Adirondack Council Thanks Outgoing Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens for His Work Protecting the Adirondack Park
Adirondack Council Thanks Outgoing Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens for His Work Protecting the Adirondack Park
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William C. Janeway
518-441-7665 (cell)
518-873-2240 (ofc)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Wednesday, July 1, 2015
ELIZABETHTOWN, N.Y. – The Adirondack Council today thanked Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens for serving honorably and with distinction, helping Governor Cuomo implement an agenda that is good for the Adirondack Park, the State of New York and the country.
“The Adirondacks are a national treasure,” said Adirondack Council Executive Director William C. Janeway. “We thank Joe Martens for his four years of leadership as Commissioner and for his and his team’s stewardship of the state’s environment and the Adirondack Park. Thanks to Commissioner Martens and his team, we have cleaner water and air, more Adirondack wilderness, healthier wildlife, more support for vibrant communities, and a stronger DEC.”
Janeway’s comments came as Commissioner Martens announced his decision to resign. Martens will be returning to the Open Space Institute, where he worked after serving Governor Mario Cuomo as Deputy Secretary for the Environment, and before becoming DEC Commissioner.
“Commissioner Martens will be remembered in the Adirondacks for helping change the culture for the better,” Janeway said. “Martens simultaneously helped the state work with the Nature Conservancy Adirondack Chapter and towns to complete the majority of one of the largest land acquisitions in the history of the Park while improving outreach to and collaboration with community leaders. And it’s no surprise that the Commissioner recognized his extraordinary team at DEC. They are a good team.”
“While Martens’ replacement will have big shoes to fill, the Council is confident that Governor Cuomo will choose a well-qualified individual who is committed to protecting and enhancing the waters, wildlife and communities of the Adirondack Park,” said Janeway. “And the Council looks forward to working with Acting-Commissioner Gertsman.”
The Adirondack Council’s mission is to ensure the ecological integrity and wild character of New York’s six-million-acre Adirondack Park. The Council envisions an Adirondack Park with clean water and clean air, comprised of core wilderness areas, surrounded by working forests and farms, and vibrant rural communities. Adirondack Council members live in all 50 United States.
