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ADK Today

Vol. 4, No. 10: November 2011

Gas Drilling on Public Land

The gas industry is eyeing publicly owned lands for high-volume hydraulic fracturing. In a recent letter, the Independent Oil & Gas Association of New York urged DEC to drop its proposed ban on surface drilling activities in state parks, state forests and wildlife management areas. The industry group also urged DEC to lift its ban on fracking in the New York City and Syracuse watersheds. (More here and here.)

 

DEC proposed the ban on gas drilling on public lands in response to ADK's advocacy efforts. But the IOGA letter is just one more sign that the industry will be lobbying hard to convince Governor Cuomo to open our public lands for intensive gas exploitation.

 

Even under the best conditions, hydrofracking is an intensive industrial process that entails land clearing, tree cutting, road building, increased truck traffic, noise and air pollution. These activities would have a substantial and long-lasting impact on our state forests, including those traversed by the Finger Lakes Trail, the North Country Scenic Trail and other trails. If you want to protect the landscape and setting of these trails, now is the time to speak out.

 

DEC is accepting comments for the September 2011 Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement on hydrofracking at a series of public hearings in November. Written comments will be accepted through Monday, Dec. 12. For more information about this issue and what you can do, read ADK's latest Action Alert.

More Fracking News

Winter Adventure

Interested in winter adventure in the Adirondack backcountry, but unsure how to get started? Looking to learn winter hiking essentials from the experts? The ADK's Winter Moutaineering School has the program for you. The school's Weekend Day Hike Section combines lectures and workshops with experience in the field under the direction of the WMS's experienced staff. A shakedown hike on Saturday will get you comfortable with your gear before you set off on Sunday to climb a peak over 4,000 feet. You'll learn about gear selection and use, hydration and nutrition, moisture and temperature management, winter ascent techniques, map and compass navigation and more. This program includes three nights lodging at the Adirondak Loj, with breakfast and dinner. Jan. 27-30, 2012. Details here.

Fun for All Ages 

Plan your winter adventures now. ADK's outdoor programs and workshops for winter and early spring are now online. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, camping and more. Want to get outside this winter with the kids or grandkids? Enjoy a day on the Heart Lake Program Center's beautiful trails during Family Snowshoe Day. Free for kids under 6.

Getaways

So maybe ice, snow and freezing temperatures aren't your idea of a good time. ADK's Adventure Travel program can take you to the far corners of the globe, including some of the warmer ones.

 

APA Appointments 

Gov. Cuomo has appointed Lani Ulrich of Old Forge as chair of the Adirondack Park Agency. ADK has worked with Lani on the Adirondack Common Ground Alliance, where she strove for a balance between protection of the Adirondack environment and sustainable economic development for its communities. The governor also nominated ADK member Sherman Craig of Wanakena to the agency's board. Through his innovative leadership in creating the Cranberry 50 Trail and Little River canoe/kayak access projects, Sherm has demonstrated that public use of the Forest Preserve can promote sustainable tourism and economic development for Adirondack communities. More here.  

ADK Today is an occasional compendium of news and views of interest to members of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK). It is produced and distributed by the ADK Communications Department, 301 Hamilton Street, Albany, NY 12210. Comments, questions or concerns about the content of this newsletter? Send us an email. Read past issues.