The Bulletin -- June 17, 2009 (#995)

Program: NYS DEC report, Betsy Lowe

The Department of Environmental Conservation is fortunate to have Betsy Lowe back in action! Lowe spent twenty years with the DEC before taking leave for a handful of years while she envisioned and brought to fruition the Adirondack’s own Wild Center.

Although she is well traveled, Lowe has been a lifelong resident of this region and expressed great pride in the Adirondacks. Like many, her children left to explore other parts of the country while in college. “I’m on the edge of my seat with my children wondering what they’re going to do next,” she said. “It’s sweet to hear them brag to their friends about this region and say they can’t wait to come home.”

Lowe has worn many hats. She has worked with club members in different capacities throughout the years as she’s been involved in everything from the Plattsburgh Chamber of Commerce to Lake Placid Sinfoinetta. She’s pleased to recognize many club members and to be speaking today on behalf of the NYS DEC.

Left: BETSY LOWE, REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION, WITH CLUB MEMBER HOWARD LOWE.

Three Basic Roles of DEC The DEC covers a very broad range of services that generally fit into one or more of three basic areas: safeguarding the region’s resources, creating partnerships with other groups and agencies, and connecting New Yorkers with nature.

Creating Partnerships The original Open Space Plan was started in 1990 along with state legislation passed for environmental quality bond act. The DEC Commissioner has picked it up again and is collaborating with the Commissioner of Parks on the 2009 Open Space Plan. Building partnerships such as this is in everyone’s best interest. Though there is often heated debate—it’s also healthy debate that leads to common goals benefitting everyone in the end.

Safeguarding Resources The DEC works diligently to create awareness about Lake Champlain and pollution. The Lake Champlain Basin Program has been around for many years and partners with Vermont and Quebec. As the LCBP has evolved, so have the challenges they face. They do a great job collaborating on ways to improve the Lake.

Connecting New Yorkers to Nature The Wild Center was and continues to be a wonderful addition to the region. In addition to this permanent hands-on museum, there are initiatives taking place aiming at the same goal. The opening of the Timber Easement Land in Clinton and Franklin Counties will take place soon after a five year waiting period. It involves 45,000 acres of easement land. The DEC is planning a recreation management plan for the Sable Highlands offering a wide variety of activities including camping, hiking, fishing and other motorized recreation. On the weekend of September 19th the DEC will be hosting an event at the Crown Point Historic Site in remembrance of Samuel D. Champlain.

Combating climate change has been a new challenge. The DEC is identifying ways to address climate change that everyone can support. Regardless of a person’s views on why or how climate change is happening, there are viable economic and environmental solutions available that just make sense.

Q: How is the Lampricide program progressing?
A: There are improvements being made, but like many things, they are slow to show results.
Q: How long before the bait fish start to have a negative effect on the Lake?
A: (John Bernardi): The DEC is claiming the smelt have simply moved and changed habits, which may well be the case. Although the effects aren’t negative yet, discussion with local fisherman say otherwise. The effect is bound to be negative down the line.

Visiting Rotarians: Charlie Lewis, Naples North

Guests: Dan Frederick (Pres. Steve Frederick); Joshua Kretser (Amy Kretser); Gail Hazel (Colin Read)

Fines: Bill McBride was photographed with his wife Ginny and spun for $3. Stan Ransom and Ewa Jankowski were photographed together and spun for $2. Maria Alexander was fined $4 for an article about taking the helm at the Senior Citizens Council. Kristin Shives was fined $3 for the photo of her and Bernie Bassett discussing the Boy Scout Breakfast.

This Week:

• Keith Tyo reported on the fishing tournament in Bonnie Black’s place. The club grossed over $31,000 and net figures will be announced in the coming weeks. He noted that one third of all registrations were completed online which is a big step in the right direction. Keith is looking for photos from the tournament, specifically from Perkins Pier on Friday morning of the tournament. The second largest lake trout (14lb 5oz) was caught there and a photo would make a nice addition to the collection. As always, thanks to everyone who provided the extensive media coverage for the event.
• Elle Berger announced that May’s total Food Shelf Report Cont….collection was $412. This is close to a record amount for a regular monthly collection. The club raised special gifts for the Food Shelf reaching $285 thanks to generous individuals who went above and beyond with their contributions. In total the Food shelf received $348 and the Salvation Army received $64.

Happy Dollars

• Bob Miller's granddaughter is studying in Germany working on a scientific research project. She is the recipient of the prestigious scholarship called the Barry Goldwater .
• Bill Rowe was wearing a captain’s uniform today and wanted anyone who was wondering why to know that he was asked to perform a water safety demonstration for children in Saranac.
• Peter Cadieux wanted to throw a dollar in to challenge the club to really raise the bar with the food shelf next week. So far, Pres. Steve holds the record for the most Food Shelf donations. Peter suggests that the club make it really tough to beat by boosting his record margin even higher.
• Rod Giltz had $50 for the club for two reasons: he recently attended his 50th college reunion and he and his wife are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Rod said, “I’m sure her mother is up there saying, ‘I never would have believed it.’”
• Kevin Killeen’s son graduated from Dartmouth College
• Sara Rowden to announce the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life which is this Friday (June 19) at the Fair Grounds. Opening ceremony begins at 7pm.
• Kristin Shives thanked everyone who supported the Plattsburgh Boy Scouts Breakfast which was very successful. She also announced an upcoming event next Friday (June 26) at the Olympic Ski Jumps in Lake Placid. Meet Vancouver bound Olympic athletes from 5:30-7:30pm.Tickets $75 - RSVP by 6/22 at 561-0360.
• Ellen Bouchard thanked Stan Ransom for having the Plattsburgh Public Library. She said it’s a great way to zap Ducky Drake!

50/50 : The pot is worth $939 and Erik Eaglefeather drew the 8 of diamonds.

Another Candle Burning For: Ellie Murray (6/21) and Marsha Cook (6/26).

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