ADK applauds New York State legislature for supporting the Restore Mother Nature Bond Act, a $3 billion bond act proposed by Governor Cuomo, which will support habitat restoration, clean energy, and climate resiliency projects throughout the state. “If passed by voters, this bond act will secure New York as the nation’s leader in building tomorrow’s green economy and strengthening our resiliency against climate change,” said Executive Director Michael Barrett in a news release.

The legislature also continued funding the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) at $300 million. The EPF provides essential support for land stewardship, to include an increase of $1.4 million to steward critical areas affected by high use. “During this critical time in the battle against coronavirus, Governor Cuomo, the Assembly and the Senate showed exceptional leadership in producing a budget that retains the funding needed for environmental programs that are essential for rebuilding local economies and combating climate change,” said Cathy Pedler, ADK Director of Advocacy.

ADK is also thankful for the strong showing of support from its members and our friends throughout the environmental community in being vocal advocates for these initiatives. “From the first ever Adirondack Park lobby day, to our collective efforts to support the EPF and raise awareness on ticks, I’d like to thank our environmental partners and all the ADK members who walked the halls and wrote more than 4,500 letters in support of these important initiatives,” said Tom Andrews, ADK President.

Additional reading: Adirondack Explorer has this recent profile on ADK’s new Executive Director