Happy Independence Day!

Article 14, Section 1 — the “Forever Wild” clause of New York’s constitution — has been amended 16 times since 1938, and talks have been under way about three new amendments that could be put before voters.

In the Almanack, Peter Bauer, Executive Director of Protect the Adirondacks, has been working on a five-part series about these proposed amendments.

• • The first piece gives an overview of the recent history of Article 14 amendments.
  • The second article examines the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Winter Sports Complex managed by the Olympic Regional Development Authority.
  • The third article focuses on Camp Gabriels, the former prison in the Town of Brighton, Franklin County.
  •  The fourth focuses on Hamilton County’s plans to place an emergency communications tower on Cathead Mountain.
  • Coming up: A fifth article looks at the NYCO amendment in 2013, which raised serious questions about public accountability.

Writing in the Explorer, reporter Gwen Craig breaks down the issues surrounding the Cathead Mountain tower (pictured at top), and how installing a much needed emergency communications equipment can get complicated, fast. READ MORE

From the archive: A look back at Camp Gabriels and conversations about best uses for the property:

• • • From 2016: https://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2016/06/has-the-state-learned-its-lesson-at-camp-gabriels.html
    • From 2010: https://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2010/11/commentarycamp-gabriels-deal-requires-constitutional-amendment.html