Dec 20, 2011 — In the weeks following tropical storm Irene, environmental groups blasted state and local officials for dredging and straightening sections of the Ausable River. The work was done in an effort to prevent future flooding and to protect neighborhoods in Keene, Jay and Ausable Forks. But critics say the dredging damaged crucial fish habitat and gave the river an unnatural appearance. As Todd More reports, efforts have now begin to restore the Ausable.  Go to full article

Dec 12, 2011 — The history of the floods that flashed through the Adirondacks during Tropical Storm Irene will be told in pictures, statistics, and press archives. Now a group of students from Vermont's Burlington College will add an audio-documentary of personal stories told by the people who's lives were affected.

Allie Burke and Colin Donaghey, students in John Warren's "Oral History and Audio Documentary" class, set up their recording equipment at the Keene Community Center. Chris Morris stopped by and has this report.  Go to full article

Nov 29, 2011 — A group of Burlington College students will conduct oral history interviews to record the Tropical Storm Irene stories of Jay and Keene residents this Saturday at the Keene Community Center. Everyone is invited to share their stories and memories. Instructor John Warren told Todd Moe that participants will be asked a number of questions about their experiences during the storm, and will have the chance to tell the stories they think are important to remember. To schedule your interview, contact John Warren via email at jnwarrenjr@gmail.com or call 518-956-3830.  Go to full article

Nov 25, 2011 — North Country Congressman Bill Owens says he's amazed at the resiliency of flood victims who say their property devastated by Tropical Storm Irene. The Democrat from New York's 23rd Congressional District stopped in the Town of Jay this week to hear from local officials about ongoing infrastructure issues and view firsthand some of the problems the community still faces.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Nov 03, 2011 — River towns in the Adirondacks are still reeling from floods that struck last spring and again after tropical storm Irene dumped torrential rains on the High Peaks in late August. Communities like Keene and Jay have been forced to borrow millions of dollars to pay for emergency repairs and many families still haven't seen their water supplies restored.

As towns begin to rebuild, there are growing fears that the Ausable River is growing more dangerous and needs some kind of management plan to prevent future floods. The idea is that more aggressive dredging and channelizing of the river could protect neighborhoods and businesses.

But as Brian Mann reports, so far no government agency has shown a willingness to take on the challenge and cost of managing one of the region's wildest rivers.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Nov 02, 2011 — At a meeting last night in Ausable Forks, dozens of local residents turned out at a public meeting to talk about the long-term response to flooding along the Ausable River.

Many community leaders are concerned that changes to the river, including build-up of sediment and the widening of the channel, could spark more flooding and ice jams in the future. Martha Foley has more.

NOTE: Brian Mann will have an in-depth look at river management questions tomorrow during The Eight O'Clock Hour.  Go to full article

Lake Placid, NY, Oct 31, 2011 — The Cuomo administration fanned out last week for an update on recovery efforts in communities still reeling from damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene.

Agriculture Commissioner Darrel Aubertine--a former state senator -- leads Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Storm Recovery Task Force. He was in Essex County to talk with elected officials from the towns of Keene, Jay and North Elba, as well as the village of Lake Placid.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Oct 28, 2011 — An effort is now under way to rebuild the AuSable River and its tributaries to protect the public from future flooding and restore critical fish habitats.

On Tuesday, State Department of Environmental Conservation staff and officials with Essex County Soil and Water Conservation joined David Derrick, a river expert with the Army Corps of Engineers, to inspect portions of the AuSable and Boquet rivers damaged by Tropical Storm Irene.

They're exploring practical approaches to fixing the river in a way that benefits both humans and wildlife. Chris Morris reports.  Go to full article

Warrensburg, NY, Oct 28, 2011 — John Warren, of the Adirondack Almanack, joins us Friday mornings with information about local outdoor and backcountry conditions.  Go to full article

Warrensburg, NY, Oct 21, 2011 — John Warren, of the Adirondack Almanack, joins us Friday mornings with information about local outdoor and backcountry conditions.  Go to full article