Conspiracy hypotheses, or theories as we like to call them, since “hypotheses” cannot be uttered without a lisp, seem to multiply unfettered these days, so I feel awkward birthing yet another. But you may be intrigued to learn that the wide spectrum of color in the region’s fall foliage is largely the result of a Depression-era stimulus project ushered in by the Hoover Administration.
DEC’s magazine, the Conservationist, turns 75 this year. The first issue of the magazine was published in August of 1946 and had some familiar themes, including an article about a new law called the Forest Practice Standards Act, articles promoting the many recreational opportunities found at Cranberry Lake in St. Lawrence County, and the challenges faced by the Conservation Department (DEC’s predecessor) in constructing fire towers in the Adirondack and Catskill backcountry.
Pushback against the granite quarry proposed for a forming mining site on White Lake in the town of Forestport (the northern tip of Oneida County) has been building for months.
In late August, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued a Notice of Complete Application for the project, kicking off the formal review process, that because of the location inside the Adirondack Park boundary, is taking place in collaboration with the Adirondack Park Agency (APA).
Representatives of both agencies recently presided over a hearing on the project. As our correspondent Megan Plete Postol has been reporting on this story, opposition to the project is strong, with more than 1,000 letters submitted to the APA and not a single person at the hearing made a comment in support of the project. (Although she did send us a photo of one pro-quarry sign she came across in her travels.)
I was supposed to be interviewing Susan about her art, but many conversations later, there was more to talk about. Susan has such wide ranging interests and is such an avid reader, it is hard to compare her energy with the peace and tranquility found in her paintings. Susan’s schedule is always packed. Besides being a member of the cooperative gallery, North Wind Fine Arts, at 85 Main Street, Saranac Lake where she serves as President and helped with their recent move, she is also a member of the Saranac Lake ArtWorks Board. She is originally from New Jersey, but she and her husband relocated to the Adirondacks in 2017.
SPECULATOR — A solid foundation is vital to a building. It is the base that allows floors, walls and roof to stand true and square.
When a foundation falters, the building soon falters too. That is the dilemma facing Lake Pleasant Museum, and the reason for a fund drive to pay for a new foundation.
Vegetarian Corn Chowder
As the temperatures turn slightly cooler, why not enjoy corn chowder made from freshly picked sweet corn? This vegetarian version of corn chowder calls for fresh corn and plant-based milk, but can also be made with frozen corn and animal milk (and shhhh! My son likes to eat this with plant-based bacon crumbled on top). Enjoy!
International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) May 1 – 7, 2022 – Save the Date! This upcoming year’s ICAW 2022 theme, Recipe for Regeneration: Compost, focuses on the crucial role recycling our food scraps and yard trimmings plays by creating compost. When added to soil, compost results in a recipe that makes our food more nutritious, the air we breathe cleaner, and our climate healthier overall.
The poster and video contest is now open. The selected winners’ design and video will be used to promote International Compost Awareness Week around the U.S. Submit your poster design or video by November 1, 2021.
As summer dips into fall and leaves cover the ground here at the VIC our lecture series has begun. Spend a chilly afternoon indoors with us and listen to one of our fantastic speakers. Whether you want to learn more about Mountain Gorilla Conservation or land management in the Adirondacks, we have a lecture for you!
Every Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon we will host an engaging lecture. The series is sponsored by the Adirondack Council and is free to students from Paul Smiths College and North Country Community College. Cost for the general public is just $5 to help support the mission of the VIC. I will post here each week about the upcoming speakers.
Our lecture series begins with Drs. Amy Vedder and Bill Weber on September 25th at 2:00PM. Their lecture, “In the Kingdom Gorillas: Success and Challenges in Tourism and Conservation,” focuses on land management from Africa to the Adirondacks. Amy and Bill will discuss how ecotourism combined with protection of land and wild animals can benefit local communities.
Hunting and trapping seasons are beginning to open throughout New York State. These activities are enjoyed by many as forms of recreation and a means of providing for their families. These activities can also benefit forest ecosystems by helping maintain healthy animal populations while reducing nuisance wildlife issues and, in some cases, decreasing transmission of wildlife diseases. Whether you are a hunter, trapper, or just enjoy getting outdoors in the fall, learning how to share public lands with other users will help keep you and fellow visitors safe.
The following are the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for comprehensive and up-to-date information on seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information.
High Peaks Wilderness: Per the conservation easement agreement with Elk Lake Lodge, the Lodge gates/trailhead access to the Dix Mountain range will close on October 12, 2021 for the duration of the big game season.
Lake George Wild Forest: Pole Hill Pond parking area in Bolton will be closed October 4-5 for repairs.
The state Board for Historic Preservation has recommended adding 19 properties to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. These nominations include a “castle” built by prominent Catskill Mountains photographer/aviator Otto Hillig; a Buffalo bakery that helped introduce Wonder Bread to America; an early Arabic-speaking Christian church in Brooklyn; and a community library in the Adirondacks.
A listing on the State and National Registers listing can assist owners in revitalizing properties, making them eligible for various public preservation programs and services, such as matching state grants and state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits. Over the past decade, the state has approved the use of rehabilitation commercial tax credits for more than 1,000 historic properties, driving more than $12 billion in private investment. » Continue Reading.
FREE admission to ADKX and Fallfest for Adirondack Park residents.
Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, will host two family-friendly fall festivals to close out the 2021 season.
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Spirit of Generosity: Let’s Show Our Community Support
The Adirondack region embodies the Spirit of Generosity. From volunteering to making gifts that empower nonprofit organizations to do their best work, it’s clear community is what makes this a special place.
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