Writer Phil Brown writes that the Adirondack Park Agency is considering two amendments to the State Land Master Plan, both concerning the Essex Chain Lakes region, but the agency likely will be asked to weigh broader changes to the document. 

Reporter John Sheehan reports that a coalition of New York’s environmental and historic preservation organizations is pleased with the decision made by the Federal Communications Commission to preserve the rights of state and local governments to regulate the size, shape and visibility of telecommunications towers in scenic and historic areas, including the Adirondack Park.
 

Reporter Phil Brown reports that state officials have made it clear that a rails-with-trails compromise is not an option for the Adirondack rail corridor. 

A staff report notes that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced nearly $40 million in grants to reduce water pollution and protect bodies of water around the state. 

Reporter Chris Knight reports that the village of Saranac Lake, along with architect Jim Hotaling, has developed a revised design for the proposed Lake Flower Hotel.

Reporter Brian Mann reports that with just one week remaining to election day, Republican Elise Stefanik has opened a significantly wider lead over Democrat Aaron Woolf in New York’s 21st Congressional District race.
 

A staff report notes that the first of four public comment sessions on possible changes to the state’s plan for running a railroad corridor through the Adirondack Park will be held tonight.

Reporter Mike Lynch reports that only five people showed up to comment on the Open Space Conservation Plan at public hearings held at the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Region 5 headquarters in Ray Brook Thursday. 

A staff report notes that hunters now have improved access to nearly 25,000 acres of Forest Preserve and conservation easement lands in the Adirondacks, with new roads and other backcountry facilities. 

Reporter Suzanne Moore reports that the Northern Tier Recreational Trail under construction now in Champlain has won $1,319,340 in grant funding. 

Reporter Thom Randall reports that Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s office has announced that an $8.3 million grant has been awarded to upgrade and repair the Glen Bridge located in northwest Warrensburg.

A staff report notes that the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has opened new roads and facilities on nearly 25,000 acres of forest preserve and conservation easement lands in the Adirondacks. 

Reporter Shaun reports that the public is being encouraged to comment on a draft of the statewide Open Space Conservation Plan, a wish list of property that the state would like to buy. 

A staff report notes that four meetings have been scheduled to allow the public to comment on proposed changes to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan. 

A staff report notes that a new report has been released exploring the economic impacts of invasive species on specific sectors of the Adirondack Park’s economy. 

Writer Dave Gibson writes that he is concerned about how well informed members of the Adirondack Park Association are about the State Land Master Plan in light of their announcement that they will soon be considering changes to the plan.

Reporter Amanda Metzger reports that  Lake George residents who opposed the construction of a new boat launch at Million Dollar Beach are questioning why the state was not required to go through town site plan review.

Reporter Susan Mende reports that a mobile chicken slaughterhouse that’s been sitting idle for months at a DeKalb farm because of mechanical problems is expected to be processing chickens within the next three to six months. 

A staff report notes that the state agriculture department has granted $17.6 million to protect more than 6,400 acres of farmland across New York state, ensuring the land will remain agricultural and won’t be developed. 

A staff report notes that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting comments on proposed changes to the freshwater fishing regulations through December 1, 2014. 

A press release notes that more than 50 of the country’s leading scientists, policymakers, environmentalists, and other acid rain experts met in Saratoga Springs recently for an all-day session about the future of Adirondack Park.
 

A staff report notes that state Department of Conservation Region 5 wildlife staff are asking people to report moose sightings to aid in a moose population study. 

Reporter Shaun Kittle reports that an increase in black bear sightings this summer in Lake Placid has raised concerns for state Department of Environmental Conservation officials.

Reporter Mike Lynch reports that although great strides have been made in recent decades to protect the Adirondack Park’s environment from acid rain, more work still needs to be done. 

A staff report notes that the State Departments of Environmental Conservation and Transportation have announced that they are seeking public input through December 15 on an amendment to the Unit Management Plan for the Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor.   

Letter writer Joe Martens, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, writes that the DEC has taken every step to ensure the NYCO test drilling will be done in a “protective manner” that "minimizes any possible effects.” He also notes that the NYCO amendment was approved by the Legislature — twice — as well as by the state’s voters, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo would be ill-advised to ignore the will of the people. 

Reporter Chris Knight reports that returning the Saranac Lake village beach to Lake Flower is possible, if its projected cost of nearly $800,000 can be met and if the public is behind it. 

Reporter Joe LoTemplio reports that sharp words were exchanged during the second debate among the 21st Congressional District candidates. 

Reporter Stephen Williams reports that for the first time since the 1980s, the Adirondack Park Agency will consider basic changes to the management plan for state-owned land within the park.
 

Reporter Shaun Kittle reports that the state Department of Environmental Conservation has made finding a place to hunt, fish or trap easier with the launch of the new "I Love NY Hunting" Web page. 

Reporter Mike Lynch reports that Department of Environmental Conservation officials will be hosting an informational meeting on Thursday, Oct. 16 to discuss nuisance black bears in Lake Placid.

Reporter Chris Knight reports that the proposed expansion of the former Crescent Bay marina drew plenty of praise and some concern during a Wednesday night public hearing. 

A staff report notes that the Adirondack Park Agency has announced that it will begin a public process to consider amendments to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan. 

A staff report notes that more than 19,000 boats have been inspected in the inaugural year of Lake George’s mandatory boat inspection program aimed at keeping invasive species out of the popular Adirondack waterway. 

A staff report notes that a debate has been scheduled for Oct. 22 for the candidates in New York’s governor’s race.

Reporter Brian Mann reports that all three candidates in last night’s NY-21 Congressional debate turned in strong performances although they each misfired occasionally.

A staff report notes that candidates in the NY-21 House race will be in Albany this evening for the first of three debates ahead of the November election. 

Reporter Chris Knight reports that the owner of a resort on Lower Saranac Lake is working with four prospective buyers of the property. 

Reporter Brian Nearing reports that opponents of a scaled-back and long-delayed proposed $400 million luxury Catkills ski resort next to state-owned Belleayre ski center want the state Department of Environmental Conservation, which is poised to issue permits for the project, to instead scrutinize it further. 

Reporter Chris Knight reports that in Mountain Communications owner Ted Morgan must pay Essex County more than $35,000 in delinquent taxes by the end of today, or the properties where the local radio stations are headquartered will be put up for public auction. 

Reporter Brian Mann reports that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has cancelled plans to run ads supporting Democrat Aaron Woolf in the race for the 21st District House seat during the final two weeks of the campaign before the November election.

Reporter Amanda May Metzger reports that the Route 9 project aimed at updating the stretch of Route 9 to the Lake George village line with sidewalks, a bike lane and other improvements could be under construction by next spring. 

Reporter Matthew Turner reports that it was a banner year for summer tourism in Essex County, and it is expected to continue into October. 

Reporter Maury Thompson reports that candidates in the 21st Congressional District race will face off in the first of three televised debates this week. 

Reporter Matthew Turner reports that the village of Lake Placid will soon receive a full, private audit of its finances. 

Reporter Joe LoTemplio reports that Congressional candidates Elise Stefanik, Aaron Woolf and Matt Funiciello discuss ways to make farming in the 21st District and across the nation better.  

A staff report notes that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has launched a new year-round bus service that will take residents from New York City to ski venues and other tourism spots. 

A staff report notes that the Lake George Association is partnering with the Lake George Park Commission for a 2015 Recreation Study of the lake.

Reporter Chris Knight reports that the Franklin County Sheriff’s second in command has been suspended amid allegations that he directed a deputy to target county legislators for arrest because they had challenged the sheriff’s agenda. 

A staff report notes that New York environmental officials say at least 13,000 gallons of sewage originating from a private sewer system operated by the Sagamore Hotel were spilled into Lake George last week. 

Reporter Kim Smith Dedam reports that  Adirondack Council Executive Director Willie Janeway has said that work on park infrastructure and funding to support it is among top items on the council’s unfinished agenda.

Reporter Chris Knight reports that many of the questions and concerns raised about a proposed zoning change for the Lake Flower Spa and Resort will soon get an official response from the village.