The Adirondack Common Ground Alliance met for its seventh annual forum to discuss how different groups from different perspectives are working together on key issues for the Adirondacks.
Presentations at the Newcomb meeting on Thursday, July 18th focused on efforts to protect land and water and promote economic growth in the region.
The approximately 200 participants included local government leaders, environmental advocates, State government representatives and education organizations from across the region.
Speakers from Mitch Lee of Inlet to Fred Monroe of the Adirondack Park Local Govern-ment Review Board reported on progress including expanded broadband for the region, community supported agriculture, developing a non-profit network, sustainable ecotourism and work to eradicate invasive species.
Assemblyman Dan Stec who serves on the Environmental Conservation and Tourism Committees in Albany was supportive of the community sustainability efforts reported on and added that the Governor is “mindful and cares about the Adirondacks.”
Adirondack Futures, a project of the Alliance, presented a 25-year vision for the group. The vision is the result of a year-long process conducting 150 interviews and 14 workshops across the Adirondack Park.
The vision emphasizes the interdependence of the Park’s environment and the economy, the mix of public and private lands to drive a diverse sustainable economy, and “balanced and slightly more flexible” regulation helping to preserve the unique landscape and enhance the health of the communities.
Lani Ulrich, current chairwoman of the Adirondack Park Agency board, was one of the founders of Common Ground Alliance.
She helped to initiate a meeting in 2005 involving CAP-21, the Town of Inlet and the Adirondack Council.
The first public meeting was held in 2007.
“With its document, Blueprint for the Blue Line, the Alliance started to change the tenor of dialogue in the Park to one of collaboration,” said Brian Houseal, former director of the Adirondack Council.
Organizers noted that the State and counties are watching what the Alliance is doing with much interest.
