Jan 06, 2005 — During his state of the state address, Governor Pataki praised a new land deal with Domtar Industries that will preserve more than a hundred thousand acres of timber land in Clinton and Franklin Counties. The 23-million dollar deal follows closely on the heels of other land purchases, involving International Paper and National Lead. Much of the land will be protected by conservation easements. Logging will continue, but sprawl and housing development are banned. Pro-environment groups say easements are an important tool for preserving open space and improving recreation. But as Brian Mann reports, some critics wonder if the state has the resources to manage these complex land deals over the long haul.  Go to full article

Nov 26, 2004 — With oil prices hovering at record levels, more north country families are using wood stoves as a primary heating source. New York state is now exploring the possibility of generating electricity using wood waste from the region's logging industry. On a visit this week to Tupper Lake, Governor Patki unveiled a state plan to build an experimental wood-powered generator in the village. Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

Sep 22, 2004 — One of the region's biggest timber companies is selling a 4,900 acre parcel of land in the town of Newcomb. According to a report published yesterday in the Glens Falls Post-Star, Finch Pruyn has agreed to sell the property for nearly $6 million. As Brian Mann reports, environmental groups say the deal could signal a new wave of housing development in the Adirondack Park.  Go to full article

Sep 10, 2004 — State officials are investigating claims of improper logging on timberlands in St. Lawrence County. The 19,000 acre parcel - which straddles the north branch of the Grasse River -- is protected by a state conservation deal. As Brian Mann reports, critics say problems with the project raise questions about bigger easement deals signed with International Paper and Champion.  Go to full article

Aug 03, 2004 — The Bush administration's top environment official will travel to the Adirondacks next week. Michael Leavitt will attend a water quality conference at Paul Smiths college. The visit comes less than two weeks after six northeastern states - including New York - sued the EPA over new water quality rules. Brian Mann reports.  Go to full article

Jun 21, 2004 — In April, International Paper announced that the corporation will sell development and recreation rights on a quarter-million acres in the Adirondack Mountains. Logging will continue on much of the land, but the easement with the state of New York is expected to open vast new areas to hikers and snowmobile riders. The purchase could cost taxpayers as much as twenty million dollars. Phil Brown is editor with the Adirondack Explorer, a magazine that covers recreation issues in the Park. He spoke with Brian Mann about the deal, while sitting on a peak that could be a popular new destination.  Go to full article

May 04, 2004 — Paul Smith's College has a new president. Dr. John Mills, the school's provost and head of academic affairs, says he'll focus on expanding 4-year programs and building enrollment. Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

Oct 01, 2003 — After two years of painfully low prices, loggers in the North Country are seeing a rebound this fall. According to an article in the Glens Falls Post Star, prices for pulp wood have risen thirty percent in recent months. Brian Mann spoke with Eric Johnson, editor of Northern Logger magazine, based in Old Forge.  Go to full article

Jun 06, 2003 — The Lewis County timber industry received a small flurry of good news this week. Yesterday a Texas company announced it purchased a wood-fired power plant in Lyonsdale. The day before an Italian papermaker agreed to buy the LTX Fibre mill in Beaver Falls. David Sommerstein has details.  Go to full article

Dec 12, 2002 — State officials in Albany have agreed to allow the use of rough cut lumber in construction projects. Without the change to state building codes, made on Wednesday, hundreds of small sawmills in the North Country would have been forced to shut down. Brian Mann has our story.  Go to full article