5 Things You Need to Know | April 2021 ADK Conservation News
By: Alycia Bacon - Adirondack Council Clarence Petty Advocacy Intern
Friday, April 30, 2021
Adirondack Conservation News is a collection of the most current events taking place in New York’s Adirondack Park, a unique national treasure and legacy we inherited over 100 years ago, that we must protect for future generations. Adirondack Conservation News aims to highlight both threats and opportunities concerning the Park’s ecological integrity, wild character, and community vibrancy.
Environmental Bond Act to Go Before Voters in November 2022
In November 2022, New York State voters will have an opportunity to decide the fate of the $3 billion Restore Mother Nature Bond Act. The Bond Act was part of the 2021 state budget approved in early April. If okayed by voters, the Bond Act will provide funding for restoration and flood risk reduction projects, open space land conservation and recreation, climate change mitigation, and water-quality improvements, and resilient infrastructure projects.
North Country Report: Earth Day Aid for Adirondack Agriculture
In celebration of Earth Day, the Adirondack Council awarded 21 micro-grants totaling $29,601 to local farmers and value-added food producers, in an effort to build a climate-friendly local economy in the Adirondack Park. Over the last six years, the Council has given away $158,997 to 88 local farms and small businesses in the Park. The full list of 2021 grant recipients can be found Here. The Klipper Fund, co-founded by Courtney Klipper, assists the Council in funding these micro-grants annually.
Former Adirondack Mine to Host Major Solar Project
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Benson Mines, Inc., of St. Lawrence County, have entered into a land-lease agreement for a 130-acre, 20-megawatt solar project. The agreement is part of the state’s new renewable energy siting law, the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act, passed in the 2020-2021 state budget. The solar project will provide enough power for 4,500 homes.
How the Adirondacks Fared in New York's Budget
In November 2022, New York State voters will have an opportunity to decide the fate of the $3 billion Restore Mother Nature Bond Act. The Bond Act was part of the 2021 state budget approved in early April. If okayed by voters, the Bond Act will provide funding for restoration and flood risk reduction projects, open space land conservation and recreation, climate change mitigation, and water-quality improvements, and resilient infrastructure projects.
Route 73 Pull-Off Closures Cut Parking for Hikers, Climbers
The Department of Transportation recently installed barriers on Route 73 in the Adirondacks as part of the state’s efforts to crack down on illegal parking and to reduce the number of people walking along this corridor to reach trails popular hiking trails. This action will enhance public safety and help mitigate the negative impacts of overuse. Previous ticketing and fining individuals have failed to stop illegal parking.
Alycia Bacon is the Adirondack Council’s 2021 Clarence Petty Advocacy Intern working with the Government Relations and Communications teams in Albany, helping to advance the Council’s advocacy programs. Alycia is originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, but she’s lived in the Capital Region for almost 11 years. Currently, Alycia is a graduate student at the University at Albany, where she is working on her Master's degree in Africana Studies, with a focus on philosophy and history - particularly in Ancient Civilization and African Americans. Alycia is proud to be working to protect and maintain the Adirondacks as a beautiful living ecological space because she loves our planet and wants to see it healthy for future generations.
