A staff writer reports that Brian Houseal is stepping down as head of the Adirondack Council.

Phil Brown reports that Brian Houseal will step down as executive director of the Adirondack Council when his contract runs out this fall.

A letter to the editor from Saranac Lake resident Dick Beamish writes in support of a rail trail that will connect Lake Placid and Old Forge. 

The AP reports that a 10-year study of Adirondack loons shows mercury contamination can lead to population declines because birds with elevated mercury levels produce fewer chicks than those with low levels. 

Reporter Chris Morris reports that a state appeals panel ruled that the town of North Elba does have jurisdiction over boathouses on Lake Placid, a decision seen as precedent-setting for municipalities statewide.

Reporter Kim Smith Dedam reports that Executive Director Brian Houseal is stepping down from the Adirondack Council. 

Reporter Jon Alexander reports that the leader of the Adirondack Park’s most influential environmental group will step down in October after a decade in the job.

Reporter Brian Mann writes that Garry Douglas, head of the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce and co-chair of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, is tangled up in thed ebate over the future of the rail corridor between Remsen and Lake Placid.  

Blogger John Warren writes that Brian Houseal will be leaving his post as Executive Director of the Adirondack Council. 

Reporter Kim Smith Dedam reports that a group proposing railroad-track removal is looking to remove Garry Douglas as co-chair of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council.

The Journal News reports that John Sheehan of the Adirondack Council joined the Editorial Board to discuss a myriad of environmental issues that impact the region and state.

Reporter Chris Morris reports that multi-use trail advocates want Garry Douglas removed as cochairman of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council for allegedly showing bias toward railroad operations.

Reporter Rick Karlin reports that Brian Houseal, who for the last decade led The Adirondack Council, will be leaving in October, according to the organization.

Reporter Jessica Collier reports that advocates for removing the train tracks in the Adirondack Rail Corridor questioned support for the railroad in the North Country Regional Economic Development Council’s plan.

Reporter Stephen Williams writes that the Adirondack Park Agency has approved plans for the Adirondack Meat Company to set up a meat processing plant near the Ticonderoga Business Park in Essex County.

Reporter Jon Alexander reports that two environmental groups filed an appeal of the federal Surface Transportation Board’s recent ruling that permits the Saratoga & North Creek Railway to haul freight on the Tahawus Line. 

Reporter Kasia Patel reports that the New York State Assembly and Senate have passed legislation supporting a proposed land exchange put forward by leading US wollastonite producer NYCO Minerals Inc.. **Please note that a paid subscription is required to view this article online. 

The Adirondack Almanack writes that the decision by the federal Surface Transportation Board’s Director of Proceedings awarding common carrier status to the Saratoga and North Creek Railway for freight operations on the 30-mile Tahawus industrial rail spur has been appealed. 

Reporter Dan Heath reports that the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has awarded $1 million to North Country members of the Cleaner, Greener Communities Program.

Reporter Bob Beckstead reports that the use of all-terrain vehicles in the Brasher State Forest dominated an open house meeting hosted by the state DEC to discuss management of state lands within the St. Lawrence flatlands unit.

The Journal News editorial board notes they will speaking with John Sheehan of the Adirondack Council and encourages readers to submit a question or comment during the live session. 

A staff writer reports that a consortium of North Country counties, towns and organizations has received $1 million from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to create a comprehensive smart growth plan for regional sustainability.
 

Blogger Dave Gibson writes about the news that the Saratoga & North Creek Railroad has gotten federal go-ahead to extend commercial rail uses to and from the former mine at Tahawus, Newcomb.

Reporter Jon Alexander reports that the proposed constitutional amendment that could end a century-old land dispute in the central Adirondacks survived its first of two trips through the state legislature. 

Adirondack Explorer publisher Tom Woodman writes about the need to save bobcats in the Adirondacks. 

Reporter Mike Lynch reports that the state Assembly approved first passage of a constitutional amendment on that would allow for a land swap in Essex County between NYCO Minerals, Inc. and the state.

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise editorial board writes that that "Mapping the Future of the Adirondack Park" workshop was held at the Harrietstown Town Hall in Saranac Lake.

Reporter Brian Mann reports that lawmakers in Albany pushed through two bills that would amend the state constitution for the Adirondack forest preserve.