5 Things You Need to Know | October 2022 ADK Conservation News
By Justin Levine - Adirondack Council Communications Associate
Tuesday, Nov. 1, 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.
$4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act appears on back of New York ballot
This Election Day, November 8, New Yorkers will have a once in a lifetime chance to make a huge investment in battling climate change, updating aging infrastructure, and creating tens of thousands of jobs. The Adirondack Council is part of a state-wide coalition of more than 300 groups - from unions to faith-based groups to architects and engineers - that support passage of Prop 1 this Election Day.
New Grasse River Wilderness Preserve protects 1,400 acres just outside the ADKs
The Northeast Wilderness Trust recently completed the purchase of more than 1,000 acres that is adjacent to the Adirondack Park. The parcel, on the Grasse River in St. Lawrence County, will likely play an important ecological role as a coalition of groups work to restore wildlife connectivity both in and around the Adirondack Park.
Are wolves returning to the Adirondacks?
The Adirondack Council is asking the state Department of Environmental Conservation to reverse its plan to remove the Gray Wolf from the state’s endangered species list after DNA analysis proved that a canid shot earlier this year was, in fact, a wolf. Wolves play a critical ecological role across North America, and their reintroduction to the Adirondacks - whether intentional or natural - would help keep rising deer populations under control.
Adirondack Diversity Initiative executive director steps down
Nicole Hylton-Patterson, who has served as the first executive director for the Adirondack Diversity Initiative, has stepped down to take a job in New York City. Hylton-Patterson worked tirelessly to make the Adirondack Park more open and welcoming to all. The Adirondack North Country Association, which ADI is a part of, has started looking for a new leader.
Road Salt Reduction Task Force: Report is coming; culture change needed
As the state’s Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force nears completion of its preliminary report, stakeholders say that collaboration and staying power will be key to moving forward. Excessive road salt use threatens drinking water, natural bodies of water, and infrastructure across the Adirondack Park. Members of the committee say that state-level leadership will be needed to ensure the recommendations have a long-lasting impact.
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.
