Tupper Lake, NY, Apr 30, 2010 — What may be the longest-running legal battle in the history of the Adirondack Park Agency quietly came to an end last month. Tim Jones signed a settlement agreement with the APA in March and was given an after-the-fact permit for a small cabin he built next to the Raquette River in the town of Tupper Lake 18 years ago. Jones had previously refused to acknowledge the APA's jurisdiction, and the Park Agency continued to pursue the case until, according to Jones, the governor's office stepped in. Chris Knight reports.  Go to full article

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

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

Au Sable Forks, NY, Jan 14, 2010 — A report published last weekend in the Glens Falls Post-Star raised allegations that the Adirondack Park Agency had conspired illegally with an environmental group. According to the article's sources, state officials schemed with the Adirondack Nature Conservancy, hoping to force a Clinton County man to sell his property. They say the goal was to add John Maye's land to the state Forest Preserve. North Country Public Radio's Brian Mann has been investigating the charges. He found no evidence that any collusion or wrongdoing took place.  Go to full article

Ray Brook, NY, Jan 05, 2010 — Today in Ray Brook the Adirondack Park Agency begins a series of public hearings on new regulations for boathouses in the Park. This latest round of rulemaking comes at a time when the APA has issued a series of new regulations affecting private land and development. The rules govern everything from shoreline homes to hunting camps. Supporters say the APA is doing its job, fleshing out the guidelines that protect water quality and conserve open space. But critics say state officials are steadily expanding their power over privately-owned land without authority from the legislature. Brian Mann has our story.  Go to full article

Lewis, NY, Dec 07, 2009 — A mining company based in Essex County wants Adirondack environmental groups to back a proposed land swap that would allow the company to acquire state Forest Preserve lands. NYCO Minerals wants to mine 250 acres in a designated wilderness area in the town of Lewis. But the plan would require an amendment to the "Forever Wild" clause of the state Constitution. As Chris Knight reports, environmentalists are raising questions about the proposal - a stance that has angered some state lawmakers.  Go to full article

Nov 25, 2009 — The state Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit against the Adirondack Park Agency over strict new shoreline regulations. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Au Sable Forks, NY, Nov 24, 2009 — An Adirondack businessman is suing the Adirondack Council, hoping to win more than 2 million dollars in damages. Leroy Douglas, from the town of Black Brook, claims that the green group intervened illegally in a state enforcement case involving his property. Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

Nov 16, 2009 — The Adirondack Park Agency Board of Commissioners rejected a plan on Friday that would have classified the lakebed of Lows Lake as wilderness. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article