Happy Holidays from the Adirondack Council: Reflecting on 2017
By: Staff of the Adirondack Council
Friday, December 22, 2017
The Adirondacks are covered in a beautiful blanket of fresh snow.
The weather outside is cold and blustery. As you walk through the woods, you can hear the snow crunch under your feet, may smell the distinct scent of balsam or see a bird quietly flutter by. The Adirondacks sure are a beautiful place this time of year. It's peaceful and quiet outdoors, yet communities are bustling with holiday shoppers and skiers. As many of us do this time of year, we are curled up by the fire with friends and family, reflecting on the past 12 months.
The year 2017 has been one for the books for Adirondack communities and conservation because of your help writing letters, signing petitions and supporting programs that help the Park. Thank you so much for your generous contributions to ensure the Adirondack Park is a beautiful place now and for future generations.
Some highlights in Adirondack conservation this year...
- Voters defeated a Constitutional Convention that would have put the Forever Wild clause that protects the Adirondack and Catskill forest preserves at great risk.
- Voters approved a Constitutional Amendment to create a Health and Safety Land Account for use by towns and counties for community and public safety projects while protecting forever wild.
- The Governor and Legislature approved $2.5 billion in clean water funding for “gap closing” infrastructure grants, septic system replacement, to address the impacts of road salt, and more to protect clean water.
- State investments in clean water grants for Adirondack communities surpassed $32 million, since the grant program began in 2015.
- The Governor and Legislature approved a $300 million Environmental Protection Fund for a second year running, the largest amount that has ever been allocated for land protection and stewardship, waterfront revitalization and more.
- The state allocated $13 million to the fight against invasive species, which supported programs such as the Adirondack Park Invasive Species Prevention Strategy, and Lake George Boat Washing Program.
- This summer at our Forever Wild Day in Newcomb, we honored Mike Carr as the "Conservationist of the Year" for a lifetime of land protection through community collaboration and gave a special recognition to Carl Heilman for his contributions to conservaton through his stunning photography of the Park.
- Under our Cool Farms/Healthy Park program, 23 Adirondack farmers and small business owners were issued micro-grants projects that help address climate change
If 2017 was any indication, we are confident that 2018 will be yet another outstanding year for Adirondack conservation and communities. We couldn't do it without your help, passion and vision for a healthy, vibrant Adirondack Park.
From the Adirondack Council family to yours, Happy Holidays!
