Former CAP-21 director advances from APA Commissioner to Chairperson
Chairwoman Leilani Ulrich
Leilani “Lani” Crafts Ulrich of Old Forge is scheduled to become the first Chairwoman of the Adirondack Park Agency (APA), according to Governor Andrew Cuomo, who announced her as his choice on Wednesday, November 9.
Cuomo also announced the nomination of Sherman Craig of Wanakena as an APA Commissioner.
“The Adirondack Park is one of this nation’s greatest natural resources, and I am confident that it will thrive under Lani and Sherman’s leadership,” Governor Cuomo said.
“Both Lani and Sherman have dedicated their lives to the preservation and development of the Park. They recognize the need to balance economic development within the Adirondacks with constant environmental protections. I look forward to working with them to further the development and preservation of this extraordinary park.”
Cuomo’s appointment of Ulrich follows the August 2011 resignation of Curt Stiles.
Since moving permanently to Old Forge in 1994, Lani has repeatedly made her mark on the Park and its communities, according to APA spokesperson Keith McKeever.
“As a resident of Old Forge in the Adirondack Park, I know firsthand the great potential of the Park. Each summer, I have worked with over 100 government agencies, towns, and villages across the Park, listening to their concerns and working toward common ground on land-use issues.
“As Chairwoman, I look forward to using this and other community development experiences to develop planning opportunities, as well as to fine-tune the regulatory process in ways that will empower communities and maximize the potential of the Park’s land use while continuing to protect its world class natural resources. I thank Governor Cuomo for this exciting opportunity,” Ulrich said.
In 1997, Lani helped to co-found and develop the Central Adirondack Partnership for the 21st Century (CAP-21), a regional non-profit community development organization that serves the hamlets of Long Lake, Inlet, Webb, and Forestport.
First created in 1971 by the New York State Legislature to develop long-range land use plans for both public and private lands within the boundary of the Park, the APA board must, by statute, consist of eleven members.
Three of the board members include the Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development, the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Secretary of State.
The remaining eight board members must first be nominated by the Governor and then must be confirmed by the Senate. Of those eight, five members must reside full time in the Park, with the remaining three being required to live outside of the park.
Support for Ulrich’s appointment has come from numerous avenues over the past few months.
“I commend the Governor for once again listening to the local residents and taking their thoughts into consideration before making his decision. I am very pleased with his appointments and I am looking forward to working closely with both Lani Ulrich and Sherman Craig on issues that are important to the North Country and those living in the Adirondack Park,” Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward said.
“Lani Ulrich is a gifted individual, with a great knowledge of the Adirondack Park and the issues vital to its residents and businesses. Her long time service as a commissioner on the APA board has prepared her well for this new challenge.
I look forward to working with Lani in protecting the Park’s natural resources and promoting its majestic beauty,” said State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta).
First appointed to the APA in November 2004, and reappointed in 2008, Ulrich has served the APA and its communities for the past seven years.
In addition to being a co-founder of the Adirondack Common Ground Alliance, she also sits on the Board of Directors of the Central Adirondack Business Association (CABA) and on the Architectural Preservation Committee of the Town of Webb Historical Association.
Regionally, she is on the Board of the Adirondack Community Housing Trust and serves as a member of the New York State delegation to the Northern Forest Center’s Sustainable Economies Initiative.
