The Adirondack Explorer has just published the second installment in a series of articles looking at the performance of the Adirondack Park Agency and the adequacy of its regulations.

In the September/October issue, North Country Public Radio reporter Brian Mann looks at the consequences of political compromises that watered down shoreline protections in the early 1970s.

APA regulations allow more development along the water than away from it, which critics say is the exact opposite of what should be allowed.

Peter S. Paine Jr., one of the original APA board members, recalls how the shoreline rules were weakened before the state legislature adopted the Adirondack Park Land Use and Development Plan. “I know exactly how it happened because I was there,” he said “There were negotiations in smoke-filled rooms in the small hours of the morning. I told them, ‘This thing has already been compromised enough,’ and they threw me out of the room. And then they proceeded to further weaken it.”

You can click here to read Brian’s story.

Several other articles are available online, including:

• Ken Aaron’s update on the navigation-rights lawsuit, filed against me by the Brandreth Park Association.
• A detailed look at the state’s agreement to buy sixty-nine thousand acres from the Nature Conservancy.
• Brian Castner’s account of a four-day canoe trip on the Saranac Lakes with his two sons.
• My account of a solo climb up the North Face of Gothics.
• Tom Woodman’s column on the Scaroon Manor State Campground, where all the facilities are designed for the disabled.

That’s just a sampling of the stuff in the latest issue. You’ll also find articles on a new trail up Cheney Mountain, the most remote spot (supposedly) in the Adirondacks, the centennial of the Ranger School in Wanakena, the effect of mercury on loons, and two great fall canoe hikes, and much more.

Nancy Ford took a wonderful cover photo of a guy diving into the Oswegatchie in front of the Ranger School.