For Immediate Release: May 5, 2007
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY - The Adirondack Park Agency will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Thursday, May 10 and Friday, May 11 at the Adirondack Park Agency Headquarters in Ray Brook, NY.
The Full Agency will convene on Thursday morning at 9:00AM for the Executive Director’s Report at which time the Agency will welcome new staff members Elaine Caldwell and Matt Kendall.
At 9:15, the Regulatory Programs Committee will determine approvability for two projects. The committee will consider the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks’ proposed “Skywalk Observation Tower.” This structure consists of a series of elevated platforms connected by 8 foot wide bridged walkways. It will be located more than 400 feet from the Raquette River and will be no taller than the tree canopy in the immediate surrounding area. Key issues include conforms to Rivers Regulations, visibility, containment of construction phase earth disturbance and replanting plans.
The second project before the committee this month involves the Augur Lake Property Owners Association. The Association proposes to release 500 sterile triploid grass carp in Augur Lake to control Eurasian watermilfoil. The goal is long-term reduction of rooted wetland vegetation.
At 11:00, the Park Ecology Committee will hear a presentation from Kathy Regan, the Project Coordinator for an EPA funded wetlands compliance program. The Agency recently hired three independent contractors to conduct compliance for APA permitted projects involving wetlands. The presentation will describe the goals of the project, tasks involved, expected benefits to the Agency and its wetlands protection program, and a timeline to completion.
At 2:00 pm, the Economic Affairs Committee will convene for a presentation and discussion on Tourism Planning and Marketing along Scenic Byways in the Adirondack Park. The Adirondack Park is traversed by ten federally designated Scenic Byways. Sharon O’Brien, the Adirondack North Country Association’s Scenic Byways coordinator and Susan Fuller, President of Fuller Communications will describe ongoing tourism marketing efforts.
At 3:00, the State Land Committee will meet to continue ongoing discussions of State Land Master Plan issues.
On Friday, May 11 at 9:00AM, the Full Agency will celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree in honor of Barbara McMartin. Ms. McMartin was a widely respected advocate for the Forest Preserve. She contributed significantly to DEC policy initiatives and authored numerous guidebooks, which opened the wonders of the East’s last wilderness to many people. Following the planting ceremony, the Agency will welcome new staff member Jill Lawrence.
At 9:30, the Enforcement Committee will hear a motion for determination regarding an alleged violation of the Agency’s shoreline structure setback regulations and The New York State Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act.
At 11:30, The Full Agency will convene for committee reports and to take actions if necessary.
Meeting materials are available for download from the Agency’s website at: http://www.apa.state.ny.us/Mailing/0705/index.htm
The next Agency meeting is scheduled for June 14-15, 2007, Adirondack Park Agency, Ray Brook, New York
JULY AGENCY MEETING – July 12-13, 2007, Adirondack Park Agency, Ray Brook, New York