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Entries Tagged as 'apa'

A Motorless Movement

June 3rd, 2008 · 3 Comments · News

The NYS DEC announced the formation of an interagency “Quiet Waters Working Group for the Adirondack Park”.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis and Adirondack Park Agency (APA) Chairman Curt Stiles today announced the formation of an interagency “Quiet Waters Working Group for the Adirondack Park.” The working group will evaluate lakes, ponds and rivers in the Park for potential designation as “quiet water,” meaning that motorized craft would be prohibited.

The working group will be comprised of staff from DEC and APA, and will actively solicit input from local officials, community groups, outfitters, sportsmen, and other stakeholders.

Alright everyone, form a circle, join your hands, and let’s do some inputting!

“There are too few places in the Adirondacks where paddlers can experience the tranquility of a motorless water body,” Commissioner Grannis said. “With the increasing popularity of paddling, DEC wants to explore the possibility of expanding ‘quiet waters’ opportunities. This is part of our effort to increase opportunities for all recreational users of the Adirondacks. DEC is committed to involving local communities, outfitters, sportsmen and paddlers in this process.”

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Adirondack Park Agency Under the Microscope

December 13th, 2006 · No Comments · Adirondack Life, News

The advent of citizen journalism and social media has changed the landscape for many organizations and businesses. The blogosphere is watching. The Adirondack Council just released a report critical of the Adirondack Park Agency’s enforcement policies. Anyone living in or near the “Blue Line” can tell you horror stories involving inconsistent application of “rules”.

Here are their 6 recommendations:

  1. ADD NEW ENFORCEMENT STAFF
  2. REVISE ENFORCEMENT LAWS AND REGULATIONS
  3. RESTORE STATE FUNDING FOR LOCAL PLANNING ASSISTANCE
  4. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHOULD CREATE AN ADIRONDACK PARK ENFORCEMENT TEAM
  5. APA COMMISSIONERS NEED TO MAKE ENFORCEMENT A TOP PRIORITY
  6. GIVE THE APA THE AUTHORITY TO COLLECT FEES AND FINES

Sounds reasonable, but I fear more taxes to support this and even more bloated New York State bureaucracy.

(via Jamestown Lawyer)

Update:

The Albany Times-Union weighs in with this editorial also calling for more “more manpower and other resources”. Although I agree that enforcement of rules should be timely, transparent, consistent, and reasonable, it should also be done by a credible agency. The APA is no longer that.

More Info:

Resort community rubber stamped by APA

The Adirondack Forest Preserve

Adirondack Council says APA enforcement needs more funding, staff

Spitzer Must Deal With Park Agency

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Snowmobile Plan Charts Future Use for Snowmobiles in the Adirondack Park While Protecting the Environment

October 19th, 2006 · No Comments · News

Full Press Release

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced the release of the Snowmobile Plan for the Adirondack Park. The Plan will serve as a guide for the development of new trails and eliminate other trails that are no longer needed.

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