The Bulletin -- May 19, 2010 (#1040)

Above: CLUB MEMBER GEORGE BURELL SPEAKS WITH TODAY’S PROGRAM SPEAKER, TERRY MARTINO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ADIRONDACK PARK AGENCY. Below: JOHN BERNARDI DISCUSSES ISSUES WITHIN THE ADIRONDACK PARK WITH APA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TERRY MARTINO.

Program: Terry Martino -- Executive Director of the Adirondack Park Agency

“When you look at the history of the Adirondack Park, what you’re seeing is a hundred plus year legacy of land conservation,” explained APA Executive Director, Terry Martino. Established in 1893, the Adirondack Park has three statutes: the APA Act, Freshwater Wetlands Act and Wild, Scenic and Recreational River Systems Act. The three statutes require extensive regulations, which, along with sister agency—the DEC—constitute the management of the Park.

One of the most compelling issues facing the APA is ensuring that the Forest Preserve lands survive their popularity. The park provides solitude for 85 million people within a day’s drive. Managing the trails, parks and general recreational activities takes a lot of work and is always a high priority.

Martino said the Land Use Plan is designed to channel growth to the areas best suited, and the APA utilizes various zoning classifications to get the job done. Keene Valley is an example of an area that encompasses all of the different zones and challenges that go along with it.

Plattsburgh is a gateway into the Adirondack Park from all different regions. It’s an access point to the Forest Preserve, but also provides a community for visitors. It offers the best of both worlds in terms of beautiful wilderness with all the amenities close at hand.

Martino reminded Rotarians that the park’s outdoor recreation brings in a tidy sum to the local economy. Visitors to the park and surrounding areas drop over $1.2 billion annually and help employ upwards of 20,000 people.

Telecommunication services and broadband continues to be a challenge in the park. While Martino continues to work with Howard Lowe and CBN Connect, the APA has successfully permitted cell towers and co-location of towers at pre-existing sites. There are over a dozen projects in the works focusing on cellular services.

Martino said the APA recognizes that shorelines are critical to the region and the quality of the waterfront. There is a difference between vegetative management and cutting of the shoreline; the latter can lead to erosion and other negative impacts. Vegetative management can alter the face of a clear cut in a positive way and works much better within park communities.

Martino said the agency receives over 5,000 calls a year from people asking questions about regulations. They have a saying, she said, “When in doubt, seek us out.” If you have questions or concerns about happenings within the park, do not hesitate to contact the APA.

Guests: Jim McArdle (Peter Grosskopf), Janet Kennedy (Howard Lowe), Jim Jock (Dave Kimmel)

This Week:

• Anyone who has a Business Expo booth tomorrow, please consider putting out the Rotary brochure and business cards for your booth. We need as much visibility as possible.
• For anyone who is considering bringing in a new member, Incoming President, Colin Read, has agreed to allow anyone who has brought a new member to the club since Jan. 2010 to be fine free for 12 months.
• A letter was received from the Boy Scouts announcing a breakfast Tuesday, June 1, at 7:30 a.m. at the American Legion in Plattsburgh on the Quarry Rd.
• New Member Orientation is scheduled for Friday, May 21, at 8 a.m. at West Bay Financial.
• First Thursday will be held June 3rd at the Naked Turtle.
• The June Board meeting is scheduled for the 14th (the second Monday in June) at CCC Dining Hall (PARC).
• Jody Carpenter announced that the polo shirts will be arriving next week. Be sure to pay her if you haven't and wear them during the tournament.
• September 11th falls on a Saturday. It is the Roducky Derby, the parade for the Battle of Plattsburgh, and the clubs newest fundraiser: the BED RACE.

Fines: Colin Read spun the wheel for $1. Kevin Killeen spun for $4.

Committee Moments:
CV TECH House: John Seiden is sad to announce that the current house has been put on hold. There is simply not enough funding to continue the project. It was decided that John Brody will auction it off on site with the target date for sometime in June.

Membership: President Bonnie honored Brian Hammond for reaching 25 years as a Rotarian.

Golf Outing: The outing is Wednesday, June 9, and Past Pres. Marty Mannix still has applications. He is also accepting donations for prizes. Re-gifts make great prizes.

Fishing Tournament: Volunteers are still needed Saturday morning (6/5) in Willsboro and Port Henry. There are also spots in Port Henry for Friday and Saturday afternoons and Friday morning in Burlington. Please see Bonnie and help if you can. Kevin brought in a fleece vest as a door prize for the tournament’s award ceremony. Thanks.

Bonnie’s Bucks:

• Colin Read announced that Bob Smith just became a grandfather last night. Colin also had $24 for his 24th year living in the United States, and he became an American citizen on Friday.
• Marsha Cook clarified “active exempt”: if you’re over 85 you qualify, but you need to notify Marsha that you would like to be active exempt.

50/50:The pot is worth $1,610, and Courtland Wood drew the Nine of Diamonds.