By Justin A. Levine – Senior Communications Specialist
Friday, January 31, 2025
Environmentalists want lynx, cougars, wolves added to New York’s wildlife action plan – Adirondack Explorer, Jan 7, 2025
The state Department of Environmental Conservation is in the process of updating its State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), which outlines how DEC will manage the many species of wildlife across New York for the next 10 years. The DEC is falling short, however, by not including species such as wolves and cougars in its plans. These species do not officially live in New York, but individuals have passed through and if DEC is to effectively manage wildlife species, all species need to be accounted for.
Adirondack Council celebrates 50th anniversary – The Sun, Jan 14, 2025
The Adirondack Council is celebrating 50 years of conservation leadership in 2025, and also looking forward to the next 50 years. Incorporated in 1975, the Council has been an effective leader and advocate for the people and places of the Adirondack Park. However, there are new challenges ahead, and the Adirondacks will benefit from having an independent eye such as the Council on government actions at the local, state and federal levels.
Gov. Hochul reveals 2025 agenda for NY, and gets mixed reactions – Adirondack Explorer, Jan 14, 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled her state budget proposal early in January, and while several Adirondack Council priorities were included, there is still work to be done. It was great that Hochul included funding for the Timbuctoo Institute and the Survey of Climate and Adirondack Lake Ecosystems (SCALE), but funding for those and other programs need to be higher. Additionally, the Council would like to see increased funding for the Environmental Protection Fund, clean water infrastructure, and visitor use management.
In the likely race to replace Stefanik, will the candidates have North Country roots? – NCPR, Jan 21, 2025
With longtime NY-21 Rep. Elise Stefanik likely to be confirmed as US Ambassador to the United Nations, New York will soon hold a special election to replace her in the US House. NY-21 is a massive district which covers nearly the entire Adirondack Park and other parts of Upstate New York. The Adirondack Council is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates for office, but having a representative that is already familiar with the importance and magnitude of the Adirondacks will be beneficial at the federal level.
Adirondack groups push for funding amid Hochul’s budget cuts – Adirondack Explorer, Jan. 29, 2025
In its annual marathon budget hearing, the joint state Senate and Assembly hearing on Environmental Conservation heard testimony from dozens of staffers and non-governmental environmental organizations. Kevin Chlad, Deputy Director of the Council, testified on the need for increased water quality investments as well as increased funding for Adirondack programs such as the Timbuctoo Institute and the Survey of Climate and Adirondack Lake Ecosystems (SCALE).
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Justin Levine joined the Council staff in 2021 as the Communications and Outreach Assistant. He previously worked as a regional marketing manager for the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and was an award-winning journalist and photographer for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and Lake Placid News. Since graduating from Paul Smith’s College in 2004, Justin has worked in the environmental field in various roles in both the Adirondacks and Florida. When not working, Justin loves spending time with his family, running, and doing all the outdoor things the Park has to offer.