Albany, NY, Nov 18, 2011 — Last week, the Adirondack Daily Enterprise reported that Betsy Lowe is stepping down as Region 5 Director of the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Lowe has been one of the most influential figures in the Adirondacks over the last decade, first helping to found the Wild Center in Tupper Lake and then taking the helm in the DEC district that covers much of the Park.

Her tenure included work on some landmark projects, including the Finch Pruyn conservation deal, and some big crises, including the environmental aftermath of tropical storm Irene.

Lowe sat down this week to talk with Brian Mann about her reasons for leaving, and the future of the DEC following deep budget and staff cuts.