Machias, NY, Feb 08, 2011 — Local leaders are scrambling to save a state agency that supports the isolated communities of the Tug Hill Plateau. Governor Cuomo wants to dissolve the Tug Hill Commission in next year's budget. 15 people would lose their jobs.

The Commission serves more than 60 towns and villages in rural Lewis, Jefferson, Oswego, and Oneida counties, helping with economic development, planning, and natural resource protection. David Sommerstein reports on efforts to save the agency.  Go to full article

Nov 13, 2009 — A plan to reopen a chairlift and ski trails at the defunct Big Tupper Ski Area is expected to win final Adirondack Park Agency approval today. The permit was approved by an APA committee yesterday.

Big Tupper has been closed since 1999. A group of volunteers in Tupper Lake has been raising funds and working to reopen chair 2 and possibly the rope tow at the ski center. The effort comes as developer Michael Foxman's plans to reopen the ski center and build a large resort development around the mountain are headed to an adjudicatory hearing, possibly early next year.

Guidelines for construction and maintenance of snowmobile trails on state land in the Adirondacks are expected to come to a final vote today at the APA meeting in Ray Brook. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Jan 09, 2008 — State environment officials are backing away from a plan to boost the number and length of snowmobile trail miles in the Adirondacks. DEC commissioner Pete Grannis had called for scrapping a hard cap on snowmobile trail miles in the Park established a quarter century ago.
Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

Dec 03, 2004 — With the first serious snow finally hitting parts of the North Country, New York State says it will spend just under $6 million this winter maintaining snowmobile trails and aiding local law enforcement efforts. Brian Mann has that story.  Go to full article

Oct 22, 2003 — New York state's 9,000 miles of snowmobile trails won't be shut down like they were last winter, when an insurance crisis kept many snowmobilers home. Governor Pataki and the New York State Snowmobiling Association announced yesterday that a new insurance policy will cover individual snowmobile clubs this winter. Chris Knight reports.  Go to full article

Jun 10, 2002 — New York State has joined with the Nature Conservancy and a timber company to preserve almost 45,000 acres of land on the Tug Hill Plateau. David Sommerstein reports the public-private partnership prevents the land from being subdivided.  Go to full article