5 Things You Need to Know | July ADK Conservation News
By: Dana Mancini - Adirondack Council Advocacy and Outreach Assistant
Monday, July 23, 2018
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 have to protect for future generations. Adirondack News aims to highlight both threats and opportunities concerning the Park’s ecological integrity, wild character and community vibrancy.
For 16th Year in a Row, Lake George Remains on the List of Impaired Water Bodies
Since 2002, Lake George and its tributaries have been on a state list of impaired water bodies. The main source of pollution in the lake comes from sediment pollution from stormwater runoff and erosion. The lake lacks a Total Maximum Daily Load plan to identify where the pollution is coming from and how to handle the issues. The Department of Environmental Conservation states that there are no immediate plans for one.
Adirondack Park Agency Approves New Plan for High Peaks Wilderness
At its July meeting, the Adirondack Park Agency approved a new unit management plan for the High Peaks Wilderness and the neighboring Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest. This plan reflects the recent expansion of public land and recreation, and begins to test ways to ease overcrowding in the area by reshaping and redirecting public use.
Sherman Craig Steps Down as Chair of the Adirondack Park Agency
Prior to the July board meeting, Sherman Craig announced he was retiring as the chair of the Adirondack Park Agency Board. Craig joined the board in 2011 and was appointed by the Governor two years ago to serve as the chair. Karen Feldman, chair of the State Land Committee will serve as acting chair until the Governor announces a permanent replacement.
EPA Still Faces Scandal as Scott Pruitt Departs
Scott Pruitt, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, resigned but it’s still unclear who will be his replacement. While Administrator, Pruitt refused to follow the Clean Air Act and regulations that protect the Adirondacks from acid rain and smog. President Trump will nominate a new Administrator who must be confirmed by the US Senate.
First Permit System in the State Introduced in the Catskills
In the Catskills, the Department of Environmental Conservation has implemented the first permit system to access state land. The permit was enacted at the Peekamoose Blue Hole in an effort to limit the number of visitors using the area as the state begins to deal with overuse issues. The permits are free, but must be reserved online within a week of the intended visit. Walk-in permits aren't available.
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