The North Country to receive $40 million for water infrastructure projects
New York State and the Adirondacks, in particular, will soon benefit from a large round of funding from the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act to help keep waterways and drinking water cleaner. Seven communities in the Adirondack Park – notably Lyon Mountain, Schroon Lake, and Indian Lake – will receive about $8 million in clean water project funding. This funding will relieve some of the burden on taxpayers in these tiny rural towns. Waterways do not follow political boundaries so improvements to water quality in the Adirondacks will also benefit nature and communities far beyond the Park’s borders.
Septic systems need funds to start fixes flowing
While there was a lot of good news in the state budget this year for the Adirondacks, one place where leaders in Albany can have a far-reaching impact is by allocating funds to improve on-site sewage treatment (septic systems). The water quality projects above are great, but many waterfront communities and homes in the Adirondack Park do not have centralized sewage treatment. The state has approved money to repair and replace septic systems but often fails to actually allocate that money to be spent.
Herbicide wins last approval for use in Lake George
The Lake George Park Commission recently approved the use of the herbicide ProcellaCOR in Lake George to combat Eurasian watermilfoil, an invasive species. The Adirondack Council opposed this decision due to the lack of known long-term environmental impacts the chemical could have on Adirondack waters and ecosystems. The use of this herbicide is especially concerning since Lake George serves as a source of drinking water.
Rail bike company to buy Tahawus line
After a mining company from the western US failed to come up with its first payments to buy the Tahawus rail line and reopen it for mining materials, owners of a local rail bike company have stepped in to purchase the old railroad tracks. The prospect of mining operations near and adjacent to state Forest Preserve was concerning, but the local company’s purchase to operate tourist excursions is a welcome change.
Essex Farm Institute awards $32,000 to 15 local farmers
The Essex Farm Institute, which is part of the Adirondack Council, recently announced $32,000 in grants to farmers and value-added producers in the Adirondack Park. The 15 grants went to businesses around the Park. The projects demonstrate how relatively small financial investments can have an outsized impact on the Park’s natural resources and agricultural lands, and can serve as a model for other rural communities.
This round-up of Adirondack conservation news is a collection of the most current events taking place in New York’s Adirondack Park, a unique national treasure and legacy we inherited over 100 years ago that we must protect for future generations. This regular feature provided by the Adirondack Council highlights threats and opportunities concerning the Park’s ecological integrity, wild character, and community vibrancy.
Photos, from above: Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled new water infrastructure in Lake Placid; Turtle Pond; Lake George; rail bike on Tahawus rail line; and Full and By Farm.
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