AIC to Host Forum about Future of Adirondacks

Discussion looks at politics, economics and quality of life
9/27/2011

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry's Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) will host a forum Sept. 30 about a plan to reinvent the Adirondack Park Agency and revitalize local communities.

The forum is linked to an article that appears in the October 2011 issue of Adirondack Life magazine. The article, "The Other Endangered Species" by Brian Mann, has sparked conversation throughout the Adirondack Park and beyond.

To encourage discussions about political, economic and quality of life issues, Adirondack Life is sponsoring two panel discussions that are free and open to the public.

The first, at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30, will be held at the AIC in Newcomb. The second is set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Northwoods Inn, Lake Placid.

"So many people have suggested concrete ways to help park towns that we feel bringing these ideas to light will truly move the conversation into positive territory," said Elizabeth Folwell, longtime creative director of the magazine.

For the Sept. 30 program panelists include:

• Paul B. Hai, program coordinator of the Northern Forest Institute and the Adirondack Ecological Center, in Newcomb. He has been instrumental in revitalizing the Adirondack Interpretive Center (former Adirondack Park Visitor Interpretive Center) for educational outreach year-round.

• Mann, Adirondack bureau chief for North Country Public Radio and a resident of Saranac Lake, who has covered park political, environmental and social issues in radio and print for more than a decade.

• Brad Dake, chairman of the town of Arietta planning board and chair of the Adirondack Park Regional Assessment Project, sponsored by the Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages. The project report, updated in 2010, thoroughly examines demographic and economic trends.

• Leilani Crafts Ulrich, a co-founder of Common Ground Alliance and current Adirondack Park Agency commissioner. She lives in Old Forge and serves on the board of the Adirondack Community Housing Trust.

• John Warren, a 25-year media professional, who is best known as founder and editor of two popular online magazines, Adirondack Almanack and New York History. He lives in Chestertown.

Each panelist will present ideas for moving toward Adirondacks 3.0, new visions for sustainable communities. Audience members are invited to ask questions and share their own suggestions for healthier towns.

The SUNY-ESF Adirondack Interpretive Center is located on Route 28 in Newcomb. For further information, call (518) 582-2000.