5 Things You Need to Know |August 2020 ADK Conservation News
By: Casey Marvel - Adirondack Council Government Relations Analyst
Friday, August 28, 2020
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 aims to highlight both threats and opportunities concerning the Park’s ecological integrity, wild character, and community vibrancy.
Telling the Story: Interactive Website Discusses ADK Overuse
Across the Adirondack Park, more public lands and communities are facing the problems of overuse. Luckily, there is now an interactive “StoryMap” that can help illustrate the consequences of unmanaged overuse on our wildlands, including natural resources damage, public safety issues, and visitor experience impacts. The new interactive website explains how proper management and comprehensive planning are crucial in order to preserve our most sensitive Forest Preserve areas. The StoryMap highlights best management practices that can help preserve Adirondack Wilderness as a national treasure.
Conservationists Call for State to Buy Whitney Park
The 36,000-acre Long Lake Whitney Park estate is up for sale by the widower of philanthropist Marylou Whitney. The property is a biologically crucial centerpiece of the Adirondacks that has been identified by the state as a priority for protection since it was listed on its first Open Space Conservation Plan in 1993. For over a century, the Whitney family has been excellent stewards of the land which features over 22 lakes and ponds, hiking and paddling routes, and sensitive wildlife areas that could become part of the Forest Preserve. The Adirondack Council is hopeful the owner, the state, and other stakeholders will come to an agreement that will continue the protection of these lands and waters.
Road Salt in the Adirondacks Not Just a Winter Problem
The Adirondack Council and partners are calling on Governor Cuomo to sign into law legislation to create an Adirondack Road Salt Task Force and Pilot Program. The legislation (A.8776-A/S.8663-A), passed by both houses of the state legislature in July, must be signed by the Governor by the end of the year to become law. The legislation is designed to update winter road management practices in the Adirondacks in an effort to protect the public health of communities who have become vulnerable to road salt polluting local drinking water sources.
Being Black in the Adirondacks
Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI) Director Nicky Hylton-Patterson continues to lead the way bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion resources to communities across the Adirondacks. Since last year, she has had to overcome challenges such as racist graffiti painted along a path where she jogs every morning. Hylton-Patterson views these obstacles as a reason to double down and rally the thousands of supporters who have engaged with ADI over the last year. Hylton-Patterson leads numerous online webinars, events, and other initiatives geared towards educating and equipping communities to make the Park a safer and more welcoming and inclusive place for all.
Another Forest Pest on the Move in the Adirondacks
In August, two new terrestrial invasive species were identified in the Adirondack Park. The Emerald Ash Borer was found for the first time in the Park near the Schroon River in Warren County and the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid was identified near Glen Island Campground in Washington County. Both invasive species pose serious threats to the health of public and private forest lands in the Adirondacks. The new infestations are also renewing calls for New York State to continue to invest in invasive species prevention and management as new aquatic and terrestrial species continue to jeopardize the future of Adirondack water, wildlands, and communities.
Casey Marvel is the Government Relations Analyst in the Council’s Albany office. He assists the government relations and communication teams by tracking legislation, researching issues, and advocating for the Adirondacks. A native of Niskayuna, New York, Casey recently completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Albany and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Political Science. Casey has always been intrigued and passionate about the Adirondacks, having visited the Park throughout his life, from fishing at Paradox Lake, to recently pursuing the 46 High Peaks.
