5 Things You Need to Know | November 2022 Adirondack Conservation News
By Justin Levine - Adirondack Council Communications Associate
Thursday, Nov. 30, 2022
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 highlights threats and opportunities concerning the Park’s ecological integrity, wild character, and community vibrancy.
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An Adirondack environmentalist leaves UN Climate talks in Egypt more determined
The Adirondack Council’s Forever Adirondacks Campaign Director Aaron Mair was recently in Egypt for the COP27 climate meeting. Mair said it was great to hear from Indigenous communities, but also noted that this COP meeting was highly attended by non-renewable energy concerns. But Mair came back more determined to have a positive impact on the climate change front.
Adirondack harmful algae bloom reports rise
Reports of harmful algae blooms rose over the past year, and include water bodies that have never before had an HAB reported. There could be many causes for the HABs around the Saranac Lake area, including warmer waters from climate change, but increased public knowledge and testing could also play a factor.
Wolves in New York? Here’s What a Comeback Might Look Like
Last year, a hunter shot what he thought was a coyote, but in fact, turned out to be a wolf. Apex predators, such as wolves, can play an integral role in wildlife ecology, and wolves would help control the state’s large deer population. Ideally, if wolves were to return to New York with and form viable packs, it would happen through natural migration.
Voters approve the largest Environmental Bond Act in state history
New York state voters approved a $4.2 billion environmental bond act in early November, which will provide huge investments in fighting climate change, meeting the state’s 30x30 goal, and creating green collar jobs. The bond act was overwhelmingly passed by a roughly 2 to 1 margin state-wide, with 8 of the 12 Adirondack Counties also passing it.
Adirondack Council advocates for wilderness on global stage
The Adirondack Council had employees all around the world in November, with Aaron Mair at COP27 in Egypt, and Deputy Director Rocci Aguirre and Director of Government Relations Kevin Chlad at Somos in Puerto Rico. The Adirondack Park is ecologically and climatologically important on a global scale, and meeting with the likes of Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Vice President Al Gore reinforces the importance of the Adirondacks to the international community.
Justin Levine joined the Council staff in 2021 as the Communications and Outreach Assistant. He previously worked as a regional marketing manager for the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and was an award-winning journalist and photographer for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and Lake Placid News. Since graduating from Paul Smith’s College in 2004, Justin has worked in the environmental field in various roles in both the Adirondacks and Florida. When not working, Justin loves spending time with his family, running, and doing all the outdoor things the Park has to offer.
