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Alliance of Adirondack Groups Send a 'Blue Print for the Blue Line' to Gubernatiorial Candidates Non-traditional Allies Come Together on Common Ground Issues An alliance of over 25 local leaders from organizations that are directly involved in the economic, environmental and social future of New York State’s Adirondack Park has produced a "Blue Print for the Blue Line" and is calling on the gubernatorial candidates to address their concerns. Together, they represent leaders of nonprofit organizations, municipal governments, businesses, economic development, and environmental interests and work directly with constituents within the Adirondack Park and beyond. Their efforts to identify a common ground agenda are focused on improving the economic viability of our Park communities while conserving the environment. The intent of the alliance is to present strategies that will be critical to a sustainable future for the region. Terry Martino, Executive Director of the Adirondack North Country Association, states, "The Alliance developed a Blue Print for the Blue Line that forges our common interests and goals for the economic, community and environmental well-being of the Adirondack Park. We believe this dialogue is vital to the future of the region." Located within a day’s drive of nearly 50 million people, many rural communities throughout the Park are struggling for economic survival. Increasingly, local communities are challenged by the loss of their Main Streets, the out-migration of their youth, the lack of business development and markets, and inadequate and aging infrastructure. Rising property values, accompanied by rising property taxation, and an increase of second home development have resulted in an affordable housing crisis. Sylvie Nelson, of the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce, said, "It is very important that our next Governor understand the unique challenges faced by businesses and residents of the Adirondack Park." Collectively these groups, some of whom are not traditional allies, have recognized that the region has numerous environmental threats including loss of natural communities and species due to factors such as climate change, unplanned development, and invasive species. In addition, the degradation of water and air quality due to acid rain and mercury pollution and the lack of adequate infrastructure threaten human and ecological health. Increasingly local communities have recognized the adverse impacts of these environmental threats to the tourism and recreation economy and their quality of life. Lani Ulrich, Founding Director of CAP-21 (Central Adirondack Partnership for the 21st Century): "Historically, a great deal of time and money has been spent clarifying how the representative groups of the Adirondacks differ in their missions and agendas. This effort is designed to increase dialogue and to articulate the big-picture areas of Common Ground upon which we agree and for which we need attention and assistance from Albany and Washington." Brian Houseal, Executive Director of the Adirondack Council, said, "Too often, our elected officials and government agencies use the excuse that Adirondack organizations don’t speak with one voice. This 'Blue Print for the Blue Line' demonstrates that we can find common ground and innovative solutions that are good for the Adirondack environment, its communities and local economy. We trust that all candidates are listening because we intend to carry this effort into the future, well beyond the elections." Raymond P. Curran, President, Adirondack Sustainable Communities, said: "We believe the common ground agenda will help to empower communities to care for the people, the land and the future of the Adirondacks, an urgent priority to assure lasting Park protection and management." Zoe Smith of the Wildlife Conservation Society, states, "This Alliance represents Adirondack organizations, businesses, and local government coming together and building a bridge to work with one another on issues that are vital to the future of the Park. Conservation of our natural resources, successful businesses, and healthy communities are issues that we should all be concerned with. Without one, we cannot successfully accomplish the others." The alliance recognizes that many of the issues they raise are common across the entire state, but believes that the Adirondack Park is unique due to its relative isolation, sparse rural population, and its status as a protected area treasured by many New Yorkers as well as many Americans and the international community. The letter to the candidates asks them address their concerns as they consider their goals to lead New York State. List of Common Ground Alliance Members: Adirondack-Champlain Community Broadband Network, Andy Abdallah, Chair of the Advisory Board; Howard Lowe, Executive Director Adirondack Economic Development Corporation, Dan Woodman, Executive Director Adirondack Council, Brian Houseal, Executive Director Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Catherine Moore, Publisher Adirondack North Country Association, Terry Martino, Executive Director Audubon NY, David Miller, Executive Director CAP-21, Lani Ulrich, Executive Director Central Adirondack Association, Chip Kiefer, Executive Director Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director Clifton-Fine Economic Development Corporation, Christopher Westbrook, President Historic Saranac Lake, Mary B. Hotaling, Executive Director Holmes and Associates, Timothy Holmes, Research Director Leading Edge, Jack Drury, Principal New York Rivers United, Bruce Carpenter, Executive Director Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce, Garry Douglas, Executive Director Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Sylvie Nelson, Executive Director Saranac Lake Red Carpet Team, Keith Wells, Chair Sound Adirondack Growth Alliance, Susan Cooper, Chair Town of Forestport Town Board, Joan Ingersol, Supervisor Town of Inlet, J.R. Risley, Supervisor Town of Long Lake, Gregg Wallace, Supervisor Town of Ohio, George Edwards, Supervisor Town of Salisbury, John Mowers, Supervisor Town of Webb, Robert Moore, Supervisor Town of Wilmington, Jeanne Ashworth, Supervisor Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce, Jon Kopp, Executive Director Village of Tupper Lake, Michale R. Desmarais, Mayor Wildlife Conservation Society’s Adirondack Programs, Zoë Smith, Program Coordinator Wildwood Arts & Antiques, Tupper Lake, Jon Kopp, Owner |
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