Jan 04, 2008 — One of the region's most influential environmental groups has a new leader. Michael Washburn, from Saratoga County, is taking over as head of the Residents Committee toProtect the Adirondacks. Washburn trained as a forester and after working with the US Forest Service has been a leading figure in the sustainable logging movement. Washburn told Brian Mann that encouraging green timber practices will be a growing part of the RCPA's role.  Go to full article

Oct 30, 2007 — Next Tuesday, millions of New Yorkers will vote on a constitutional amendment that will determine the future of one tiny Adirondack village. The proposed change would allow the 160 residents of Raquette Lake to draw drinking water from a well that sits on the Adirondack forest preserve. The constitutional amendment is needed because most human structures are banned on state land in the six-million acre park. As Brian Mann reports, the ballot initiative represents a partnership between local government leaders and pro-environment groups.  Go to full article

Aug 29, 2007 — When it comes to tree ailments you've likely heard of Dutch elm, oak wilt and chestnut blight. But a little-known disease has biologists scratching their heads and spending time in the woods this summer. It's called beech bark disease and it was discovered in Maine and Nova Scotia decades ago. The disease has killed beech trees throughout the Northeast, and it's spreading. Todd Moe has more.  Go to full article

Aug 21, 2007 — The new owners of the Newton Falls paper mill say the plant in southern St. Lawrence County will resume production in two weeks. The plant has sat idle for seven years. Yesterday's announcement follows Governor Eliot Spitzer's decision to spend roughly $1.7 million in state funds to help pay for start-up costs. As Brian Mann reports, ninety workers have already been hired on at the mill.  Go to full article

Aug 01, 2007 — One of the last big conservation deals negotiated by the Pataki administration has been finalized. Nearly 52,000 acres in St. Lawrence County will be protected under the deal, according to a statement issued today by DEC commissioner Pete Grannis. Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

Jul 31, 2007 — Scientists in New York say a devastating new invasive insect called the Emerald Ash Borer has moved to within seventy-five miles of the state's border. The beetle has been confirmed in northern Pennsylvania, where a quarantine has been established on wood products in four counties. Officials with the Department of Environmental Conservation say as many as one in twelve trees in New York state could be threatened.  Go to full article

Jun 19, 2007 — The Adirondack Nature Conservancy unveiled a massive land deal yesterday. The Keene Valley-based group acquired more than 160,000 acres of timberland. Purchase price: $110 million. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Apr 25, 2007 — Shareholders at Finch, Pruyn in Glens Falls voted Tuesday to accept an offer to buy the company's mill and timber holdings. The sale price wasn't disclosed. As Brian Mann reports, locals are still waiting to know how the change will affect the North Country.  Go to full article

Apr 03, 2007 — In a decision that will reshape the Adirondack timber industry, Finch, Pruyn and Company says it hopes to sell its paper mill in Glens Falls and more than a 160,000 acres of forestland in the Adirondack Park. The price wasn't disclosed. The proposed buyer is Connecticut-based Atlas Paper. As Brian Mann reports, the sale of Finch Pruyn and Company brings to an end a 142-year chapter of North Country history.  Go to full article

Dec 12, 2006 — A partnership between environmentalists and foresters won praise last week from New York State for creating a more sustainable way to harvest trees and protect land. The Department of Environmental Conservation presented its 'Excellence' award to Lyme Timber Company and the Nature Conservancy for their purchase of 104,000 acres in Adirondack Park. The collaboration - which also includes Canadian paper maker Domtar - is also credited for keeping forestry jobs in the North Country. Jonathan Brown reports.  Go to full article