A staff report notes that the Open Space Institute has gotten a conservation easement from a private landowner on 1,300 acres near Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain. The easement permits passive recreational use, sustainable forestry action and  the future subdivision and modest single-family residential or limited commercial (for a bed and breakfast) development of two lots.

Reporter Lohr McKinstry reports that because of a bacterial disease, the Essex County Fish Hatchery will have fewer brown and brook trout to stock this year.  

Reporter Brian Nearing reports that some environmental advocacy groups are unhappy that the state DEC is proposing some of the former Finch property be allowed to have motorized access, but a supporter says motorized uses ensure more people will get to see land that was purchased with state taxpayer money. 

A staff report notes that Sen. Betty Little of Queensbury has been reappointed as chairwoman of the state Senate Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Committee for the 2013-14 legislative session.