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Source: NY lawmakers pass adoption bill championed by Pam Hunter, ending decades of secrecy – syracuse.com

River Impassable Due to Low Water Levels – Result of Vandals Opening Sluice Gate on Lower Locks

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that it has closed the Saranac River to boating between the Lower Lock and Second Pond Boat Launch because of extremely low water levels that make this section of the river impassable.

The low water levels are result of vandals breaking into the controls for the sluice gate overnight and fully opening it. The sluice gate was further damaged and cannot be immediately closed. DEC is working to repair and close the gate and will provide notice when repairs are complete and water levels have risen enough to reopen this section of the Saranac River to boating.

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers are investigating this incident and ask that members of the public with information about the act of vandalism contact 518-897-1326.

From the office of State Senator Betty Little

A bill to provide legal clarity for the removal of disruptive campground guests received final legislative approval in the State Senate on Wednesday, June 19.

Source: Clinton County to host haz mat day | Opinion | pressrepublican.com

From the NYS DEC

The final Saranac Lakes Wild Forest Management Plan outlining plans to improve opportunities for outdoor recreation on the lands and waters in the northern Adirondacks was recently issued, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.

“Implementing this new management plan for the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest will significantly improve outdoor recreational opportunities for the public,” said Commissioner Seggos. “When completed, the plan’s improvements will allow the public to experience this wild forest in a manner that preserves the unique resources of these ecologically important areas while providing easy access to nearby community amenities.”

The Saranac Lakes Wild Forest is comprised of 75,000 acres of Forest Preserve lands and 19,600 acres of lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds located in the towns of Santa Clara, Brighton, Tupper Lake, Harrietstown, and Franklin in Franklin County and the towns of St. Armand and North Elba in Essex County. Three of the largest population centers in the Adirondack Park-the villages of Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid-are within the general boundaries of the unit.

The waterways of the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest are plentiful, making the area a popular destination for boaters, paddlers, anglers, and campers. Biking and hiking are popular outdoor activities in the summer and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular in the winter.

Boating

The management plan allows motorboats to continue to use all waters currently available for motorboating. However, to address the public’s desire for “quiet waters” for paddlers, there will be horsepower limits on several waterbodies, motor boat speed limits will be enacted on Weller Pond, and DEC will increase efforts to enforce motor boat speed limits on the Raquette River.

DEC seeks to preserve some traditional access while complying with the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan (APSLMP). Although directly launching boats from trailers will be prohibited at most fishing and waterway access sites, trailers will be able to approach the water’s edge to launch boats at some sites.

Camping

DEC will close 60 campsites in the wild forest and construct 59 new campsites to comply with the APSLMP’s 0.25-mile separation distance between designated tent sites. Closures will also help to revitalize various tent sites. New tent sites will be constructed before current tent sites are closed.

To comply with the APSLMP’s 0.25-mile separation distance between campsites, DEC will also close 17 roadside campsites, reduce access to two campsites, and construct 13 new campsites in the unit. Little Green Pond will have three roadside campsites, Hoel Pond will have one roadside campsite, and Floodwood Road will have 15 roadside campsites and two campsites without direct access.

In the Saranac Lake Islands Campground, DEC will expand campground regulations to include the campsites on Middle Saranac Lake and Weller Pond. DEC will also construct four new campsites to bring the total to 91 campsites and relocate 14 campsites to comply with APSLMP minimum separation distance of 500 feet. The campground will develop a program to address heavily used and significantly impacted campsites.

Trails

New trail systems are proposed near the communities of Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, and Tupper Lake, which will provide additional opportunities for the public to enjoy the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest. Plans include constructing 38 miles of new trails for non-motorized use, of which 35 miles will be built for mountain bike use.

Significant acreages that lack developed trails help protect wildlife habitat and provide unique recreational opportunities. The final management plan will maintain 7,400 acres south of Forest Home Road as trail-less. Herd paths may remain, but formal trails will not be built or maintained.

Snowmobile trails will follow DEC’s Management Guidance for Snowmobile Trail Siting, Construction, and Maintenance on Forest Preserve Lands in the Adirondack Park. Plans include constructing two miles of new snowmobile trail and closing 15 miles of existing snowmobile trail due to location or limited use.

Governor Cuomo and DEC are committed to providing quality outdoor recreational experiences on Adirondack Forest Preserve lands and improving the Adirondack economy while continuing to protect the vast and precious natural resources of the region. The final Saranac Lakes Wild Forest Unit Management Plan is available to view and download (PDF) on DEC’s website.

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont, is pleased to announce that it has raised over $400,000 for the 26^th Annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Campaign.  Since 1993 Tops has raised over $12 million dollars for the cause with Tops fund-raising efforts putting the company in the top 10 fund-raisers in the country for many years.

This year Tops Annual Spring JDRF Sneaker Campaign began Sunday, April 14 and ran through Saturday, May 4, 2019.  Across the chain associates additionally participated in recent walks in Buffalo, Rochester, and in Lake George, NY.  They will also be participating in the JDRF walk in Syracuse in September 2019.

Every year the goal of the campaign is to raise money and awareness to help fund research to help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes.  The paper sneaker, which was designed by a Tops associate back in 1993 and is now widely used nationally as well as internally in JDRF fundraising campaigns, will be sold at Tops registers for a $1.00 donation.  

“At Tops we believe in assisting our fellow neighbors in need,” said Frank Curci, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer for Tops Friendly Markets. “We are committed to supporting JDRF in their mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications.”

Source: Pets can get Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, too | NCPR News

Source: What should an Adirondack tent camping site look like? | NCPR News

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that the Assembly passed legislation he authored to establish standard procedures for removing unruly campers at campgrounds (A.1569).

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Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that he sponsored and helped pass a bill to rename the Au Sable Forks Bridge in honor of the late Steve Godlewski (A.888). Godlewski was the beloved owner of Feeks Pharmacy and previously served as Black Brook town supervisor and councilperson.

“The folks of Au Sable Forks loved Feeks Pharmacy not just for its convenience, but for the good conversation, advice and cheer that Steve Godlewski brought to it,” Jones said. “He knew every customer by name and selflessly served his community, opening the store at any hour of the day or night if someone needed medication. This bridge will remind us of the joy he brought to the North Country and ensure that his compassionate spirit is never forgotten.”

To recognize Godlewski’s contributions to the community, the legislation would rename the Au Sable Forks Bridge to the Steve Godlewski Memorial Bridge, which is fittingly located on State Route 9N near the pharmacy he ran for nearly half a century. Godlewski was the owner and operator of Feeks Pharmacy, which served as the town’s only nearby pharmacy and provided critical services to Au Sable Forks residents. After running his Main Street business for 45 years, Godlewski retired with his wife and closed the pharmacy in February 2017. The community was heartbroken over Godlewski’s passing last year, as so many were familiar with Godlewski’s passion and dedication to make a difference in the North Country , Jones noted. Godlewski also served as a town councilperson and supervisor for Black Brook for many years.

Source: CCPT Driver honored for quick thinking in accident | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Gov. Cuomo Signs ‘Green Light Bill’ Granting Undocumented Immigrants Access To Drivers’ Licenses – CBS New York

May 18, 2019 crowd

This Saturday June 22nd is Honor Flight #28. The send-off ceremony starts at 7am sharp, by then all the Veterans have been brought to the Veterans Park on the US Oval by police and motorcycle escort.

The crowd at the last send-off on May 18th was the largest ever, we hope to continue to to grow to show support for our Veterans from WWII, Korea and Vietnam. This is a once in a lifetime trip for our Veterans, manyconsider it the best day of their life. Each person that comes adds to that experience, we strongly encourage people to come support our nations heroes. All portions of the day are free and very family friendly.

Source: Population Trends in the Adirondacks and Rural America – – The Adirondack Almanack

L-R Museum President Garth Houde, Volunteers Allison Arnold and Jeff Dangler

By John T. Ryan

Keeseville – Yesterday my wife Jean and I took advantage of the Museum Weekend to visit the Anderson Falls Heritage Society Museum in Keeseville. We loved it!

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Source: CCC and Peru offering new program | Local News | pressrepublican.com