5 Things You Need to Know | April ADK Conservation News
By: Dana Mancini - Adirondack Council Advocacy and Outreach Assistant
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Adirondack Conservation News is a collection of the most current events taking place in New York’s Adirondack Park, a unique national treasure and legacy we inherited over 100 years ago, that we have to protect for future generations. Adirondack News aims to highlight both threats and opportunities concerning the Park’s ecological integrity, wild character and community vibrancy.
NYS Passes Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019
Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature passed a $168.3 billion budget on March 31st. There were several appropriations that will help the Adirondack Park, including funding for the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corp that will allow for the continued testing of water chemistry for Adirondack lakes and rivers. Initiatives that did not make it into the budget include a change in the way the state pays property taxes on Forest Preserve as well as all-terrain vehicle reforms.
Federal Budget Keeps Funding for EPA
In Washington, New York’s Congressional delegation helped to secure approval of a $1.3-trillion federal appropriations agreement that prevented significant cuts to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that would have crippled the EPA’s acid rain and climate research grants in the Adirondacks. Green groups in New York are praising the bipartisan delegation for maintaining the agency’s funding and continuing to fight for environmental priorities.
Iowa Pacific Finally Removes Oil Tankers from the Adirondack Park
The oil tankers that were being stored within the Adirondack Park near the Boreas River are finally being removed. The tankers were supposed to be removed by December, but the process was delayed by harsh weather.
DEC Breaks Ground on the New Frontier Town
The Department of Environmental Conservation and Paradox Brewery broke ground this month on the “Gateway to the Adirondacks” tourism hub. The new hub will help the local economy and provide a link to recreational opportunities in the Adirondack Park. In addition to the brewery, the Gateway will also include a campground and equestrian and day use areas.
Adirondack Council Awards 19 Grants to Businesses, Farms
For the third year in a row, the Adirondack Council has invested private funds in the effort to build a climate-friendly Adirondack Park. The Council has awarded micro-grants to 19 farms and businesses who want to reduce their environmental impacts and adapt to a changing climate. Some of the winning projects include solar fencing, rainwater catchment, building weatherization and insulation, and energy-efficient appliance upgrades.
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