency regarding ting on Forest Preserve mountain summits financing for roads, sewers, water, and to preserve hikers’ views; creating new power services. This is the second time snowmobile trails at a time when DEC ap- since May 2005 that the APA has returned pears to have already authorized 600 miles the application to the developers with ad- of trails above the limit contained in the ditional questions. SLMP, and allowing Forest Preserve roads to remain open to automobiles. On one occasion, a DEC regional official who dis- First Amendment agreed with public comments on an illegal Protected provision in a UMP, responded to critical In November 2005, the APA Board of comment letters by Adirondack Council zebra mussel Commissioners rejected a plan proposed Activists and urged the writers to alter their illustration by Sheri Amsel by Chairman Ross Whaley to curtail comments. While the employee was mildly public comment on Agency matters by disciplined, his impact on the public record eliminating one of the two remaining pub- was not considered by the APA. The Height of lic comment periods in the APA’s monthly Vigilance meeting schedule. The Agency has taken Taking the Wild Out of The Park Agency’s leadership stood fast several steps in recent years to curb public comments at APA meetings on permit Wilderness in the face of criticism and pressure from The APA Board Commissioners voted in an influential Lake Placid resident whose decisions for projects. The Adirondack Council has objected to each of these August to allow Barton Mines to avoid a enforcement case was sent to the NYS public hearing on its plan to install a sec- Attorney General’s office after he refused measures, stating that the Commissioners

11 ond wind-measuring tower on the slopes Power Play combined Sprint/Nextel no longer needed of Pete Gay Mountain. The APA granted a Again succumbing to pressure from as tall a tower (104 feet), since they would permit for a similar tower (more than 100 other quarters, the APA issued a permit be sharing the same wireless equipment. feet tall) without a hearing two years ago. to the NY Power Authority (NYPA) in The APA rejected the Council’s petition. The Adirondack Council and Association March ignoring its mandate to avoid un- Sadly, construction on the Lake George for the Protection of the Adirondacks had due adverse impacts to the Park’s natural Frankenpine is underway. urged the Agency to either hold a formal resources. Without holding a public hear- hearing or require the applicant to reveal ing, the APA approved a plan by NYPA We Surrender the details of its plan to construct 10 wind to detour a proposed power line through The APA ran for cover last fall when turbines. According to Barton officials, fragile ecosystems. The proposed 46-ki- faced with criticism of its reasonable, each turbine would be 420 feet tall, built lovolt, Stark Falls-to-Tupper Lake power new plan to enforce its rules regarding atop Pete Gay, which stands 2,900 feet line would cut through an old-growth the length of time a recreational vehicle above sea level. Pete Gay is adjacent to white pine forest and cross wetlands and (RV) can remain at a “seasonal camp- the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area and is rare bog habitat for the endangered spruce ground.” The APA had noted that its lax visible from other surrounding Wilderness grouse. This diversion through these for- enforcement of the three-month limit on Areas. ests was employed to avoid a small section campground stays for RVs had allowed of Forest Preserve along the roadside of some campgrounds to become permanent Project Pushed Route 56, where no such fragile habitat second-home subdivisions. The Agency exists. NYPA thought it would save time proposed extending the season to four Through by avoiding Constitutional issues that months, but warned that the RVs had to In June, the Agency approved a major might bring a lawsuit, but promptly was be moved at the end of that time period. subdivision on Woodhull Lake in the sued by a Colton landowner from whom it When state Sen. Elizabeth Little, R- Herkimer County Town of Webb without wants to seize property for the detour. Queensbury, complained that the APA was an adjudicatory public hearing. Such a After the APA’s hasty approval, the being too hard on campground owners, the hearing would have allowed the Agency to Council worked with the Authority and APA backed off and never mentioned the reduce the number of lots and the poten- with other state officials to gain first pas- proposal again. tial damage to Woodhull Lake’s shoreline sage for a Constitutional Amendment in habitat. The project will result in the June. The amendment would remove a development of 25 principal residences small amount of land along the roadside and accessory structures on 1,235 acres area from the Forest Preserve and replace of land classified as Resource Manage- it with more ecologically valuable lands in ment on and around the lake. Two lots another location. will be accessible only by water. Resource Management lands are those that are the most restricted under the APA land use Frankenpine Lives plan. Before the formal application was The Adirondack Park Agency submitted, the applicant (the Adirondack refused to reopen its review of an applica- League Club) worked with APA staff and tion filed by two independent cell phone consulted the Adirondack Council and companies for a Frankenpine (fake tree other groups. The League Club agreed cell tower) even though neither company to negotiate restrictions on tree-cutting exists any longer. The Frankenpine is on and to require soil tests for septic sys- the slopes of Pilot Knob, a peninsula on tems and wells. In addition, there will the scenic eastern shore of Lake George. be no additional development within 500 Regional cell phone companies Nextel feet of the shoreline, the engine size for Partners and Independent Wireless One (a boats launched on the property will be Sprint regional affiliate) were the official restricted, and any generators must be applicants for the permit. Each claimed enclosed and must not be any louder than repeatedly (in response to the Adiron- 40 decibels. The Council still believes dack Council’s examination) during the that the size and scope of the project may APA’s 2005 adjudicatory hearing that degrade water quality and wildlife habitat they had nothing to do with the national companies Sprint and Nextel. However, in the Woodhull Lake watershed. About While NEXTEL’s Frankenpine was substan- one-third of Woodhull Lake’s shoreline before the APA issued its final approval tially redesigned after a great deal of APA in- is “Forever Wild” Forest Preserve, within for the permit in April, Sprint and Nextel put, the Council doesn’t believe that fake trees the Black River Wild Forest. had merged into a single corporation. belong in the Adirondack Park. Thankfully, The Council argued that the APA would instead of pursuing a similar route again, be violating its own rules by issuing a NEXTEL and other wireless communications permit to an entity other than the actual companies have focused on collocating new applicants. The Council also argued that a equipment on existing infrastructure.

12 Department of Environmental Conservation

Mercury Falling In May, Department of Environmen- tal Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise Sheehan an- nounced that the state would require deep, new cuts in mercury emissions from coal- fired electric power plants statewide. Un- der the draft proposal, plants would have Sheehan to cut their current emissions by approximately 90 percent by 2015. The current federal standard requires only a 70 percent cut by 2018 and allows for the trading of mercury credits. The Ad- irondack Council opposes mercury credit trading, and New York’s draft rule does not allow it. A large portion of the mercury emitted from power plants is deposited in sions at a certain plant increase, causing with DEC to move up the timeframe of the areas close to the smokestack and trading public health and ecological problems reductions so that New Yorkers will see could allow for “hot spots” where emis- locally. The Adirondack Council will work the benefits as soon as possible.

Establishing a Nest Egg At the Adirondack Council’s insis- by both agencies, as well as stakeholder At the August 2006 monthly meet- tence, ORDA had taken a second look at organizations to gather information about ing of the Adirondack Park Agency in its plans for developing new ski trails at the status of invasive plants and animals Ray Brook, DEC Region 5 Director Stuart Whiteface Mountain. Once an appropri- in New York, and the state’s capacity to Buchanan approved the final agreement ate trail plan was developed, all of the mitigate, eradicate, and prevent them. for the world’s first Bicknell’s Thrush interested parties agreed to work together The final report was used as the basis Mitigation Fund. The fund will be used to to protect the Bicknell’s habitat, both in for the state to establish a new category raise awareness about the need to pro- the Park and on Hispaniola. of funding for invasive species in the tect the bird’s threatened, high-elevation Environmental Protection Fund, and spend homes. Much of the bird’s breeding is Driven to Change $3.25 million fighting invasive plants and done on Adirondack peaks above 2,800 At the urging of DEC, the NYS En- animals this year. feet. Most, but not all, of that habitat is vironmental Board adopted in November protected from development because it is 2005 new rules for automobile emissions Roadside Rampage part of the “Forever Wild” Forest Pre- that require cars sold in New York to meet Punished serve. The remainder of its breeding range the same stringent greenhouse-gas-emis- is outside the Park, on mountains that lack In March, the DEC fined the NYS Depart- sions standards as cars sold in California. ment of Transportation (DOT) $50,000 similar protections. Its wintering range The rule is in limbo as auto makers are is on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, for cutting thousands of live trees within suing to prevent the implementation of the the Adirondack Forest Preserve in 2005, which contains the nations of Haiti and new regulation. the Dominican Republic. In addition to along an 11-mile stretch of state Route 3 the Council, organizations signing the between Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake. It agreement to create and maintain the fund Forcing Out Invasives is the first time the DEC has issued a fine were the Wildlife Conservation Society, DEC officials worked cooperatively against another state agency since Gov. Audubon New York, Cornell University with the NYS Department of Agriculture George Pataki took office in 1995. DOT Laboratory of Ornithology, the Adiron- and Markets to complete and issue the officials said they were reacting to a call dack Nature Conservancy, the Vermont final report of the NYS Invasive Species from local officials to clear the roadside Institute of Natural Science, and the Task Force last November. The report was of trees that might fall across the road Olympic Regional Development Authority the culmination of several years of work and block emergency traffic. DEC sent (ORDA). 13 DOT officials a strong message to seek the Well Manored DEC’s guidance before embarking upon In July, DEC Commissioner Sheehan officially opened the Scaroon Manor Day roadside cutting on Forest Preserve lands. Use Recreational Area, which the state had acquired almost 40 years ago and had left DOT has also agreed to have a “czar” relatively dormant. The new Recreation Area comprises 241 acres in the towns of coordinate all of its activities within the Chester, Warren County, and Schroon, Essex County. It includes 1,200 feet of shore- Adirondack Park, which spans part of line on the western shore of Schroon Lake. The day use area, picnic sites and the beach three regional DOT offices. bathhouse amenities are accessible to people with disabilities. There are 58 picnic sites, 120 feet of public beach and a 10,000 square-foot swimming area. In the next phase of Wise Closures the project, DEC plans to clean up an existing amphitheater and construct a campground In contrast to their actions in other with 60 campsites, comfort stations, and other related facilities. Hiking trails and an Forest Preserve Unit Management Plans, interpretive center for preservation of Adirondack cultural history also will be created. DEC officials proposed the elimination of several miles of dead-end snowmobile trails and roads, as well as unused and poorly located campsites, in one unit this spring. In May, the DEC held hearings on the Moose River Plains Wild Forest Unit Management Plan to explain its posi- tion. Regional officials did a thorough job explaining the need to protect specific resources within the plains, as well as the need to discard snowmobile trails that traversed sensitive places or could not be connected to the existing network.

Disappearing Act In November 2005, DEC released a draft of the NYS Open Space Conserva- tion Plan that eliminated any reference to two proposed Adirondack Wilderness Areas that had been part of the plan since Scaroon Manor Day Use Recreational Area on Schroon Lake is the first new recreational facility constructed by DEC in the Adirondack Forest Preserve since 1977. it was created more than a decade ago. The areas removed from the plan were the 73,000-acre Boreal Wilderness, proposed inventory of existing snowmobile mileage for the Jordan River Valley in St. Law- DEC officials soon changed their minds on the Adirondack Forest Preserve. The rence County, and the Bob Marshall Great and blamed a computer program malfunc- DEC estimated that only 850 miles of Wilderness, proposed for a 408,000-acre tion for the initial figures. So far, DEC has snowmobile trails exist on Forest Preserve section of the Oswegatchie River Basin released no detailed maps or explanations lands throughout the Adirondack Park. in the west-central Adirondacks. The Bob of this oddly convenient new estimate. This figure drastically differs from a much Marshall plan, which would combine Meanwhile, the DEC continued to add larger number given during a meeting several existing Wilderness areas into miles of snowmobile trails to individual with the environmental groups and snow- one, was known in the Open Space Plan Unit Management Plans it has submitted mobilers earlier in the year. as the Oswegatchie Great Forest. DEC of- to the APA over the past two years. The Snowmobiles are allowed on some ficials said the Wilderness proposals were Comprehensive Snowmobile Plan for the Wild Forest trails, but the total miles of removed to make the Open Space Plan Adirondack Park, which DEC began more snowmobile trails are limited to 848 miles shorter and simpler. The Council felt there than three years ago, is still not complete. by the State Land Master Plan. DEC has was little chance the Legislature would continued to allow trail network expan- appropriate the money for these areas sions without keeping an accurate count On Wrong Trail with without official recognition in the Plan. In of what it has opened, and has closed very 2006, DEC officials confirmed they would Snowmobiles few trails during the UMP process. The DEC management plan for the Jessup put both proposed Wilderness Areas back Every official and unofficial state in- River Wild Forest included the addition into the final version of the plan which has ventory of snowmobile trail mileage since of 3 miles of snowmobile trails - includ- yet to be released. 1992 has estimated that the Forest Pre- ing at least one section of new trail that serve contains somewhere between 1,200 would cut through old-growth forest - at a Fuzzy Math and 1,400 miles. The first reports from time when the state has refused to provide In July, the DEC made a preposter- DEC officials on their 2006 computerized an accurate count of the total miles in the ous presentation to the Adirondack Park Geographic Information Service inventory Park, which is limited by law. The DEC Agency regarding the DEC’s computerized reached the same conclusions. However, has also allowed its Draft Comprehensive 14 Snowmobile Plan for the Adirondacks They Put the “Saw” in Sawyer languish for more than two years, while In its recent Unit Management Plans for various portions of the Adirondack promising to issue an update. This spring, Forest Preserve, the DEC has introduced an unprecedented change in the way it man- DEC unexpectedly announced it was ages mountaintops, where some of the Park’s most sensitive wildlife habitat is located. changing the plan’s name to the Concep- In the plans for the Wakely Mountain Primitive Area and the St. Regis Canoe Area, tual Snowmobile Plan. All three actions DEC officials said they wanted to cut down trees at the summit to enhance the view for were giant leaps backward in the process hikers. Some unapproved tree cutting by DEC personnel occurred on Sawyer Mountain. of establishing a safe, reliable and legal The Adirondack Council believes the DEC should never advocate a Forest Preserve network of snowmobile trails in the Park. management scheme that involves harming the environment to accommodate recreation. Tower not Toppled Despite clear instructions in the State Land Master Plan (SLMP), the DEC contorted its Unit Management Plan for the Blue Ridge Wilderness to seemingly justify retaining the non-conforming fire tower on Wakely Mountain. The SLMP states that man-made structures are not allowed in Wilderness Areas. The SLMP has instructed the DEC to close and remove the Wakely Mountain tower since 1989 because it is no longer used for the purpose for which it was created, sighting forest fires. Rather than comply, DEC de- cided to attach radio equipment to the top of the tower to justify keeping it in place. The SLMP also instructs DEC officials to add Wakely Mountain to the Blue Ridge Wilderness. Instead, in the UMP, DEC contemplates adding Wakely Mountain Sawyer Mountain to the Moose River Plains Wild Forest, which would legally allow the fire tower to remain. those are the towers located on Hurricane Making matters worse, the DEC of- and St. Regis Mountains, in their respec- ficial who worked on the development of tive Primitive Areas. Primitive Areas are this UMP was also the person in charge of essentially Wilderness Areas-in-waiting. reviewing public comment. When a flood In each case, all other private and state of letters arrived urging the DEC to follow structures are gone and all roads beyond the law and remove the tower (many from the fire towers are now closed. Adirondack Council members and activ- ists), he took it upon himself to respond Five Years of Waiting personally and urged the writers to change DEC gave into local pressure when their opinions and re-submit their com- it released its Draft Unit Management ments. Plan for the Silver Lake Wilderness and allowed the last 0.7 miles of the West Burning Desire River Road to remain open for another DEC officials announced this spring five years. This section of the road is in that they were re-writing the rules for the Wilderness area and the State Land non-conforming fire towers within For- Master Plan requires that it be closed est Preserve Primitive Areas rather than immediately. Instead, the UMP allows follow the law to remove them. The State the road to stay open and in five years, Land Master Plan (SLMP), which has a barricade will be installed just beyond the force of law, is the rule book for how the last private residence on the road, to certain classifications of Forest Preserve prevent continued motorized traffic into (Wilderness, Wild Forest, Canoe, Primi- the Wilderness area. Local officials have tive, etc.) will be managed. In some cases, said if boulders are placed there, they will the SLMP is very specific, instructing the be moved and could lead to violence over DEC to remove specific towers. Two of the closing. Illustrations by Sheri Amsel 15 Other Agencies

Songbird Salvation and the land around them. The waterways NYSERDA is Under After several years of wrangling were originally acquired by the state in Comptrol with the Adirondack Council and oth- the 1800s to provide additional water to This spring, state Comptroller Alan Hevesi ers over the details of its plan to expand the state’s barge canal network. The lakes helped to discourage an attempt by the ski trails at the Whiteface Mountain Ski were connected by a stream to the canal Legislature to take con- Center, the Olympic Regional Develop- system, but were never needed. When the trol of the annual budget ment Authority agreed to help create an NYS Thruway Authority took control of for the NYS Energy innovative program to protect the habitat the canal system and its associated lakes in Research and Develop- of a rare songbird both in the Adirondacks the Adirondack Park in the early 1990s, it ment Authority (NY- and on its wintering range on the island of announced a plan that included selling and SERDA). The Authority Hispaniola in the Caribbean. The authority leasing canal lands to private individuals. already has a board of signed an agreement in August with the The Adirondack Council pointed out that directors and a citizens’ Adirondack Council and a host of other a 1908 Court of Appeals decision required advisory panel to create groups that will create a Bicknell’s Thrush the canal system’s Adirondack lands and and oversee its spend- Hevesi Mitigation Fund. The fund will be used to waters to be afforded the same protec- ing plan. Hevesi’s 2005 preserve the bird’s habitat and to educate tions as the Forest Preserve; therefore they audit revealed that the Authority is well the public about the need to protect it. could not be sold or leased. This eventual- run. He urged the Legislature to leave the ly led to a survey of the canal lands to en- Authority alone. On the Path to Success sure there were no private encroachments, and a review of the status of surplus lakes. NY Power Authority officials Connecting the DOTs worked with the Adirondack Council and The resulting transfer will allow Chub and Twin to remain “Forever Wild” regardless Although the Department of Trans- state Legislators this spring to reach an portation (DOT) participated in the state’s agreement on how to avoid a power line of unforeseen changes to the status of the state’s canal lands. Invasive Species Task Force, it neglected construction detour that would cause sig- to address the issue in its own comprehen- nificant environmental damage. Originally sive plan for the management of the state’s NYPA had proposed going around the PSC’s SBC for ALSC is highway roadsides. DOT has made great Forest Preserve with a long detour through A-OK strides in its efforts to preserve wild flower fragile ecosystems. Environmentalists, The NYS Public Service Commission, habitat on roadsides and medians across who would normally applaud NYPA which regulates the state’s power compa- the state. But it must also consider ways for going around public lands, said they nies, ensured the integrity of the state’s to manage its mowing and vegetation re- would rather see the line built along the most vital acid rain research in Decem- moval to control the spread of aggressive, already disturbed roadside area. NYPA ber 2005, when it renewed the System non-native plant species that proliferate on balked, saying such a route could draw a Benefits Charge (SBC) for another five roadsides (i.e., purple loosestrife, Japanese citizens’ lawsuit in defense of the For- years. The SBC is a fee on consumer knotweed, phragmites). A 2006 map gen- est Preserve, delaying the power line for electric bills that provides money for erated by the Adirondack Park Invasive years. It proceeded with its application to environmental programs. The SBC funds Plants Program shows that most of the the Adirondack Park Agency, which ap- the research of the Adirondack Lakes Sur- Park’s exotic plant infesta- proved it with little debate. vey Corporation (ALSC). The ALSC has tions occur near roadways. performed monthly chemistry tests on 53 Two Adirondack Lakes Adirondack lakes and ponds for more than Relinquished two decades. Its records include more than In October 2005, the NYS Canal Cor- 25 years of uninterrupted data which has poration signed an agreement with the provided the foundation for all of the Ad- Department of Environmental Conser- irondack Council’s advocacy on acid rain. vation to transfer into the Adirondack (For more information on the Adirondack Forest Preserve 719 acres of forest and Lakes Survey Corp., see our Summer 2006 two undeveloped lakes in Herkimer Forever Wild newsletter, online at www. County. This area will become part of the adirondackcouncil.org.) Black River Wild Forest. The two parcels contain Twin Lakes Reservoir, covering 38 acres, the 152-acre Chub Reservoir, Purple loosestrife by Sheri Amsel

16 Attorney General

Turning Up the Heat sue the federal government – this time panies to avoid mercury reductions if they In April, Attorney General Eliot over the gas-mileage standards set for cars can find another company willing to make Spitzer joined forces with nine other and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). The cuts deeper than the law requires. This suit states, the District coalition filed suit against the US Depart- is coupled with one brought by the states of Columbia and ment of Transportation, seeking, among last year that sought to overturn EPA’s City of New York other things, the right to set and enforce decision to reclassify mercury so that it to file a federal mileage standards that are tougher than would not be subject to strict Maximum lawsuit against the federal regulations. Currently, only the Achievable Control Technology (MACT) US Environmental federal government can set minimum standards for emissions reductions. Rather Protection Agency mileage standards. The 2006 federal than tighten the rule, EPA issued the final (EPA) for failing standard for new SUVs is (a fleet-wide version with additional shortcomings. to regulate carbon average) 21.6 miles per gallon (mpg), dioxide emissions compared with 27.5 mpg for automobiles. Don’t Mess with from power plants. Spitzer Under the current DOT plan, the standard The plaintiffs want for SUVs will rise to an average 24 miles Success the EPA to curb carbon dioxide in an mpg by 2011, or just 2.4 mpg more over During the NYS Legislature’s 2006 budget effort to stem global warming. Carbon di- the next five years. negotiations, Attorney General Spitzer oxide is the most common of the so-called helped to thwart the Legislature’s attempt greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the to seize control of the annual budget of the atmosphere that would otherwise radiate No Market for Mercury Systems Benefit Charge and the Renew- In June, Attorney General Spitzer into space. Dramatic climate change is able Portfolio Standard administered by worked with his counterparts in 15 other one of the most potent global threats to the the NYS Energy Research and Develop- states to file a federal petition seeking to Adirondack Park’s ecological health. ment Authority. Spitzer issued a statement stop the USEPA from issuing lax rules for this spring calling on the Legislature to the control of mercury emissions from leave these programs alone, which eventu-

Miles Ahead of Feds power plants. The suit seeks to strike ally was successful. In May, Attorney General Spitzer down the “allowance trading” section of again helped to lead a 10-state effort to the regulations, which allow some com-

Bob Preyer, Julie Ball, Kip and Delia Thompson enjoy a visit at Split Rock Lighthouse. Split Rock Lighthouse

Supporters of the Adirondack Council celebrate the 10th Annual Split Rock Lighthouse Summer Gathering of Friends in August. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the event, host Gary Heurich and friends of the Council raised $10,000, with all funds going directly to support the Council conserva- tion and advocacy programs. 17 Federal Government

Environmental would not allow Weed Whacker Statesman Retires emissions trading to A group of government agencies and achieve the mercury environmental organizations will receive From Congress emissions reduc- $100,000 in federal funding to prevent the In March, US Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, tions (see Heavy spread of invasive plant species in the Ad- R-Utica, announced that he will retire at Metal below). The irondack Park, thanks to a grant obtained the end of his 12th term in December. Adirondack Council by US Rep. John Sweeney, R-Clifton Congressman Boehlert has been a staunch supports this, and Park, in May. The advocate for stronger federal regulation to any other legislation Adirondack Park In- control acid rain, mercury emissions and that would require vasive Plant Program Carper greenhouse gases, sponsoring and co- deeper cuts on a will inventory, map, sponsoring several key pieces of legisla- faster schedule than monitor and eradicate tion. He served effectively as Chairman of current federal regulations. or contain existing in- the House Science Committee. In 2001, festations. It hopes to he held a hearing on acid rain pollution Speeding Toward a work with additional as part of a Washington, DC conference community organiza- co-sponsored by the Adirondack Council. Better Economy tions to undertake Sweeney In 1995, he sponsored the Forest Legacy In April, US Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, new education and Act. Less than a year later, federal funds D-NY, and US Rep. John McHugh, R- prevention efforts. The funding, which from that program were provided to the Pierrepont Manor, was received through the House Agricul- Town of Indian Lake, Hamilton County, jointly announced ture Appropriations Committee, will also for a crucial environmental and economic that they had secured pay for similar studies and action in the development project. $545,000 in federal Catskill Park. Invasive plants can displace grants to help create native plants and thus remove important EPA Sounds Smog the Adirondack- links from the natural food chain. Invasive Champlain Com- plants can also worsen allergies. Horn munity Broadband The US Environmental Protection Agency Network. The

(EPA) completed the final implementation high-speed computer Scrubbing the Air Clinton Through its Power Plant Improve- plan for the Clean Air Interstate Rule this information network ment Initiative, the US Department of March, setting the ground-rules for a 29- will use a 500-mile fiber-optic and wire- Energy provided a $14.5 million grant to state program that is expected to reduce less network stretching from Plattsburgh Consol Energy for a demonstration project acid rain-causing smokestack emissions to Saranac Lake. A of removing sulfur, nitrogen and mercury by 70 percent by 2015. In completing the similar network (a from a plant owned by power company plan, EPA also ordered New Jersey and 400 mile-loop) is AES in Dresden, Yates County. The pro- Delaware to submit plans for federal ap- being constructed gram is designed to install state-of-the-art proval that will control the nitrogen-based in Jefferson, Lewis technology on smaller plants where such pollution that leads to the formation of and St. Lawrence equipment may not be financially feasible. ground-level ozone (smog). counties to serve Greenidge Unit 4 produces 107 MW of the western Adiron- power and will also test pollution controls dacks. The network A Change of Climate in when biomass is burned. The total cost of will be operated the project is expected to be $33 million. US Congress from the Platts- In May, Senator Thomas Carper, D-DE, McHugh burgh State College introduced legislation that would require Technical Assistance Center. McHugh also all coal-fired power plants to reduce their helped secure an additional $250,000 grant mercury emissions by 90 percent by from the Department of Commerce for 2015 and force steep cuts in emissions the project in August. Construction of the of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and network is expected to cost $20 million. carbon dioxide. It is a modified version of his Clean Air Planning Act, which he first introduced in 2002. The new proposal

18 Waxman’s Wisdom In June, Rep. Henry Waxman (D- California) introduced the Safe Climate Act of 2006 (H.R. 5642) aimed at sta- bilizing greenhouse gas emissions in the United States at 2009 levels, followed by emissions reduc- tions each year until 2050, when emis- Waxman sions would be 80% below 1990 levels. This legislation would provide the strong action needed by the federal government to ensure that the na- tion achieves the cuts desperately needed to prevent catastrophic environmental changes that would have serious impacts on the Adirondack Park. The bill would create a cap-and-trade system similar to The Common Loon, a signature species of the wild character of the Adirondack Park, is that used now for acid rain pollutants. currently listed on the New York State Threatened Species List due to widespread mercury Allowances would be sold to polluters by contamination. the federal government, and the proceeds from those sales would be put into a fund to prevent cost increases to consumers, as possible. Rather than tighten the rule, This is based on a Court of Appeals, expand research on new technologies EPA issued an unconvincing rationale and Fourth Circuit, case won by Duke Energy, used to lower emissions and support finalized the rule. Lawsuits challenging which environmental groups are now other programs working to reduce climate the new rule are still pending. The weak bringing to the Supreme Court. Tradition- change and related impacts. The bill has EPA effort led Gov. George Pataki to order ally, any increase in a plant’s emissions 76 cosponsors, including New York Reps. a 90-percent cut from New York power from one year to the next was grounds for Carolyn Maloney (D-New York), Jerry plants by 2015. NSR to be considered. With EPA’s new Nadler (D-New York), Major Owens (D- interpretation, only if a plant’s hourly rate Brooklyn), Charles Rangel (D-New York), EPA = Energy increased would NSR requirements come Maurice Hinchey (D-Kingston), Steve into play. Under the new guidelines, if a Isreal (D-Hauppauge) and Jose Serrano Producer’s Ally? plant operated at the same rate for twice as (D-Bronx). The EPA turned its back on public health long, it would not be reviewed as long as in 2005, when it put forth a rule that the hourly emissions rate did not increase. Heavy Metal declared power plants would be subject to As of this printing, the regulation is being an hourly, rather than an annual test to de- reviewed by the Office of Management Breakdown termine if emissions had increased, which and Budget (OMB). The EPA went through the motions of would trigger New Source Review (NSR). reviewing its proposed federal smokestack regulations to control emissions of mer- cury, but still failed to protect the public from a bad policy. EPA was flooded with Sign up for Adirondack public comments on the mercury rule, stating that its 70-percent reduction goal Council E-News! was too small and its 13-year implementa- tion schedule was far too long. Citizens Go to our website: expressed nearly universal displeasure with the “allowance trading” section of the www.adirondackcouncil.org regulations, which allows some companies to avoid mercury reductions if they can and click on find another company willing to make cuts deeper than the law requires. Com- Sign up for Email munities downwind of power plants need relief from mercury pollution as quickly Updates

19 Ecology Update

The State of the Park, Ecologically

Ecologically speaking, New York’s Adirondack Park is in better shape today than it was a century ago, and is one of the wildest, healthiest landscapes in eastern North America. Much damage persists from past abuses of the land, however, and new threats could reverse the gains made by the wildlife and people of New York over the past hundred years. Persistent threats include the regional eradication of top predators and other critical species; habitat destruction and fragmentation; invasion by exotic weeds and pathogens; and degradation of air and water quality. The emerging hazards to the native ecosystems and species in- clude exurban development (sprawl) and The Harbor Seal was once a top predator in Lake Champlain. Photo by US Fish and Wildlife global climate change. Important species Service. severely reduced or eliminated from the Adirondacks include: Gray Wolf (or Red sick or dying. American Beech, American vasive species and the loss of native flora Wolf or both), Eastern Cougar, Wolverine, Elm and Butternut are among the victims and fauna, such as the sugar maple. Lynx, Landlocked Salmon, Lake Stur- of alien pathogens. Our native mussels The Adirondack Park is in much geon, Round Whitefish and Harbor Seal have also been depleted largely due to better shape than almost anywhere else in (yes, this charismatic pinniped was a top Zebra Mussels out-competing them. Some the eastern United States, but the largely predator in Lake Champlain until people wetlands have been overtaken by Purple positive trends of recent decades stand to exterminated it in the 1800’s). Loss of Loosestrife or Phragmites, and some be reversed by today’s challenges. The these species has meant unnatural and un- ponds and lakes are infested with Eurasian solution is conservation and restoration: healthy abundance of some prey species, Milfoil and/or Water Chestnuts. protecting more land and reconnecting which can in turn harm tree regeneration Although more than half the Park water courses and wildlife migration cor- and other forms of biological productivity. enjoys strong protection as Forest Preserve ridors; encouraging sustainable forestry Habitat destruction and fragmenta- (2.7 million acres) or partial protection by and farming; removing exotic species and tion, by roads, dams, liquidation logging, conservation easement (500,000 + acres), allowing the recovery of missing species; and inappropriate development, have left most of the remaining 2.8 million acres and conserving energy and recycling re- wild areas within the Park separated from or so are vulnerable to subdivision and sources. The state of the Park one hundred each other. Some have been split by the development. Second-home development years from now will closely reflect the Adirondack Northway (I-87), and oth- on Resource Management and Rural Use steps we take in protecting it today. ers isolated from the Park’s other natural lands – the privately owned back-country landscapes by heavily developed areas – is perhaps the single biggest threat to the around its periphery. As a Western anchor Park’s ecological integrity. Mini “estate” for habitat connectivity across the North- lots are being developed across the Park ern Appalachian/Acadian Ecoregion, the and threaten the resources that have made Adirondack Park needs strong wild con- the Adirondacks such an attractive destina- THE ADIRONDACK nections with Tughill Plateau to the west, tion for generations. Green Mountains to the east, Algonquin Global warming, with attendant COUNCIL IS Park to the northwest, and along the Richi- regional and local climate changes of leau River to the northeast. unprecedented speed threatens to magnify The invasion of the Park by exotic and complicate all the other problems species has already left many of our trees mentioned, particularly the spread of in-

20 Tip of the Hat

The following organizations and companies are among the many The Lyme Timber Company, of Lyme, New Hampshire, who accomplished great things for the Adirondack Park’s wild purchased the former timberland holdings of International Paper character and ecological integrity this year. Where appropriate, Company and Domtar Industries, of Montreal, and said it intends the group’s website is listed at the end for those seeking more to operate both properties under a third-party-certified sustainable information. forestry plan. The two purchases netted Lyme more than 375,000 acres of commercial forest, which amounts to more than 10 per- A statewide coalition of environmental, social, labor and reli- cent of all private lands in the Adirondack Park. An independent- gious organizations, including the Adirondack Council, joined ly certified forestry plan should protect the long-term ecological forces again this year as the Friends of New York’s Environ- integrity of these forests and their waters, while ensuring a steady ment in a successful effort to gain a substantial increase in the supply of high-quality timber. NYS Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The EPF is the state’s primary source of capital funding for major environmental On July 1, the International Paper Company officially opened projects. The EPF increased from $150 million in 2005 to $225 to the public a 15,800-acre forest in Long Lake, Hamilton million this year. County, which the company has developed into a back-country recreation area for people with disabilities. Hardened wheelchair Established in 1994, the Adirondack Journal of Environmental paths, grade-level leantos, fishing piers and other amenities are Studies (AJES) continues to be a vibrant and valuable publica- available without charge. The John Dillon Park was named in tion for those interested in the sustainable management of the honor of the now-retired IP CEO who hailed from the Adirondack Adirondack Park’s natural resources. Editor Gary Chilson – a region. Paul Smith’s College, Dillon’s alma mater, has agreed to professor at Paul Smith’s College – welcomes submissions from assist IP in managing and improving the facilities. The recreation a wide range of disciplines and area entrance is 4 miles north of the Village of Long Lake on offers a forum to discuss the NYS Route 30. (www.johndillonpark.org) major conservation issues of the day. Chilson has recently broad- Wildlife Conservation Society’s Adirondack Communities ened the focus of AJES from the and Conservation program has produced an outstanding report six-million-acre Adirondack Park again this year. Impacts to Wildlife from Low Density, Exurban to encompass the 72-million-acre Development: Information and Considerations for the Adiron- Northern Forest, which stretches dack Park, clearly and concisely describes the many ecological from the Tug Hill Plateau problems associated with back-country development; one of the through the Adirondacks to the principal threats to the Park. This report is available from www. northern reaches of Vermont, wcs.org/Adirondacks. New Hampshire and Maine. The magazine is published semi-an- nually. (www.adkresearch.org)

The Natural History Museum of the Adiron- dacks hosted a star-spangled opening at its new Tupper Lake home on July 4, with Gov. George Pataki and US Sen. Hillary Clinton on hand to help celebrate. The Natural History Museum, also known as the Wild Center, contains a stunning array of displays on the Park’s forests, wildlife, geology and waters. (www.wildcenter.org)

Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks 21 2006 Award Winners

Conservationist of the Year Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation

The Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation (ALSC), based in Ray Brook, NY, is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1984 as a cooperative agreement between the Empire State Electric Energy Corporation (ESEERCO) and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The ALSC conducts vital research for the state and federal governments, providing the in- formation needed to identify and combat the causes and impacts of acid rain. The Survey Corp works together with DEC’s Division of Air Resources and receives joint funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the United States EPA. To find out more about the ALSC visit: www.adirondacklakessurvey.org.

Brian Houseal, Council Executive Director (right) presents Ad- irondack Lakes Survey Corporation Executive Director Jed Dukett, and ALSC scientist Karen Roy with the Conservationist of the Year award, a hand carved loon by Council member Dr. Robert Poe. Jed Dukett joyfully called it “our Stanley Cup.”

The Adirondack Council honored re- tiring Congressman Sherwood Boe- hlert during the Council’s Annual Forever Wild dinner festivities at Great Camp Sagamore on July 8th. Congressman Boehlert has been a champion for the natural resources of the Adirondack Park, working to reduce acid rain pollution, mecury Bill Howland of the Lake Champlain Basin Program received rec- emissuins and carbon dioxide. ognition for his program’s efforts to restore and protect Lake Cham- plain. Pictured L to R: Brian Houseal, Council Executive Director; Bill Howland, LCBP; Patricia Winterer, Council Chair; and Gary Heurich, Council Trustee and keeper of the Split Rock Lighthouse.

22 Annual Meeting & Dinner

Former Chairs and Directors Emeriti Barbara Glaser and Peter After a morning of outings at Great Camp Sagamore, Adirondack Council Borrelli joined current Board, members and staff to celebrate Trustees, staff and members gathered for lunch and the Annual Membership the Council’s achievements and recognize the Conservationist Meeting. of the Year at Great Camp Sagamore in Raquette Lake.

Save the Date! July 14, 2007 The Adirondack Council’s Annual Membership Meeting and Forever Wild Dinner The Adirondack Council will host our annual members’ meeting, outings and Forever Wild dinner at the Heurich Split Rock Farm in Essex, NY on Saturday, July 14, 2007. The Split Rock Farm is part of the Heurich Estate on the shore of Lake Champlain, another portion of which was purchased by New York State in 1993 and added to the Forest Preserve. Split Rock Wild Forest, now nearly 4000 acres in size, contains the highest mountain on Lake Champlain, three miles of undeveloped shoreline, magnificent palisades, habitat for the timber rattlesnake (a state- listed threatened species), and 80 percent of the Champlain Valley’s 193 species of birds.

Adirondack Council members Ben and Jane Lacy make their way Adirondack Council Members learn the history of Great Camp around Sagamore lake during a nature walk before the Annual Sagamore before the Adirondack Council’s Annual Members’ Membership Meeting. Meeting and Forever Wild Dinner.

23 The Adirondack Council offers a small collection of gifts to help raise the funds we need to fight for the Adirondack Park every day. Every gift you purchase...whether it’s a Clean Air Certificate to remove a ton of pollution that causes acid rain or our 2007 calendar to remind you of the Park’s wilderness and wildlife...every gift purchase helps the Council protect the natural resources of the Adirondack Park.

ADIRONDACK COUNCIL HAT FOREVER WILD MUG The Adirondack Council’s base- Our almond-colored mug fea- ball-style cap features the “North- ADIRONDACK COUNCIL 2007 tures the Adirondack Council’s ern Helldiver” loon, symbol of the FOREVER WILD CALENDAR logo on one side and a “Forever Adirondacks. The tan cap is made Featuring the Adirondack landscape photog- Wild...for everyone” message of 100% cotton and identifies you raphy of Carl Heilman II, the Adirondack on the other. This wild 15 as someone who is “Defending the Council’s 2007 calendar brings you into the oz. mug is the perfect way to East’s Last Great Wilderness” on Park with Carl’s breathtaking images of the enjoy your favorite hot drink the back. $15 Adirondacks. $13 and show your support of the Council’s efforts to protect the Adirondack Park. $12 CLEAN AIR CERTIFICATE For each gift of $50, the Adirondack Council will permanently retire one ton of acid-rain- causing pollution reducing the total amount of acid rain that can fall in the Adirondack Park. The recipient will receive a clean air certificate in their name. $50

GIFT MEMBERSHIP Please consider giving a gift membership to someone you know who cares about the Adiron- dacks, clean air and water, and wild places.

Gift memberships are $35 each and you and the recipient will each receive the Adirondack Council’s 2007 Forever Wild Calendar.

To purchase a gift membership go to our website at www.adirondackcouncil.org or call the Council toll-free 1.877.873.2240 M-F 8:30 am - 5:30 pm (Visa/MasterCard).

Give a gift membership and help us continue to grow the strength of our advocacy for wilder- ness, water, and wildlife.

24 GIVE A GIFT THAT HELPS PROTECT ITEM QUANTITY TOTAL THE ADIRONDACKS THE ADIRONDACK PARK! Book by NEW!Carl Heilman II It’s easy to place an order! $17 2007 FOREVER WILD 1. Use this form. CALENDAR NEW! 2. Make your purchase on our secure website at Photos by Carl Heilman II www.adirondackcouncil.org. 3. Call toll-free 1.877.873.2240 $13 M-F 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. (Visa or Mastercard) BURGUNDY LOON TIE Proceeds benefit $30 BLUE

Adirondack Park FOREVER WILD SIZE conservation. ORGANIC S M L XL COTTON T-SHIRT S M L XL $15

FOREVER WILD 15 OZ. MUG $12

THE ADIRONDACKS: WILD ISLAND OF HOPE THE ADIRONDACK COUNCIL Book by Gary Randorf Defending the East’s Last Great Wilderness $23 103 Hand Avenue, Suite 3 877-873-2240 toll free P.O. Box D-2 518-873-6675 Fax SINGING LOON TOY Elizabethtown , NY 12932 [email protected] $12 www.adirondackcouncil.org FOREVER WILD TOTE BAG

Name ______$12 Address ______FOREVER WILD ______CAP City ______$15 State ______Zip ______CLEAN AIR Phone ______CERTIFICATE Email ______$50 Name(s) to appear on certificate: Free Shipping Check enclosed ~ payable to: THE ADIRONDACK COUNCIL POSTAGE AND HANDLING Subtotal Visa/MC#______For orders: $10.00 - $30.00 add $4.00 Postage and Exp. Date______$31.00 - $60.00 add $7.00 Handling Signature______$61.00 - $90.00 add $9.00 Over $90.00 add $12.00 Please enter the 3-digit security code that appears on TOTAL the signature panel on the back of your card ______Thank You! AMOUNT DUE The Adirondack Council Founded in 1975, the Adirondack Council is a privately funded, not-for-profit organization dedi- cated to ensuring the ecological integrity and wild character of the Adirondack Park. The Council achieves these goals through research, education, advocacy and legal action. Adirondack Council memberships begin at $35. Membership benefits include regular newsletters, annual bulletins such as this one, special reports on important topics of the day, action alerts and the opportunity to play an active role in protecting the Park’s precious natural resources and scenic beauty.

Staff Board of Directors Brian Houseal, Executive Director C HAIR , Betty Eldridge Lilli Anson Susan Hughes Patricia D. Winterer John Ernst Julie Ball Kathy Kelley VICE CHAIRS, J. Edward Fowler Elaine Burke Scott M. Lorey Douglas S. Luke Robert L. Hall Sarah Collum Hatfield John Davis Jessica Ottney & Curtis R. Welling Erika Edgley John F. Sheehan TREASURER, Gary F. Heurich Diane Fish Rae Sicola Etienne Boillot Theodore L. Hullar Lisa M. Genier SECRETARY, Robert J. Kafin Karen Meltzer Cecilia A. Mathews Directors Emeriti Jeff Bronheim Brian Ruder Charles D. Canham David Skovron Timothy L. Barnett George R. Lamb Ann E. Carmel James L. Sonneborn Richard Beamish Ernest LaPrairie Liza Cowan Curt Stiles Peter Borrelli Scott L. Paterson Evan A. Davis Thomas D. Thacher II David Bronston John M.C. Peterson Baird Edmonds Tony Zazula Alison Hudnut Clarkson Clarence Petty Tom Cobb James S. Phillips David C. Condliffe Avery Rockefeller III Where to Find Us Dr. Dean L. Cook John K. Ryder, Jr. Main Office Albany Office George D. Davis Samuel H. Sage P.O. Box D-2 342 Hamilton Street James C. Dawson Arthur V. Savage 103 Hand Avenue First Floor Joanne Waldron Dwyer Ellen Marshall Scholle Elizabethtown, NY 12932 Albany, NY 12210 Edward D. Earl Constance A. Tate (518) 873-2240 (518) 432-1770 Christopher Elliman Norman Van Valkenburgh (877) 873-2240 toll free (800) 842-PARK Barbara L. Glaser, Ed.D. [email protected] www.adirondackcouncil.org printed on recycled paper

THE ADIRONDACK COUNCIL Non-Profit Defending the East’s Last Great Wilderness Organization P.O. Box D-2 U.S. Postage PAID 103 Hand Avenue, Suite 3 Syracuse, NY Elizabethtown, NY 12932 Permit No. 994