For Immediate Release: June 18, 2002
Contact:
Victoria Hristovski | Director Public Information | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK- Three special presentations were given to Adirondack Park Agency Members this month, and four new projects were approved.
Among the four projects approved at the June 13 and 14 meetings is the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks, to be constructed in Tupper Lake, in the Town of Altamont, Franklin County.
"I think this has certainly caught the interest of Adirondackers," said Agency Chairman Richard H. Lefebvre. "And this is a project to be excited about. It’s a tremendous benefit to the Adirondacks."
The museum will contain exhibits related to the natural history and environment of the Adirondacks. Site development will include the construction of an access driveway, municipal sewer and water lines, parking, walking paths, an observation tower, a pond and wetland complex, snowshoe lodge, and amphitheater. The project was passed unanimously on Friday, June 14.
The three other approved projects are: Diamond Sportsmen’s Club, Inc. in St. Lawrence County in the towns of Colton and Parishville. The project is a subdivision of 3, 283 acres into 117 sites for the continued occupancy of existing camps and the construction of new recreational camps. There are 41 existing camps, a clubhouse and 76 sites proposed for new camps on the project site. In the Town of Dannemora, (Clinton County), a proposal for a shoreline variance was granted for the construction of a new chain-link fence along the shoreline of Chazy Lake. A subdivision involving 9,950 acres into four lots in Hamilton and St. Lawrence Counties (in the towns of Long Lake and Piercefield, respectively) was also approved by the Agency.
A presentation was made on Thursday to the Economic Affairs Committee by Gene Falwell, of the Utica chapter of Adirondack Railway Preservation Society, on the tourist rail excursions along the southern and northern ends of the Adirondack railroad corridor. Committee members viewed slides from the railroad service and discussed the importance of keeping the tracks safe.
On Friday morning, Chairman Lefebvre announced a new educational initiative has begun. In collaboration with SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), the Agency and former ESF President, Dr. Ross Whaley, are working on expanding educational outreach efforts with SUNY and private colleges throughout the Park and at its borders.
"The Park represents a special opportunity to reinforce the value of education in and around the Park," said Lefebvre. "This collaboration advances progress on the Agency’s strategic plan and the ‘Year of Education.’"
Agency Soil and Water Engineering Specialist Dave Fluery presented an informational presentation on the latest techniques for erosion control and storm water management on Friday morning to the Park Ecology Committee. The presentation focused on the environmental significance of storm water runoff and treatment and mitigation measures, and different approaches to mitigation and regulation.
Several technical map amendments were also approved for the Town of Schroon on Thursday during the Park Policy and Planning Committee. Two Unit Management Plans (UMPs) were also reviewed at the Park Policy and Planning Committee meeting. The Hearthstone Campground Intensive Use Area UMP was approved and an amendment to the Whiteface Mountain Ski Area UMP was approved.
The next Adirondack Park Agency meeting will be held July 11 and 12 at Agency headquarters in Ray Brook. To view the agenda, please visit our Web site at the week of the meeting.
For additional information, please contact Victoria Hristovski at 891-4050 ext. 173.