Adirondack North Country Association
March 2011
Building Vibrant Rural Communities and Resilient Local Economies
ANCA news Did you know? TUG HILL TRIVIA:
15
Percent of Tug Hill area land that’s under state ownership
1796
The year Floyd, the oldest Tug Hill town, was enacted (March 4, 1796)
50
Number of years Remsen Highway Superintendent George Worden has been a local official, the longest tenure of any in the region
414
Record number of snow, measured in inches, that fell in Town of Montague during the 1996-1997 winter season (according to snow spotter data compiled by the National Weather Service)
158
Number of years the Boonville Herald has been publishing, making it the region’s longest-running weekly newspaper Facts compiled by the Tug Hill Commission, www.tughill.org.
INSIDE:
Maple sugaring season is here again. ANCA photo
Agriculture is key part of State’s future growth Editor’s note: This is an excerpt of an essay by David Haight of the American Farmland Trust, reprinted by permission of Empire State Future. The full essay can be found here: http://www. empirestatefuture.org/2010/12/ grow-food-grow-new-yorkseconomy.html
F
arms remain critical to New York’s economy. The state’s 30,000 farms sell over $4.5 billion annually — milk, fruits, vegetables, meat, flowers, plants and so much more. And farms buy much of the goods and services they need to survive from other local businesses. There is a network of connections between farms and thousands of New Yorkers employed at hardware stores, banks, farm equipment dealers and other enterprises. The economic opportunities for growing, processing and marketing food and farm products in New York are vast and diverse. New York is a national leader in the production of more than 20 farm products -—recently, we were second in the nation in the produc-
ANCA updates, 2
tion of apples, maple syrup and pumpkins and third in dairy and wine and grape production. This abundance of food production in close proximity to 19 million state residents and millions more in neighboring states makes New York a desirable and strategic place to locate food processing businesses. When you add together the businesses that sell goods and services to farmers, farm jobs and food processing businesses, these enterprises generate a combined $30 billion a year in economic activity in New York. Yet there is potential for growth. New York City residents alone spend more than $30 billion a year on food.
Program News, 3-5
But agriculture is often overlooked by mainstream economic development programs, and as a result, we don’t adequately protect or promote farmland, farms, and agricultural heritage as we strive for prosperity. Protecting and investing in agriculture supports an intricate and extensive network of small businesses connected by farming and food. And the ‘smart growth’ advocated by Empire State Future-- that focuses development on our cities, villages, town centers, and hamlets--is a critical complement to the protection of our agricultural land and enterprise. What’s more, farms provide the scenic working landscapes that define so much of New York.
ANCA Applauds, 6-7
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ANCA updates
Region rallies for Tug Hill Commission ANCA calls on Governor to preserve important agency The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) has sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo and Lt. Governor Robert Duffy calling on them to reinstate the Tug Hill Commission and treat it like every other agency, commission, and task force in the State that is subject to the 10% reduction in General Fund appropriation. The letter asks that the Commission go under the review of the recently established Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission in order to share with all New Yorkers how the Tug Hill Commission programs and services “best demonstrate their value to taxpayers.” The Commission’s funding has been removed from the proposed FY2011-2012 Executive Budget, jeopardizing the Commission’s work More information in the 62 towns and villages it serves. about the Commission can be found at The letter, signed by ANCA’s www.tughill.org. President and Executive Director, and co-signed by over 200 leaders from government, businesses, nonprofits and citizenry from across the entire North Country, praises the Commission’s 38-year track record, testified to by the many communities it serves. The letter applauds the Governor’s commitment to the State’s natural resources through preservation of the Environmental Protection Fund, yet expresses concern that there is not a comparable commitment to the communities that play a critical role in protecting and managing those natural resources, such as those served by the Tug Hill Commission. “Throughout the Adirondack North Country, local governments have increasingly become leaders and partners in land use and economic development planning. To eliminate such an important technical resource as the State’s Tug Hill Commission will directly undermine the environmental quality and future economic vitality of a major portion of the ANCA region. This budgetary decision is very shortsighted,” said Steve Erman, ANCA Board President. “The State needs to be an advocate and supporter for organizations that offer innovative, ‘boots on the ground’ resources for rural areas, especially as State budgets are being cut and communities have to do more with less. The Tug Hill Commission is a superb model for how a single organization can provide on-the-ground technical assistance for rural communities that do not themselves have capacity for planning, grants procurement, or natural resource management,” said Kate Fish, Executive Director of ANCA.
On the Web
What they’re saying: Here is a sampling of comments sent in along with signatures of support:
“I have benefited from the Tug Hill Commission as a major resource for my business and Chamber interests,” — Teri Ellis, Vice President, Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce
“I fully support restoring the Tug Hill Commission’s State Budget allocation. Also, while it may be equitable that the Tug Hill Commission share the 10% across the board cut that will affect most State agencies; if the cuts were based upon the real value received for the investment, then the Tug Hill Commission’s budget should actually be increased.... Real gains in government efficiency, better civic ‘management by fact’ with the help of the Commission’s shared expertise, and valuable economic development support would be lost if funding were withheld. The unintended consequences of defunding the Tug Hill Commission would be an economic and cultural loss many time the dollars ‘saved.’” — Clark Burdick, Environmental Planner, Westdale “The Tug Hill Commission has been an asset to the Town of Lowville. The staff has helped with obtaining grants that helped with records management for the Town and with automating our water billing program. Tug Hill Commission has held Local Government Conferences in this area and was instrumental in guiding the Town of Lowville’s Comprehensive Plan. I support the Tug Hill Commission.” — Malinda E. Zehr, Clerk, Town of Lowville
3 Program news New Agriculture Coordinator joins ANCA staff ANCA welcomes Joshua Porter as the Agriculture Program Coordinator.
Porter grew up in the Finger Lakes region, and after years of living in the west appreciates being back in New York among hardwoods and familiar mountains. Porter’s career has included working on diversified CSA and market farms as well as implementing and directing a land stewardship education program in southern Vermont. He has taught undergraduate field courses in environmental studies and forestry through the Wild Rockies Field Institute, and is passionate about transformative education that explores human / land relations while connecting people directly to the land. Most recently, Porter was a program coordinator facilitating volunteer trips on the Colorado Plateau involving ecological restoration and conservation projects. In 2008, Porter earned a Master of Science degree in Ecological Teaching and Learning from Lesley University. He is a Fine Outreach for Science Fellow, and is interested in community based projects that engage service learning, sustainability issues, and celebration of place. Porter is excited to integrate his experience with agriculture, ecological systems, program development, and education to help support ANCA’s mission. The position will have two primary responsibilities: (1) to manage the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Program in 12 counties, a program
Top Food Trends FOR 2011 • • • • •
funded by the United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Services, which provides technical, educational and related assistance to individuals who own private grazing land. and (2) to develop ANCA’s capacity to enhance the region’s local food economy through partnerships with Cornell Cooperative Extension, and other key regional, public and private agricultural players. With more than 6,000 farms in the Adirondack North Country region contributing to the $4 billion in annual agriculture product sales statewide, farming is crucial to our local economy. In his personal time, Porter’s interests include maple sugaring, the power of stories in oral history, and a range of climbing, skiing, paddling, and wilderness pursuits. Contact info: jporter@adirondack.org
First week on the job: Grazing presentation Joshua Porter’s first week on the job was spent attending four presentations around the North Country region. Dave Johnson, from Liberty, Pa., gave talks about family-run farm that uses organic, grass-based and diversified practices for its seasonal dairy operation complimented by pastured poultry, eggs, pork and beef. Johnson spoke about his experience in laborefficient milking parlor design and his passion for stewarding livestock and land in their natural patterns, and restoring abandoned farmland. Johnson’s visit was sponsored by Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Adirondack North Country Association. About 75 people in total attended the meetings, many of them dairy farmers who has tried some of Johnson’s methods. A CD of one of the presentations will be made available.
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Locally sourced meats and seafood Locally grown produce Sustainability Nutritionally balanced children’s dishes “Hyper local,” such as restaurants with their own gardens and chefs who do their own butchering. Children’s nutrition Sustainable seafood Gluten-free food and being food allergy conscious Simplicity/back to basics Farm/estate-branded ingredients Micro-distilled/artisan liquor Locally produced wine and beer Smaller portions for smaller prices Organic produce Nutrition/health “Culinary” cocktails, for example ones that have savory or fresh ingredients Newly fabricated cuts of meat such as the pork flat iron and the beef petit tender
Source: an annual survey of chefs by the National Restaurant Association. Read more: http://www.nrn. com/article/chefs-predict-biggesttrends-2011#ixzz1EujGjfXT
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program news
In anticipation for the 25th Buyer Days trade show April 6-7 in Saratoga Springs, we offer you a sample of some of the new products and show specials that will be available for attending Shop owners:
Benesch Creative Enterprises Woodmakers from Holland Patent, in their 11th year attending, their new products are wood train set (7 pieces) and a small box truck bank. A Buyer Days exclusive!
Crazy as a Loom
A new product from the rag rug maker from Kingsbury is the Hip to Be Square Looper Loom. A 9-inch square potholder loom made from recycled wood, made especially for the recycled loopers from Solmate Socks. The kit comes with the loom, two hooks, and enough loopers to make eight large potholders. An old time craft, with a new twist.
Funny River Trading
An herbalist from Keene, with soaps, salves, balms, salts, skin/linen sprays — all made with pure essential oils. Pet care products including pest repellent and doggy dry bath. At their second year with Buyer Days, they are offering free testers for products ordered with cash and carry payment.
Original Saratoga Chips
Gourmet Food maker out of Saratoga Springs, and second year at the show, two of new product lines are Seven Moon brand dip flavors such as Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese and Garlic and Spring Dill.
New products, show specials available at Buyer Days
Benesch Creative Enterprises
Our Daily Eats
New to show, from Albany, this gourmet food maker of natural roasted nuts, seeds and granola is offering a show special of 15 percent off cases of bagged product ordered before April 15.
Fawn Ridge Pottery
This potter out of Chestertown is in his 16th year at the show. Featuring a show special of no minimum order.
New England Bells
Out of Lempster, N.H., this maker of solid brass sleigh bells in shapes of animals, has a show special of free shipping on orders over $250.
The Blue Bird Store
Out of Lowville, Blue Bird makes bath and beauty products and soy candles. In their 11th year, their show special is buy 11 soy candles, receive the 12th free.
I’m Melting...Glass
From Manlius, this business uses melted and fused glass to make recycled bottle cheese boards, suncatchers. Show specials are Christmas ornaments, pre-ordered with 10 percent discount and free shipping.
Woven Glass
From Sand Lake, this glass artist is offering new colors for hanging vases, new color combinations for ring holders, and a new accent color for the Black Raspberry Lotus.
The Well Dressed Food Company
Out of Tupper Lake, NY and in their fifth year at the show, Well Dressed Food makes natural specialty foods such as granolas, sweet and savory jams. The show special is free shipping on all orders over $250 placed at the show. Attention shop owners and vendors: register online for Buyer Days at http:// www.adknccrafts.com
Well Dressed Food
Barkeater Chocolates
Crazy as a Loom
This gourmet chocolate maker from North Creek, has a new product, Peanut Butter Cups made with local organic peanut butter; as well as nosugar added truffles and some using only organic ingredients.
Woven Glass
program news Ice dams usually occur after a heavy snowfall and several days of freezing temperatures. Warm air inside your home leaks into the attic and warms the underside of the roof, causing snow and ice on the roof to melt. The melted water drains along the roof to the cold overhang and refreezes, forming an ice dam and icicles. The ice dam enables the trapped water to get under the roof shingles, causing water to leak inside.
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ANCA Energy Tips
Image courtesy of the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office
NYSERDA offers tips for preventing ice dams Many exasperated homeowners are struggling with a leaking roof this year due to ice dams. If you already have an ice dam problem, hire an expert to solve the immediate issue. Don’t climb on your roof, and avoid standing on the ground and “chipping away” at the ice. Not only could your chipping damage the roof, but you can be seriously injured by falling ice, debris or tools. NYSERDA recommends
BPI information session ATTENTION CONTRACTORS: if you are interested in learning more about the Building Performance Institute (BPI) and what it means to you and the future of your business, you are invited to attend a free informational session. The session is from 5-7 p.m.
the following ice dam prevention tips: SEAL AIR LEAKS: Seal air leaks and duct air leaks in your attic to stop warm air leakage, the source of ice dam problems. ADD INSULATION: After sealing leaks, add additional insulation in your attic. CHECK VENTILATION: Provide adequate attic ventilation so the underside of the roof and outside air are at the same temperature. Check to make sure
Wednesday March 23, at Clinton Cornell Cooperative Extension, 6064 State Route 22, Plattsburgh, (Exit 38W of I-87). RSVP by calling (518) 561-7450.
Appliance rebate extended
A limited amount of funding is left in the New York State Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program. The rebates
attic insulation is not blocking roof ventilation, which can cause problems, such as mold and mildew. CLEAN GUTTERS: Clean leaves and other debris from gutters before the first snow, to prevent ice build-up. HIRE AN ACCREDITED CONTRACTOR: Hire a contractor accredited through the Building Performance Institute (BPI) to conduct an in-home comprehensive assessment. For more information, visit www.getenergysmart.org. are available to New York residents replacing old appliances with ENERGY STAR® appliances. The available funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. See www.nyappliance swapout.com for the details. — By Jamie Rogers, ANCA Energy Coordinator, jrogers@adirondack. org
6 ANCA applauds direct institutional spending was more than $46 billion and academic medical center spending more than $4.3 billion.
NYSERDA inducted into Energy Efficiency hall of fame
Photo courtesy of James Lanthier Jr
Happy 50th Birthday To Big Tupper Ski Area Congratulations to Big Tupper on its 50th year and to all the volunteers who work to keep the ski hill going and who recently started operating a third lift on the mountain.
Study: NNY Colleges have significant economic impact Three Northern New York private colleges, Clarkson University, Paul Smith’s College and St. Lawrence University contribute an annual $563 million to the economy and are directly and indirectly responsible for an estimated 4,200 jobs and more than $208 million in payroll according to a newly released study by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities. In total, the 100-plus independent colleges and universities in New York State are believed to have contributed $54.3 billion to the state’s economy in 2009. This is an increase of $6.8 billion (up 14%) since 2007 and more than $12.9 billion (up 31%) from 2005. In 2009,
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) became the newest inductee into the Alliance to Save Energy’s Energy Efficiency Hall of Fame at an event held on Capitol Hill last month. NYSERDA is the first government agency to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. NYSERDA’s work has a real impact on all New Yorkers, helping to achieve more than $2.9 billion in cumulative energy bill savings through energy efficiency programs. According to the agency, for every dollar invested, more than $2.20 in energy savings is realized. Moreover, its investments in large-scale, clean energy technologies help lower the cost of wholesale electricity prices, benefitting all energy consumers in New York.
Hamlets 3 study to guide smart growth Adirondack towns and villages seeking to expand the population centers of their communities have a new resource to work from. The Adirondack Community Housing Trust (ACHT) recently released its Hamlets 3 guidebook and website — the culmination of a two year study conducted by Roger Trancik of Urban Design Consultants and funded through the New York State Department
Tug Hill Land Trust gains national accreditation
Image courtesy of Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust
The Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust was recently awarded National Accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. Only 130 out of 1,700 land trusts nationwide have that recognition, says Executive Director Linda Garrett.
of Environmental Conservation (DEC) 2007 Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Grant Program. Hamlets 3: Planning for Smart Growth and Expansion of Hamlets in the Adirondack Park is available for free downloading at www.adkhamlets.org.
Pipeline project gets boost The project to bring natural gas to Franklin County took a giant step forward last month when the state Public Service Commission approved St. Lawrence Gas Company Inc.’s proposed construction of a 48-mile-long pipeline to northern Franklin County from St. Lawrence County. In addition, the commission authorized a new 50-mile network of distribution lines to expand the natural gas delivery service to nearly 2,500 customers in these two counties. The story can be found here: http:// www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20110218/DCO01/302189890/0/dco
Clarkson Young Scholars to tackle regional branding The Young Scholars Program (YSP), summer program for talented high school students, offered by Clarkson University will look how to best “Brand the Adirondacks.” Students will identify pockets of opportunity for creating meaningful careers, while capitalizing on the lifestyle of the Adirondacks. In doing this, the Young Scholars will learn about marketing and entrepreneurship, along with how to develop effective leadership, critical thinking and teamwork skills. The work completed during the program will assist in efforts to build sustainable small business communities and promote the Adirondack Park brand.
ANCA applauds
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Laurentian project finalized The North Country Chamber of Commerce, along with the rest of the region, is celebrating the completed agreement on financing the $175 million aircraft maintenance and overhaul venture at Plattsburgh International Airport. Laurentian Aerospace and Verdant Capital Group LLC announced the finalized agreement on March 1. Construction of the massive hangar complex will now proceed in April, with the start of operations eighteen months later.
Adk Local Government Day The 14th annual Adirondack Park Local Government Day Conference is set for March 22-23, at the Crowne Plaza Resort & Golf Club in Lake Placid. Open to everyone, the conference is an opportunity to get together with others from around the Park to learn about and address issues facing your municipality. The early registration discount is available until March 9. The conference agenda and registration information is available at: www. apa.state.ny.us/Local_Government
photo courtesy of Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism/Lake Placid CVB
Empire State Winter Games deemed a success Around 1,000 athletes from all over the state gathered to compete Feb. 25-27 in Lake Placid for the Empire State Winter Games. New York’s huge budget deficit forced the cancellation of all 2011 Empire State Games competitions — and placed their future in jeopardy. Officials from the Lake Placid Convention and Visitors Bureau, Olympic Regional Development Authority, the village of Lake Placid, and towns of North Elba and Wilmington responded almost overnight to create a coalition that saved the Winter Games.
ANCA updates
Biz Blast:
and is directly programmed to show how young New Yorkers have found purpose in their lives and communities and are making progress towards a bright future in our State. The Summit will follow five programming tracks—Business & Entrepreneurship, Political & Civic Engagement, Cuisine & Culture, Neighborhood & Community Revitalization, and Health & Wellness—and will provide unique opportunities for attendees to hear from and network with successful peers. There will be training seminars, pitch competitions, debates and other activities. Early registration is only $25 and is available at http://www.welivenysummit. com/. ANCA Communications Specialist Melissa Hart will be attending and blogging about the event at www. adirondack.org.
We Live NY Summit to meet
Byways briefs:
Tim Holmes/ANCA photo Bike racks in Schuylerville.
A gathering of young leaders around the state will take place March 24-26 at Cornell University’s Statler Hotel in Ithaca. This second “We Live NY” Summit is organized by young professionals
Date set for launch of new Biking Website The Adirondack North Country Association invites you to Save the Date---
Friday, June 17, 2011 For Launch of the “Bike the Byways’ Website. Join with representatives from the 15-county project area to learn how the new tool will be used to promote bicycling and mountain biking opportunities across the region to outdoor recreationalists. Time-Location-Details will be forwarded at a future date.
Jerry Jenkins to write informational brochure Jerry Jenkins, ecologist with the Wildlife Conservation Society Adirondack Program and author of “Climate Change in the Adirondacks: The Path to Sustainability,” is authoring a informational brochure for ANCA that offers unique opportunities to view the region’s wildlife habitats firsthand. The scope of the brochure covers three of the region’s Scenic Byways and will provide a glimpse of the region’s animal species and their habitats. Part of the brochure’s purpose is to educate Byways users on how to preserve resources through proper stewardship.
About ANCA The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) has a long history of providing innovative, grassrootsbased leadership for the Adirondack North Country, and creating strong and effective partnerships that provide direct support to program constituents. Since incorporation in 1955, ANCA has developed and managed programs across all 14 counties in Northern New York State, successfully ‘investing’ millions of dollars, mostly from federal and New York State grants as well as private funding, to build capacity and to support community economic development across the region. ANCA’s portfolio of programs, as well as its strengths in fostering dialogue and effective partnerships, bring together the many components that are needed to build stronger, more self-reliant and localized economies throughout the Adirondack North Country.
Our Vision Vibrant rural communities and resilient local economies where people and businesses thrive in a cherished environment ANCA organizes its work around 3 key interrelated goals, each one supported by strategic objectives and a portfolio of programs and projects. • Resilient local economies: provide the foundation for business development that will create family-sustaining jobs in rural communities, increase economic diversity, and build opportunities for the entire region to thrive as a more efficient, self reliant and localized economy, linked to the global economy, and protective of the region’s extraordinary natural environment • Vibrant communities: foster connections between communities and people, enable visitors and residents to fully experience the region’s abundant cultural and natural assets, empower and support the region’s artisans, farmers, and other local producers, and to encourage investment in community infrastructure and assets • Distinct sense of place: recognize and highlight the exceptional assets that make this region unique including the inter-relationship between its urban and rural communities and its vast natural areas, create a strong regional brand, and build the case for investment in the region
Contact Us 67 Main Street, Suite 201, Saranac Lake NY 12983 Main line: 518.891.6200 ANCA’s newsletter is emailed on the first Thursday of the month. Deadline for content is one week prior to publication. Send notices, announcements and other items to Melissa Hart, mhart@adirondack.org.
A D I R O N D A C K N O R T H C O U N T R Y A S S O C I AT I O N
Adirondack North Country Association 67 Main Street, Suite 201 Saranac Lake NY 12983 Established in 1955 Roger W. Tubby Founder (1910–1991)
Stephen M. Erman President
John K. Bartow, Jr. Vice President
Ross S. Whaley Secretary
Dale G. Brown Treasurer
Richard R. Bird Central Region VP
Paul M. Cantwell, Jr. Northern Region VP
Michele E. Ledoux Western Region VP
Ron Montesi Southeastern Region VP
Kate Fish Executive Director
67 Main Street, Suite 201 Saranac Lake, NY 12983 518.891.6200
FAX
6203
anca@adirondack.org www.adirondack.org