The Adirondack Council is the largest citizen environmental group in New York State working full-time, on a daily basis in the Adirondack Park, in the state capital and in Washington to preserve this six-million-acre treasure. "The Adirondack Council inspires public participation in policy debates by advocating for positive solutions to complex issues for the benefit of the Park and its people." Founded: 1975

Lake Lila

Mission: To ensure the ecological integrity and wild character of the Adirondack Park for current and future generations.

Vision: An Adirondack Park with clean air and water and large wilderness areas, surrounded by working farms and forests and vibrant local communities.

Organization: Members in all 50 states; 15 staff members in two offices: 11 in Elizabethtown in the Adirondack Park, 4 in the state capital of Albany; Board of Directors.

Funding: Funded by private individuals and foundations - no government funding

Annual Budget: $1.5 million (view our financial statements)

To accomplish our mission and vision the Council uses public outreach and education, advocacy, monitoring, and, if necessary, legal action.

Educate: educating the public and policy makers to build support for Park protection
l Steady media presence on local, regional, state and national levels
l Publications on environmental and conservation issues affecting the Adirondack Park

Advocate: focusing on the biggest threats to the ecology and wild character of the Park
Urging rules, regulations, policies, legislation, funding and programs to:
l reduce air pollution
l prevent the fragmentation and development of working forest and working farm lands
l restore and protect water quality
l protect public land from over use and abuse
l protect private land from inappropriate development
l promote and encourage sustainable communities

Monitor: scrutinizing policies to ensure the Park's protection and appropriate uses
l takes a stand on all actions that could compromise the integrity of the "Forever Wild Clause"
l evaluates information
l negotiates compromises through solutions-oriented dialogue
l proposes solutions
l offers expertise and fact-based knowledge

Take Legal Action: upholding the constitutional protections and agency regulations and policies established to protect the Adirondack Park
l adjudicatory hearings
l lawsuits