For Immediate Release: November 13, 2000
Contact:
Victoria Hristovski | Director Public Information | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
Thursday:
During the course of its two-day meeting, APA board members approved a clear cutting permit for the Long Pond LLC project on Friday. On Thursday, APA staff presented the board with an informative session on agency jurisdiction on clear cutting and followed with a description of the Long Pond LLC project. Of the 18,000 acres of privately owned land, a total of 301 acres will be clear cut on 27 different locations throughout the property ranging from 3 to 27 acres in size. The permit is in full compliance with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) conservation easement for the property. The permit met specific criteria required through APA regulations. APA staff found that the proposed plan would not damage the wetlands or the wildlife in the area. To help meet the criteria, the harvest operation will only be allowed during frozen ground conditions. Bringing in equipment when the ground is frozen will minimally impact the wetlands, wildlife and the natural regeneration process. After considering the concerns of the Adirondack Council, board members felt confident Agency staff had addressed all issues and agreed with the recommendation of Agency staff.
On Thursday, representatives from the town of Chesterfield, including Supervisor Gerald Morrow, presented the board with a proposed Local Land Use Code. In his presentation, Morrow gave some background to the original opposition to zoning ordinances, and how the town’s people now feel it is a necessary addition. Presenters of the proposed codes did not seek any action from the board. It was an informational update as to the progress of their efforts.
Board members approved the use of an "Applicant’s Handbook" for minor project permits. The document was prepared to better serve the public in their application process, and too more clearly define what information is needed from an applicant. The handbook informs applicants of valuable free resources that are provided to them when seeking a permit. The handbook also includes information such as a short introduction of the APA, instructions for filling out minor project permit applications and the answers to many frequently asked questions (FAQ’s). Board members agreed to utilize the publication on a six-month trial basis, at which time it will be presented to the Agency Board for further review and refinement, if needed.
Friday:
Johnsburg/North Creek Community Economic Revitalization members made an informational presentation to the Agency Board regarding the economic revitalization of the two towns. Town Supervisor William Thomas spearheaded the discussion and showed slides that depicted the upgrading of several business and plans for future renovations. Also making presentations on the behalf of Johnsburg/North Creek Community Economic Revitalization Committee were Mary Moro, of the Railroad Depot Association, Maureen Donovan of the Warren County Economic Regional Development Corporation, and Mike Pratt, General Manager at Gore Mountain. All members of the Johnsburg/North Creek Economic Revitalization committee received Certificates of Appreciation by Agency Board Chairman Richard Lefebvre on behalf of the entire board. After their presentation, Agency Board officials congratulated the revitalization members on all their hard work and their continuing efforts to revitalize the Johnsburg/North Creek area.
Acid rain falling on the Adirondack Park has long been a concern of the APA. APA staff members Raymond Curran and Karen Roy presented a request that a letter to be sent to the Chairman of the Public Service Commission supporting an extension of the Systems Benefits Charge to fund further research on acid rain in the Adirondacks. The letter, which will be sent on behalf of the Agency Board by Agency Chairman Richard Lefebvre, will urge the Public Service Commission to consider the environmental importance of acid rain testing in the lakes of the Adirondacks.
The Agency Board meets on the second Thursday and Friday of every month. The next meeting will take place on December 14th and 15th at APA headquarters in Ray Brook. These meetings are open to the public and public comment is welcome.
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