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Adirondack North Country Association Provides Funding for a Boardwalk Grant for the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks June 13, 2006 
Adirondack North Country Association Director Don Caldera, Stephanie Radcliffe, Museum Director of Programs and Operations, Betsy Lowe, Museum Managing Director, Terry Martino, ANCA Executive Director, and Jim Ellis, ANCA Community Assistance Specialist. ANCA provides a $79,000 grant contribution to the Boardwalk Project. Saranac Lake, NY - Adirondack North Country Association Director Don Caldera and Executive Director Terry Martino met recently with Betsy Lowe, Managing Director and Stephanie Radcliff, Director of Programs and Operations of the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks and provided a $79,000 check toward the construction costs of the Boardwalk Project. The Boardwalk is located on the museum property along the Racquette River and will allow museum visitors to have access to the shore of the river and surrounding wetlands. In addition to the wooden walkways, the project includes two observation decks where visitors can use binoculars for close-up nature observation. ANCA administered funding for the project from a New York State Department of Transportation TEA-21 Federal Highway Administration Scenic Byway Grant. The grant provided funding for the Boardwalk for project planning, architectural design, Adirondack Park Agency permitting, and construction that began in 2003. The initial trail layout, from the museum site to the observation decks, was done by SCA/Americorps. In the summer and fall of 2004, Americorps refined the tread of the trail in preparation for deck construction and installation by a local contractor. The decks were stained and prepared by volunteer crews from local correctional facilities. The Boardwalk will allow all visitors, including those with disabilities, access to the shore of the river to view the wetlands. The Boardwalk will invite the visitor to “totally experience” the unique natural environment of the museum property. In addition to the wooden walkways along the river shore, the two observation decks will encourage the museum visitor to view the wildlife that inhabits the area. Additional plans are being implemented for interpretive panels, binocular installation, and directional signage. Located in Tupper Lake which is a “Crossroad Community” for two byways—the Adirondack Trail and the Olympic Scenic Byway—the museum is situated near the intersection of both corridors. The additional creation of interpretive panels at a wildlife viewing area on Moody Marsh on Route 30—the Adirondack Trail Byway—will provide a roadside location for visitors to learn about the marsh and to be directed to the museum and Boardwalk for a unique visitor experience. Other signage on Route 3—the Olympic Byway—will direct travelers to the facility. “The goal of bringing visitors from the Adirondack and Olympic Byways to the museum for additional wildlife viewing adds to a quality visitor experience. The museum Boardwalk is a nice addition to The Wild Center that will directly enhance the byway touring experience,” Terry Martino, ANCA Executive Director stated. “The project is an important addition to ANCA’s goal to encourage pedestrian visitation at our facilities and in our communities,” she added. “We are so pleased with this wonderful support form ANCA to help with the construction of the Museum’s boardwalks—a great addition to the outdoor experience along the Raquette River,” Betsy Lowe, Managing Director stated. The Adirondack North Country Association is committed to economically viable communities and an improved rural quality of life. For more information about ANCA please call 518-891-6200 or visit www.adirondack.org. |
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