A staff report notes that Cape Air will continue to provide round-trip airline service from Massena to Boston (via Albany) through 2015, according to US Sen. Chuck Schumer. 

The Associated Press reports that a state supreme court judge says a canoeist had the right to paddle down an Adirondack stream crossing private land, and has ordered the landowner to stop posting signs denying paddlers access to the waterway.

Reporter Jessica Collier reports that the Tupper Lake Planning Board is planning a Thursday night meeting to decide on whether to give permits for the first phase of the Adirondack Club and Resort. 

Letter writer Steven Resler writes that because of its high value and uniqueness, the state of New York should implement all types and levels of protections to keep invasive species out of Lake George. 

The Associated Press reports that the state DEC is considering a program that would encourage businesses to audit their compliance with environmental regulations and report their violations. It would waive penalties for violations that are discovered and disclosed voluntarily.

Reporter Christopher Robbins reports that Anthony Collins, co-chairman of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, said the council is seeking more projects to fund because of additional money available.

Reporter Paul Post reports that freight traffic has started moving on the Saratoga & North Creek Railway. The first outbound shipment was garnet from Barton Mines headed to Louisiana and Washington state. 

Reporter Jimmy Vielkind reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo is planning to streamline the number and lower the price of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses. 

A staff report notes that Hungry Bear Publishing has released an ebook called “New York’s Adirondack Park: A User’s Guide” that helps them responsibly use the Forest Preserve while giving them informational links to community assets.

Reporter Phil Brown reports that DEC’s William Janeway has been hired as the new executive director of the Adirondack Council. Of note: The Times Union. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Post-Star and Daily Gazette all ran versions of this story. 

A report from the Lake George Park Commission says that out of 199 milfoil sites in Lake George, a total of 183 sites have been successfully cleared or managed. 

Reporter Sean Ewart reports that state Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Darrel Aubertine is using the proposals in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive budget to show that the state cares about small farmers and that small farms “are viable again.”

Writer Dave Gibson, of the environmental advocacy group Adirondack Wild, writes that forest management challenges transcend the Adirondack Park Agency’s current, limited jurisdiction over forestry activities. While he does not conceptually opposed to landowners doing some clearcutting, where it makes silvicultural sense, he proposes much smaller cuts (2-3 acres in size)

Reporter Jon Campbell reports that lawyers on both sides of the hydrofracking debate are preparing lawsuits over the state’s ongoing review of the process. 

Writer John Sheehan, communications director of the environmental advocacy group Adirondack Council, writes that a single, motorless Wild Rivers Wilderness area (encompassing all of the Finch land purchased last year by the state) makes more sense for the state to promote and manage.

Reporter Jon Alexander reports that the state is likely planning to hold the inaugural whitewater challenge rafting race at the Hudson River Gorge, with paddlers putting in in Indian lake and paddling into Johnsburg.

Reporter Jon Alexander reports that Assembly Member Dan Stec is calling for a discussion about changing logging regulations between state lawmakers and the Adirondack Park Agency. 

The Associated Press reports that DEC has opened a new recreational trail for snowmobiles, hiking and cycling between Inlet and Raquette Lake. The opening of the trial coincides with the closure of 46 miles of snowmobile trails in more remote areas of the forest.

Reporter Brian Nearing reports that Eric Carlson of the Empire State Forest Products Association is disappointed at the APA’s decision to delay a vote on the timber clear-cutting rules, adding that the fears of a surge of clear-cutting is misguided.

Reporter Chris Knight reports that the APA welcomed back two familiar faces — former commissioner James Townsend as general counsel and Mike Hannon, of the Regulatory Programs division, back from a military deployment in Afghanistan.

Letter writer Marisa Muratori, a Lake George town councilwoman, writes that Lake George needs enforcement measures from the state to back up the state policy that makes the spread of invasive species illegal. 

Reporter Brian Mann reports that the debate over the General Permit for clearcutting at the APA meeting was heated and fierce. 

Reporter Jon Alexander reports that an APA proposal to create a general permit on clearcutting — with conditions — created controversy at the Board meeting. Of note: Review Board Executive Director Fred Monroe expressed his support of the permit.

Reporter Chris Knight reports that APA commissioners were divided over a proposal that would speed up approval of clear-cutting on private land as long as the landowner had certified forest sustainability plans.  

Reporter Martha Ellen reports that the state has decided there is no cleanup necessary on 18 acres of the polluted Jones & Laughlin Steel Co. property, and is planning a public meeting to discuss its plan for the parcel — one of the few zoned industrial in the Adirondack Park. 

Letter writer Frederick Monroe, executive director of the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board, writes that the general permit being discussed by the APA to allow for clear-cutting is the way to forest sustainability. 

Reporter Chris Knight reports that APA Chairwoman Lani Ulrich postponed action on a controversial proposal that would streamline the review process for certain kinds of clear-cutting on private lands in the Park.

Reporter Reid Pillifant reports that on the topic of hydrofracking, there is no Cuomoesque middle ground — and that has given the governor some pause.

Reporter Brian Mann reports that better forest protection and care is needed in order to avoid the Adirondacks becoming "junk" forest — and one way is to allow some clear-cutting by property owners with sustainable forestry plans.

Reporter Jessica Collier reports that the Adirondack Club and Resort developers have detailed conditions to the development to be voted on by the Tupper Lake board, including a set aside from each land sale that would go toward operating Big Tupper Ski Area. 

Reporter Kim Smith Dedam reports that the Tupper Lake Village Board is asking the state to review the railroad corridor through Tupper Lake.

Reporter Danny Hakim reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration has put off making a decision on hydrofracking because the state health commissioner said he needs more time to review the potential effects on health. 

Reporter Brian Nearing reports that an APA proposal to create a general permit to allow clear-cutting of some forest tracks (as long as the property was certified as environmentally sustainable by the Forest Stewardship Council or the Sustainable Forest Initiative) is raising concerns by a coalition of environmental activist organizations. A spokesman for the Empire State Forest Products Industry said he didn’t foresee the new permits unleashing a surge of Adirondack clear-cutting.

The Associated Press reports that Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy is challenging New York mayors to come up with rafting teams to compete in an Adirondack whitewater derby.

Reporter Stephen Williams reports that the APA is likely to make a decision on new rules for clear-cutting in the Adirondacks — a proposal criticized by environmental groups but supported by the forest products industry. 

A staff report notes that at its February meeting the APA will be considering a general permit to allow clear-cutting by landowners who are involved in forestry certification programs. 

Reporter Brian Nearing reports that a coalition of communities and environmental groups are developing a boat inspection and washing program to be put into place this summer in order to keep out invasive species. 

Letter writer Gerald Delaney, chairman of the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board, writes that the APA should approve the general permit that would allow landowners who are involved in forestry certification programs to clear-cut properties. 

Reporter Jon Campbell reports that a group of pro-hydrofracking landowners are planning to sue the state if it misses a deadline for approving DEC’s proposed fracking rules. 

Reporter Fred Dicker reports that Cuomo administration insiders are saying that Gov. Andrew Cuomo is so focused on keeping his job approval ratings that he has refused to make tough decisions and is "adrift" on a course of murky proposals. 

Reporter Brian Mann reports that the APA is expected to take up a new general permit allowing property owners who want to clearcut  stands of timber larger than 25 acres. To qualify, landowners need to have a forestry management plan certified by either the Forest Stewardship Council or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

Writer Kimberley Strassel writes that President Obama’s nominee for Interior Secretary has a history on the environmental fringe, and expects nominee Sally Jewell to do what she has done as an activist: Lock up land, target industries, kill traditional jobs.

The Times Union editorial board writes that the state’s slowness on protecting Lake George from invasive species is endangering the economic future and health of the whole region. It’s nearly too late.

Reporter Steve Virkler reports that Sen. Joseph Griffo has proposed a bill that would require the state Legislature to include in each bill a way to provide for the revenue to enact the bill. 

Reporter David Sommerstein reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo panned the idea of an interstate highway between Watertown and Plattsburgh. 

The Associated Press reports that President Obama will nominate Sally Jewell, CEO of outdoor gear company REI, as Secretary of Interior.

Reporter Joseph Spector reports that the state is expecting to dramatically increase the quarantine for firewood transport because of the Emerald Ash Borer.  

A staff report notes that CSX is planning a $14 million rail investment into the infrastructure in and around Massena. Officials are hopeful that the plans will include a new rail spur connecting the Massena Industrial Park with the CSX line.

Reporter Brian Mann reports that the Adirondack Council is speaking out about the state’s inability to come up with matching funds and thus losing a $2.5 million federal grant that was to be used to purchase the Follensby Pond tract.

Reporter Brian Nearing reports that a DEC budget hearing in Albany turned into a lengthy, loud debate on the state’s policy toward hydrofracking. Of note: If the state Health Department review recommends significant changes, DEC’s proposed rules would have to be thrown out and re-issued, making them subject to another round of public comments.

Reporter Jimmy Vielkind reports that the state’s plan to buy properties in areas devastated by Superstorm Sandy will also extend to those properties affected by Lee and Irene. 

Reporter Rick Karlin reports that the Adirondack Council wants the state to increase the Environmental Protection Fund to allow the state to purchase more Adirondack Land in order to save it — specifically the Follensby Pond land, creating new wilderness lands and paddling opportunities. 

Reporter Jimmy Vielkind reports that following the passage of NY SAFE act, a Siena Research Institute poll found Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s support only dropped by two points.

The Post-Star editorial board offers a Bravo to US Rep Bill Owens for agreeing to seek federal funding in the invasive species fight in Lake George.

Reporter Jon Campbell reports that DEC Commissioner Joseph Martens told a legislative budget hearing that the state might miss its hydrofracking deadline, if the health and safety review recommends new safety measures.

Reporter Brian Nearing reports that a group of municipalities and environmental groups are banding together to buy and staff up to five boat washing stations for the coming boating season on Lake George.

Reporter Chris Knight reports that local governments — which have fought for access to Adirondack lands purchased by the state — are praising the DEC’s more open classification plan for much of the former Finch lands.

Reporter Chris Knight reports that the DEC draft classification proposals lean toward recommending easier access to the state’s newly acquired land.