Adirondack North Country Association Building Vibrant Rural Communities and Resilient Local Economies
Summer 2012
ANCA news Some of the more than 200 participants who attended the sixth annual Common Ground Alliance Forum held July 18, 2012, in Long Lake. ANCA photo
Strong agreement in vision, strategy for the Adirondack Park, with implications for the broader region
Finding Common Ground
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Common Ground Forum has largest gathering in its 6-year history
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ore than 200 people came together on July 18 in Long Lake to hear the results of Adirondack Futures, a year-long scenario planning process involving a series of workshops on how Adirondack Park communities and wild lands can mutually benefit each other. The proposed vision of healthy communities and ecosystems in balance was strongly supported by Common Ground attendees, with 93% indicating they either “agreed” or “strongly agreed” with the proposed strategy and vision. The presentation on the strategy and vision, as well as results of feedback at the forum can be downloaded from the project site: www.ADKfutures.org. ANCA organized the event, providing leadership on the development of the theme, “Momentum,” and engaging leaders from around to region to share progress reports on topics that the CGA had identified as priorities: • The incremental build-out of broadband capacity and service across the region; • A cross-organizational effort to develop a recreation strategy for the entire Park; • The roll out of a new program under the Cleaner Greener Communities Statewide program – the Homegrown Sustainability Plan. Also featured was a presentation on the importance of the Governor’s Regional Economic Development strategies in growing the economies across the Adirondack North Country region.
PROGRAM NEWS, 2-5 ANCA APPLAUDS, 6-7
ABOUT ANCA, 8
2 Program News
A Homegrown Sustainability Plan ANCA hires Energy Program Assistant
Participants at the Common Ground Alliance Forum July 18 in Long Lake took part in filling out a survey for the Cleaner, Greener Communities project. The results will be used to assess priorities for the North Country region. ANCA photos
Cleaner, Greener Communities planning project begins work with focus meetings, gathering feedback Work is now under way on the Cleaner, Greener Communities program, a major initiative announced by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in his 2011 State of the State address. The Statewide program, funded and administered by the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), empowers the State’s 10 economic development regions to create more sustainable communities by funding “smart development” practices. The North Country consortium, led by representatives from each of the seven North Country counties — Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Lewis with support from ANCA and Ecology & Environment, Inc. (E&E)— will develop a smart growth plan for the North Country Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) area. Essex County is the municipal sponsor for the North Country.
The planning process For its part, ANCA is mobilizing hundreds of leaders from across
ANCA is pleased to announce the addition of Jennifer Perry as our new Energy Program Assistant. Perry joined ANCA to work on the Cleaner, Greener Communities project. She is coordinating the six working groups and collecting data and feedback from those meetings and other avenues. Perry holds a masters’ degree in sustainability studies and teaches as an adjunct in the environmental science, and sustainability programs at Paul Smith’s College and North Country Community College. Contact her at jperry@ adirondack.org
ANCA in the News
the region into Working Groups. With input from these advisors, E&E is providing the technical expertise to do a greenhouse gas inventory, develop sustainability indicators, identify projects and construct an overall plan that will assist the region in meeting its targets for greenhouse gas reductions and economic development. The planning process involves contributions generated from meetings of six Working Groups, organized by topic: Working Landscapes, Water & Waste Management, Livable Communities/Land Use, Energy, Transportation, and
Economic Development. All Working Groups have met and participants are providing input into the goals, indicators, draft list of projects and the overall Plan. All groups will be working via conference call and will be meeting throughout the rest of the summer and into the fall.
Public input requested Also important to plan development will be gathering feedback from residents across the 7-county region. Visit www.adirondack. org/green for more info and for a link to an online survey.
NCPR featured a great interview with ANCA Executive Director Kate Fish about the work ANCA is doing to advance Clean Energy initiatives in the region: http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/ story/20137/20120713/ advocate-says-north-country-energy-revolution-attipping-point For further information on the North Country sustainability growth planning process, please contact 518-891-6200 or kfish@ adirondack.org
Program News
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ANCA ENERGY TIPS
NORTH COUNTRY CLEAN ENERGY CONFERENCE
Excitment builds over clean energy More than 250 people attended ANCA’s first annual North Country Clean Energy Conference, which took place June 21-22, 2012 at the new Conference Center in Lake Placid. The forum was designed for educators, practitioners, community leaders, industry professionals and others to share information about clean energy opportunities in the North Country. The conference was made possible from generous donations from our sponsors — NYSERDA, North Country Symposium, Iberdrola Renewables, National Grid, Debby Rice and Dan Mason — and from assistance from organizations such as Alliance for Clean Energy New York, Inc., Cornell Cooperative Extension, NYS
Department of Environmental Conservation and The Wild Center/ADKCAP. Forty-five presentations were given in six track areas; Solar, Wind, Hydro, Biomass, Conservation & Efficiency and Special Topics.
Follow this link to explore the presentations:
https://www.dropbox.com/ sh/108iu2xry74x73k/Qtjg4ifbzd
Click here for a summary of each track’s findings from the day: https://www.dropbox.com/s/7vz8qvshltlfkhc/ Clean%20Energy%20Conference%20Wrap%20up%20. pdf Join us in 2013 for the next conference. For more information or to get involved, contact us at energy@adirondack.org.
SPECIAL THANKS to ANCA’s summer interns from Paul Smith’s College, for their help with events and outreach in our energy program: Joseph Podhirny and Sarah McKenney (shown here with ANCA Office Manager Laurie Campbell).
Just because temperatures are rising doesn’t mean your energy consumption has to follow suit. There are ways to increase energy savings in the midst of summer heat. These tips from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will help you find ways to save energy and money this summer. n You can save from $300$700 over the next five years by not running your second refrigerator. By unplugging your second refrigerator and properly recycling it, you can also prevent 5,500 to 20,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. n Dehumidify. Dehumidifiers can remove excess moisture (humidity) from the air in your home and make you more comfortable. The ideal range for relative humidity is between 30 and 50 percent. n To reduce humidity in your basement, make sure the dryer is not venting inside the basement. Also, be sure to check that the ground next to the foundation slopes away and outdoor downspouts - vertical pipes that carry rainwater down from the roof gutter - lead at least 3 feet away from the foundation. n Replacing your five most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with ENERGY STAR qualified lighting can save you $70 a year in energy costs.
ANCA can help you save money on your home energy costs. Our program begins with a top-to-bottom look at your home to figure out which improvements will save you the most money. Call us today to get started: 518-891-6200, or email energy@adirondack.org
4 Program News Exploring Traditions guidebook:
ANCA’s work on a new guidebook for visitors has entered the development phase. The print and online publication will highlight significant cultural, heritage, agricultural, and culinary assets on the ANCA region’s 15 Scenic Byways. The guide looks at the region as five distinct geographical areas: The Adirondacks, Mohawk Valley, Champlain Valley and St. Lawrence Valley, and Lake Ontario Coast/Tug Hill. In looking at each region, there will be information about specific locations where visitors can experience our special cultural and heritage, and the environment – the weather, geography, and natural resources. This New York State Scenic Byways Program Project is managed by the Adirondack North Country Association, and was
North Country Scenic Byway:
The Corridor Management Plan for the North Country Scenic Byway (formerly known as Military Trail), will be submitted by the end of the month. The plan calls for a western extension of the route into the village of Canton, which will become a shared terminus and connection to Maple Traditions (see above map). Once approved by the State, the Byway communities will be able to access grant funding and continue to benefit from ANCA’s promotion, marketing and stewardship of Byway resources.
funded in part by the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation. ANCA hired Fuller Communications of Malone to develop and coordinate the content, design, and production of the interpretive guide. Susan Fuller, president, brings years of editorial and publishing experience on projects of this scope.
Accessibility Guide:
Work has begun on an Accessibility Assessment and Public Awareness Guide. Working in partnership with the Tri Lakes Center for Independent Living (TLCIL) on research and project development, the guide will include communities and landmarks throughout 12 counties along the Adirondack Trail, the Central Adirondack Trail and the Olympic Scenic Byways. A survey of facilities, sites, and current interpretive practices will result in an educational guide with specific strategies on accommodating all Byway users. Recommendations to raise awareness of the needs of today’s diverse travel market and to lay a foundation to better accommodate visitors’ needs will be distributed to community and tourism leaders across the three byways. TLCIL has assembled a project team and is working with ANCA to create a list of priority resource
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sites and interpretive facilities. The list could cover as many as 200 places such as tourist info centers, Chamber of Commerce offices, heritage sites, museums and cultural attractions.
Byway planning: ANCA has been working with the Tug Hill Commission to complete the NYS Department of Transportation approval process for Corridor Management Plans for the Black River Trail and Maple Traditions Byways. ANCA and Tug Hill submitted a proposal to the State’s Scenic Byways Advisory Board to create Maple Traditions as its own distinct Byway route, from the Black River Trail, as well as alter the route of Black River Trail. That initial proposal has resulted in additional fieldwork and research to make changes requested by the State. We look forward to reaching a final approval on these two plans.
march 27-28, 2013 saratoga springs city center
Program News
5 IN THE CLOUDS: Whiteface Mountain project
Progress is being made on an exciting multi-media project that will bring new visibility to Whiteface Mountain, along the Olympic Scenic Byway. The exhibition will span a wide area, from the Mountain’s Ski Center to the Round House, and the Weather Silo on the summit.
Interpretive signage will explore topics like weather extremes, geology and Whiteface Mountain flora and fauna, while videos will highlight the science behind atmospheric research and how human athletes compare to their animal counterparts. The Wild Center is project con-
Pasture Walk at Ben Wever Farm About 20 people attended a pasture walk July 21 at Ben Wever Farm in Willsboro. Kathy Voth of Colorado (http://livestockforlandscapes.com/) gave a presentation about a method she developed to train cows to eat weeds. Using her process, cattle farmers can teach their cows to eat weeds in as little as 10 hours over 10 days. The day also included a tour of rotationally grazed pastures being reclaimed by beef cows. The event was sponsored by Franklin and Essex County Soil and Water Departments, America’s Great Outdoors, Central NY RC&D Council, Northeast SARE and ANCA.
sultant and its team of experts is managing content development: research, writing, design and production. The Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) is assisting with the project implementation at this significant Olympic venue. In January, State DOT repre-
The Whiteface Mountain Natural History Interpretation Project consists of indoor and outdoor exhibits and signage and short documentary films that will educate visitors about the important historic, cultural and scenic assets associated with Whiteface Mountain and the region.
sentatives came to the site for a project development meeting and to see where the signs and exhibits will be placed and were pleased with what’s planned. This state-of-the-art project is slated for completion in Fall 2012 with installation and celebration to follow in Spring of 2013.
SAVE THE DATE:
ANCA’s Annual Meeting ANCA’s 57th annual meeting will take place Thursday, Sept. 27, at View Arts Center in Old Forge. More information to come by email, and will be posted at www.adirondack.org.
A new look for ANCA After more than 55 years of working to build strong local economies and vibrant rural communities, and based on input from our many stakeholders, ANCA has focused some attention on updating how we communicate. In early 2012, we debuted a new logo that better reflects the work we do, in a visually exciting, contemporary way. In August, we are also unveiling a redesigned website at www.adirondack.org. Let us know how it works for you!
6 ANCA Applauds
ADK FUTURES PROJECT The ADK Futures Project is a yearlong undertaking by Dave Mason and Jim Herman on behalf of the Adirondack Common Ground Alliance. Starting with the 2011 CGA Forum, Mason and Herman used a scenario development approach to imagine six different outcomes for the Park 25 years from now. The results were unveiled at the 2012 Forum, with the “Sustainable Life” scenario emerging as a clear winner. For more information and to see project data, go to www.adkfutures.org.
6 15 515 83 Scenarios
Workshops conducted
Sustainable Farming Class
ANCA photo
With the average age of farmers in the high 50s and a growing demand for local food and niche for small farms, there are many opportunities for new farmers. Now for the first time, there’s a course at SUNY Adirondack Community College in Queensbury to orient people who want to develop a sustainable farm. Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the fall semester and features lectures, readings, discussion and outdoor labs in gardens, farms and orchards. More information: http://www.sunyacc.edu/
Number of rankings
Percentage of participants who ranked “More Citizen-Sponsored Initiatives in the Park” as a 5-year outcome
93
Percentage of participants who “agreed” or “strongly agreed” with findings
Sustainable Biomass To ReEnergy Holdings, LLC for its important biomass-to-energy related investments in Northern New York. ReEnergy owns and operates a 20-megawatt facility in Chateaugay, (Franklin County) and a 22-megawatt facility in Lyons Falls (Lewis County). ReEnergy is also making a $34 million investment to convert an existing coal-fired power plant at Ft. Drum (Jefferson County) to a 60-megawatt biomass fueled facility. The Black River Generation Facility at Ft. Drum is expected to open in the first quarter of 2013 and sell renewable energy credits to NYSERDA under a multi-year agreement. As part of its business activities in the ANCA region, ReEnergy is seeking to source local wood fuel from managed lands subject to third-party certification, such as the Forest Stewardship Council, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and the American Tree Farm System. The company has launched a program to allow loggers to secure long-term agreements
Photo courtesy of http://www.reenergyholdings.com
to provide fuel to ReEnergy while procuring state-of-the-art wood chippers, as seen at an event held recently in Lyons Falls. At full production levels, ReEnergy expects to make about $25 million in annual purchases of forest residue to fuel its three facilities in our region.
ANCA Applauds GREEN BEER: To
Utica’s F.X. Matt Brewery for including innovative approaches to wastewater treatment and energy production in its current $4 million expansion program. F.X. Matt is installing anaerobic digesters which will clean up 80 to 90 percent of the brewery’s wastewater and provide fuel to generate 30 to 40 percent of their electrical power needs.
WASHINGTON COUNTY DEVELOPMENT SITES: To the Washington
County Industrial Development Agency for receiving “Shovel Ready” certification from the State of New York for the 60 acre Phase II area of the IDA’s Airport Industrial Park. Having the site certified as ‘Shovel Ready’ means that the IDA has addressed and met all major permitting issues prior to a business purchasing a lot in the industrial park. The advance approval will help expedite the construction process for new job generating businesses. The lots are on Casey Road and Ferguson Lane in the Town of Kingsbury.
BOMBARDIER CONTRACTS: To Bombardier Transportation, Plattsburgh, (Clinton County), which has secured important production contracts for its Plattsburgh, Clinton County rail car manufacturing plant. Bombardier will produce 300 new subway cars, with an estimated value of $600 million, for New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Bombardier will also produce 410 new rail cars for the Bay Area Rapid Transit Authority (BART) with an estimated value of $896 million. Options for additional orders, if exercised, could push the total produced for BART to 775 cars with a full estimated value of up to $1.5 billion. Bombardier’s Plattsburgh facility is the company’s “Centre of Excellence” for rollingstock production in the United States. It has been an important asset in our region’s economy since it opened in 1995.
DIGITAL DIVIDE: To the 12 independent theaters that have formed the North Country Theater Alliance, and with help from Lake Placid Film Forum coordinator Naj Wikoff, are applying for a $3.1 million grant from Empire State Development Corp. to upgrade to digital projectors. It’s great to see these businesses working together for mutual benefit.
NEW USES FOR MINING “WASTE”: To the federal government for granting Iowa Pacific Holdings the common-carrier status it was seeking to reopen the remote Tahawus railroad line. The 12-mile line connects the Saratoga & North Creek Railway with National Lead’s titanium-dioxide mines in Tahawus. The mines closed in 1989, but tailings from the operation can be used to extract rare earth elements, needed by high-tech and other manufacturing companies. According to National Lead, there are as many as 100 millions of tons of tailings left from decades of mining since World War II. According to Iowa Pacific Holdings, 15 to 20 people would be employed during reconstruction of the track, and the completed rail line would bring at least $160,000 into the local economy each year. We applaud this economic development effort and the reuse of these materials.
PATROL BOAT CONTRACT: To Metal-
Craft Marine, a manufacturer of custom aluminum boats in Cape Vincent, (Jefferson County), for securing a $10 million federal contract to produce high-speed patrol boats for the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies. The initial plan is to produce one long range interceptor II cutter boat, make modifications based on feedback from the Coast Guard, and then build up to 10 boats over three years, including two vessels for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Navy. It has also been reported that MetalCraft Marine is waiting to hear from the federal government regarding a separate $55 million U.S. Coast Guard contract for 101 boats. Good news for job development efforts in Jefferson County.
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Photo courtesy of http://www.metalcraftmarine.com
http://www.fernsheating.com
New program will boost energy efficiency outreach to oil heat customers More than 2 million housing units in New York state are heated with fuel oil or kerosene, according to the latest edition of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) “Patterns and Trends” report. That is almost 30 percent of all occupied household units statewide. In Clinton County, that number is 42 percent. To better meet the needs of delivering energy efficiency programs to oil heat customers, NYSERDA has announced a $290,000 contract with Community Power Network of Olmstedville, Essex County and Oil Heat Associates of Long Island to develop and deliver energy efficiency skills training to oil heat technicians across the state. The training is designed to fill the gaps between HVAC and oil industry certifications and the Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification, which is a requirement for participation in NYSERDA’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. The training will include sessions on whole building science, energy efficiency, combustion efficiency, advanced oil tank installation, and combustion and air venting. Training will begin this summer and continue through the fall, resuming again in the spring at the end of heating season. In our region, upcoming sessions are scheduled in the following locations: • SUNY Canton, September 6 and 7 • Albany at Sid Harvey Industries, 8 Jupiter Lane, September 11 and 12 For information or to register for training, contact Community Power Network of New York State, P.O. Box 46, Olmstedville, 12857, 518-251-2525, oilheattraining@gmail.com.
About ANCA
8 ANCA Board of Directors PRESIDENT Stephen M. Erman — Regional Development Consultant VICE PRESIDENT John Bartow — Executive Director, Tug Hill Commission
TREASURER Dale G. Brown — Assistant Vice President and Manager, NBT Bank 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.
ANCA’s Reach Since 2000, ANCA has received $12.7M in federal/State grants and private donations, including $5.2M in Scenic Byways grants. Nearly all of those funds has been spent or distributed in our local economies. • ANCA’s estimated impact since 2000 has been about $266M, or a return of 20 to 1 • $2,174,000 has been generated directly for regional craftspeople and shop owners. • Communities served: 264 • Number of partners: 131
SECRETARY Ross Whaley — Senior Advisor, Adirondack Landowners Association
CENTRAL REGION VICE PRESIDENT Richard R. Bird — Owner, Bird’s Marine and Adirondack Real Estate NORTHERN REGION VICE PRESIDENT Paul M. Cantwell, Jr. – Attorney, Cantwell & Cantwell
SOUTHEASTERN REGION VICE PRESIDENT Ron Montesi — Queensbury Town Board Member
WESTERN REGION VICE PRESIDENT Michele Ledoux — Executive Director, Lewis County Cornell Cooperative Extension Kelly Blazosky — President, Oneida County Tourism Jill Breit — Executive Director, Traditional Arts in Upstate New York Richard Burns — Manager, Community and Customer Management, National Grid Kelly Chezum — Vice President for External Relations, Clarkson University James T. Ellis — Former Principal, Tupper Lake High School Eugene T. Falvo — Vice President, Falvo Manufacturing Mike Farmer — Tourism/Publicity Director, Town of Webb Bruce Ferguson — Owner, Scott Hill Farm Steven Hartnett — Senior Vice President - Chief Credit Officer, Adirondack Bank John C. Kiechle — Owner, Philadelphia Grass Company Daniel Mason — Former Assistant Division Manager, Exxon Mobil Refineries Marti Mozdzier — Owner, Wilemar Associates Stephanie Ratcliffe — Executive Director, The Wild Center
Contact Us 67 Main Street, Suite 201, Saranac Lake NY 12983 Office phone: 518.891.6200 ANCA’s newsletter is published six times a year. Send notices, announcements and other items to Melissa Hart, mhart@ adirondack.org.
Alice Recore — President & CEO, Mountain Lake PBS Brian Ruder — Founder & CEO, Skylight Partners Inc.
Arnie Talgo — Tug Hill Commission member; former Senior Policy Analyst, New York Power Authority Patricia Tatich — Director, Warren County Planning Department Eric Virkler — Director, Lewis County Economic Development/Planning