5 Things You Need to Know | January 2022 ADK Conservation News
By: Justin Levine – Adirondack Council Communications and Outreach Assistant
Thursday, February 3, 2022
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 must protect for future generations. Adirondack Conservation News highlights threats and opportunities concerning the Park’s ecological integrity, wild character, and community vibrancy.
Environment Ranks High in New York’s 2023 Budget
New York Governor Kathy Hochul released her Executive Budget proposal in mid-January, and there was a lot to celebrate for the Adirondacks. She proposed an increased Environmental Protection Fund from $300 million to $400 million and a $4 billion environmental bond act. While the proposals are good, the Adirondack Council would still like to see $500,000 for the Adirondack Diversity Initiative, $500,000 for visitor use management framework, and $6 million for an updated Adirondack Lakes Survey included in the final budget. The Council and many other environmental groups are also calling for $10 million for trails and education.
Governor Hochul Announces Appointments to Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force
Governor Kathy Hochul announced long-awaited appointments to the Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force late last year. Although created in 2020, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo never made any appointments to the task force, which resulted in the group missing its first reporting deadline. However, Gov. Hochul’s appointments bode well for the group’s work ahead and include Adirondack Council board member Robert Kafin and former Council Vice President for Conservation Megan Phillips.
Essex Farm Institute: Ensuring the Future of Adk. Ag.
The Essex Farm Institute (EFI), part of the Adirondack Council, recently hired Saratoga County native and Essex County farmer Dillon Klepetar to lead the institute. EFI issues micro-grants each year to local farms, and to date, has provided about $150,000 to farmer-driven, environmentally-friendly projects. Klepetar will also help farmers around the Adirondacks as they navigate changing state and federal regulations and become more integral to climate change solutions.
What are Green Collar Jobs and What Can They Do for the North Country?
In December, the Adirondack Council launched its Forever Adirondacks campaign which focuses on clean water, green collar jobs, and wilderness protection. Green collar jobs are those professions that are linked to the environment, whether they be solar panel installers, trail builders, or land management planners. Green collar jobs will help the communities of the Adirondack Park adapt to their own popularity while taking better care of the wilderness and waters inside the Blue Line.
Saranac Lake Native, Economic Development Leader to Head the APA
Saranac Lake native and former Adirondack Park Agency (APA) board member Barbara Rice was named to head the agency after current Executive Director Terry Martino announced she would be retiring at the January APA meeting. Rice served on the APA board from 2016 - 2018, until she left to work for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo as assistant secretary for economic development. Rice has previously served on the Franklin County Legislature and as a Saranac Lake village trustee.
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.
