Chestertown, NY, Apr 22, 2010 — This week we've been looking in-depth at the big conservation land deals that have been reshaping the Adirondack Park.

One of the most prominent groups opposing those deals is the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board. Over the last year, the taxpayer-funded organization has made headlines, accusing environmental groups and state officials of improper and illegal activities. The Review Board has also led the fight for a moratorium on new land purchases.

As Brian Mann reports, critics and supporters alike agree that the group has emerged as one of the most influential voices on issues in the Park.  Go to full article

Ray Brook, NY, Apr 19, 2010 — The Adirondack Park Agency often finds itself at the center of big controversies. The APA is charged with regulating more than six million acres of public and private land. That's an area roughly the size of Vermont. But the Agency itself is tiny - and it's getting even smaller.

A plan approved by Governor David Paterson will slash roughly ten positions over the coming months, bringing the total staff at the Agency to fewer than sixty employees.

As Brian Mann reports, the APA is also facing a flurry of retirements and resignations, with six of its most experienced staff members departing next month.  Go to full article

Ray Brook, NY, Apr 16, 2010 — The Adirondack Park Agency is looking for legal ways to save two fire towers on St. Regis and Hurricane Mountains, but no final decisions have been made.

Some environmental groups say the towers should be removed so that the wild feel of the mountains can be restored. But many local residents and historic preservation groups say fire-towers are important landmarks and part of the North Country's history. As Brian Mann reports, the debate is tangled up in state law and a debate over what wilderness should look like.  Go to full article

Ray Brook, NY, Mar 12, 2010 — The Adirondack Park Agency waded into another fierce debate yesterday. Meeting in Ray Brook, the panel wrestled with the future of boathouses in the Park.

APA officials argue that too many people are building massive structures that clutter Adirondack lakes. Some boathouses are larger than most homes in the Park.

But as Brian Mann reports, proposed new regulations that would sharply limit their size and design sparked anger at public hearings.  Go to full article

Feb 24, 2010 — The nomination of environmentalist and businessman Peter Hornbeck to serve on the Adirondack Park Agency cleared a key committee today in the state Senate. Hornbeck, a boatbuilder from Olmstedville, faces opposition from local government leaders in the Park. But Democrats on the committee said they were under pressure from Governor David Paterson to approve Hornbeck. Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

Feb 12, 2010 — For the first time ever, the Adirondack Park Agency will allow the use of a chemical herbicide to kill invasive water plants inside the blue line. More than 1500 pounds of triclopyr will be used in Lake Luzerne in the spring, in an effort to fight Eurasian water milfoil. Yesterday's precedent-setting decision comes as more lakes and ponds across the Adirondacks are struggling with the invasive weed. As Brian Mann reports, this outcome reflects a dramatic shift from the debate over fighting milfoil on Lake George.  Go to full article

Feb 04, 2010 — Essex County farmer Salim "Sandy" Lewis won another round in court yesterday in his battle with the Adirondack Park Agency. According to the New York Times, a state judge has ordered the APA to pay all of Lewis's legal fees and expenses following a lengthy court fight. Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

Paul Smiths, NY, Jan 29, 2010 — A diverse group gathered yesterday to look at ways to keep the Adirondack Park Visitor Interpretive Centers in Newcomb and Paul Smiths going.
The meeting was hosted by Paul Smiths College, and came just over a week after Gov. David Paterson announced plans to close the two VICs by next January.
Local and state elected officials, business owners, tourism officials, environmental groups and other NGOs came. No decisions were made, but as Chris Knight reports, the VIC-boosters had plenty of ideas for how to keep the popular facilites open, either in whole or in part.  Go to full article

Jan 20, 2010 — The Adirondack Park Agency's Visitor Interpretive Centers in Paul Smiths and Newcomb would be closed under Gov. David Paterson's proposed 2010-11 budget.

The proposal says closing the two facilities will save the state $129,000 in the next fiscal year and $583,000 each year thereafter.
The VICs provide environmental education programs to school children and adults, and offer miles of trails for hikers, skiers and snowshoers.
As Chris Knight reports, supporters are shaking their heads.  Go to full article

Au Sable Forks, NY, Jan 15, 2010 — Yesterday, North Country Public Radio reported on allegations that a conspiracy existed between state officials and the Nature Conservancy in the town of Black Brook. Critics claim that the plot aimed to force a local man, John Maye, from his property so that the land could be added to the forest preserve. Our investigation could find no evidence to support those suspicions. But Maye's experience with the APA has come to be seen in property-rights circles as a textbook case of bureaucratic bullying and harassment. This morning, Brian Mann has part two of our report.  Go to full article