Save the Pine Bush Lasagna Dinner. Tonight at 6 PM! Details here: savethepinebush.org/dinner
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Chaons and Tech: Our Future is Limited
by John Cryan~ June 9, 2023 ~ The Arrow of Time waits for no one. Events are The Triangle of Peace starting to get past this old man in the woods. So I am sending this missive to all of you because it cannot wait until I have more time to think. . . BIOSPHERE … Chaons and Tech: Our Future is Limited
The Chaonic Economy or The Basis of All Wealth is the Biosphere
by John Cryan The economy sits on top of the ecology, and draws all its energy and materials from it. The ecology, or biosphere, wraps around the planet. The planet was formed and exists in the physical universe, or expanding spacetime. What we call chemistry is part of physics. So is what we call biology. … The Chaonic Economy or The Basis of All Wealth is the Biosphere
Making New Science Emerge from the Old
Some Important Implications of the Chaon-Convolution Theory by John Cryan Anyone who has studied the history of science even casually knows science is not magic. It takes hardwork, discipline, organization, persistence, communication, resources, and luck. And students of science are increasingly revealing the human elements, and consequent flaws, of the enterprise – as it was, … Making New Science Emerge from the Old
How is the Pine Bush? The Commission Gives an Update
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Neil Gifford, longtime Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (Commission) Conservation Director, spoke at the May 15, 2024 Save the Pine Bush virtual meeting on the topic of Restoring Pine Bush Ecosystem Health through Management. As always, Neil was a wealth of information on a variety of topics and expressed warm … How is the Pine Bush? The Commission Gives an Update
Getting Together Again
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY: We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone in September! Our monthly vegetarian/vegan lasagna dinners were brought to a halt in March, 2020 with the covid pandemic. During the pandemic we tried other ways of getting together including Zoom meetings, some of which were accompanied with to-go dinners when We … Getting Together Again
Environmental News
by Tom Ellis Since the prior SPB News last year, much has occurred locally and regionally. Despite many enviro-activists working separately, climate activists are increasingly well organized and effective in their lobbying the state legislature. Nevertheless, a widely supported Renewable Capitol Act has not been enacted as of Earth Day. The RCA would invest $50 … Environmental News
Untitled Document
Untitled Document Home Virtual Presentation June 17, 2020 Hike the Pine Bush Current Newsletter June/July Podcasts Donate Landfill & SWMP Information Action Alert Hotel Info Sally’s Recycling Corner Subscribe to SPB List Action Alerts Court Cases Newsletters by Subject Newsletters by Date Newspaper Articles Speakers List The Karner Blue Nabokov Fire! Virtual Exhibit Cartoons About … Untitled Document
Coyotes in the Moonlight
Coyotes in the Moonlight Coyotes in the Moonlight Response to the Commission’s Final Implementation Guidelines by Lynne Jackson "It was a cold night in January, snow on the ground, full moon, not a creature moving a muscle," began Jerry Mueller, at the January Lasagna Dinner. He had to get out of the house and decided … Coyotes in the Moonlight
John Wolcott, historian, preservationist, activist, and fierce advocate for the Pine Bush, dies at 90
ALBANY, NY: It is with great sadness that Save the Pine Bush learned of the passing of John Wolcott of Albany, NY, Thursday afternoon, August 17. John was a founding member of Save the Pine Bush in 1978. He was a plaintiff on every lawsuit filed by Save the Pine Bush. Born September 22, 1932, John passed away … John Wolcott, historian, preservationist, activist, and fierce advocate for the Pine Bush, dies at 90
Update on Costcos and IDA Tax Breaks – June 28 2023
Dear All, Yesterday, members of Save the Pine Bush and the Guilderland Coalition for Responsible Growth spoke with Channel 6 prior to the Guilderland Industrial Development Agency meeting. Afterward, we went into the IDA meeting. To my great surprise, at the beginning of the meeting, the chair announced that no decision would be made that … Update on Costcos and IDA Tax Breaks – June 28 2023
Costco Press Conference, May 31, 2023
Dear All, The press conference by Save the Pine Bush, Mothers Out Front and the Guilderland Coaltion for Responsible Growth was well attended. Below are links to articles from the Altamont Enterprise, Channel 10 and Channel 6. Today, the Times Union published an article by Chris Churchill, “Guilderland shouldn’t fall for Costco scam”. Here is … Costco Press Conference, May 31, 2023
Press Conference, Public Hearing on Pyramid Crossgates’ request for tax abatement for proposed Costco
Dear All, On Wednesday, May 31, the Guilderland IDA is holding a public hearing on Crossgates Releasco (Pyramid Corporation) request for tax abatement and donation of roads through eminent domain for the proposed Costco. If you wish to comment on the project, here are things you can do: Here is a link to the proposed … Press Conference, Public Hearing on Pyramid Crossgates’ request for tax abatement for proposed Costco
PRESERVE NOT FEELING THE BURN
Handling fire can be dangerous, something the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission knows only too well. In April 1999, a controlled burn at the pine barren that straddles Albany, Guilderland and Colonie blazed out of control, scorching 75 acres and shutting down the New York Thruway for several hours because of smoke. No homes or … PRESERVE NOT FEELING THE BURN
Ward Stone was employed by the state but he worked for the people, animals, and environment
Published in the Altamont Enterprise, 3/2/23 To the Editor: I greatly appreciate your full-page commentary in the Feb. 16 issue about Ward Stone [“From the editor: A scientist who strove to make a healthier Earth”]. I knew Ward for 40 years. Ward was a rare public servant: competent, articulate, hardworking, fearless. He insisted he had … Ward Stone was employed by the state but he worked for the people, animals, and environment
Ward Stone — NYS Wildlife Pathologist Worked for the People
Editor’s Note: Ward Stone died on February 8, 2023 at the age of 84. Ward Stone was a friend of Save the Pine Bush and often spoke at SPB vegetarian lasagna dinners. Here are two letters which describe Ward. The first letter was written by long-time friend, Lewis Oliver and sent to many media outlets, … Ward Stone — NYS Wildlife Pathologist Worked for the People
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Visiting the Legislature
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY, NY: On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Save the Pine Bush volunteers attended the Albany County Legislature’s budget hearing. At the 17 minute hearing, only eight people spoke. Seven of us spoke about the Pine Bush Preservation! I will admit to be surprised that so few people attended and spoke at the … Visiting the Legislature
Efforts to Close the Dunn Dump Continue: All Trucks Enroute to the Dump Violate Traffic Laws
by Tom Ellis RENSSELAER, NY: Efforts to close the Waste Connections Dunn construction and demolition debris landfill in Rensselaer continue despite little news coverage of the ongoing public health crisis. The dump is located on a hilltop at the end of Partition Street, borders the Rensselaer public school campus, a cemetery, and in between Rensselaer … Efforts to Close the Dunn Dump Continue: All Trucks Enroute to the Dump Violate Traffic Laws
Amanda Dillon: Science in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Amanda Dillon, field ecologist and entomologist for the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (Commission), was the speaker at the November 16 Save the Pine Bush virtual meeting. She discussed “Science in the Albany PIne Bush Preserve.” Amanda Dillon earned both a BS in Natural History and Interpretation in 2007 and … Amanda Dillon: Science in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Environmental crusader Ward Stone is dead at 84
Longtime state wildlife pathologist fought many battles against pollution — and his bosses at the Department of Environmental Conservation https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/environmental-crusader-former-radio-host-ward-17776032.php Updated: Feb. 10, 2023 11:22 a.m. HUDSON —Ward Stone, the longtime state wildlife pathologist whose name became synonymous with environmental activism as he helped uncover and publicize the threat of PCBs, died Wednesday in Columbia … Environmental crusader Ward Stone is dead at 84
Ask Albany County to Dedicate Funds to Buy Pine Bush
Dear All, Save the Pine Bush made a great showing at the Albany County Legislature budget hearing held two days before Thanksgiving. Seven of the eight speakers at the hearing asked for funds to buy Pine Bush. Good for us! Tomorrow, December 5, the Albany County Legislature will vote on the budget. Let’s continue … Ask Albany County to Dedicate Funds to Buy Pine Bush
Tracy Frirsch’s PFAS Resolution
Tracy Frirsch drafted the following resolution and is calling on organizations and local legislatures to pass it: A Resolution Calling on the NYS Legislature and Department of Environmental Conservation to Ban the Use of Sewage Sludge in Compost and as a Soil Amendment or Fertilizer due to PFAS Contamination. Summary: This resolution calls for New … Tracy Frirsch’s PFAS Resolution
What is Full Protection, Partial Protection and who is the Pine Bush?
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY, NY: Recently, a number of people have asked me why developers can build in the Pine Bush — isn’t the Pine Bush protected? This question has got me thinking about how confusing all of the terms used in this fight to save the Pine Bush can be. And, it does not … What is Full Protection, Partial Protection and who is the Pine Bush?
Close Waste Connections Dunn Construction and Demolition Debris Dump!
by Tom Ellis RENSSELAER, NY: Rensselaer and East Greenbush (R&EG) residents continue organizing to close the Waste Connections (WC) Dunn construction and demolition debris dump. The overarching issue is the dump is sited in a major population area and thus affects many people. It is located next to the Rensselaer public school campus and in … Close Waste Connections Dunn Construction and Demolition Debris Dump!
Albany Pine Bush Commission, RE: 2772 & 2792 Curry Rd. – Eden Renewables proposed Solar Farm
September 3, 2019 Mr. Joseph LaCivita, Chair (by e-mail only)Director of Planning & Economic DevelopmentTown of Colonie Public Operations Center347 Old Niskayuna RoadLatham, NY 12110 RE: 2772 & 2792 Curry Rd. – Eden Renewables proposed Solar Farm Dear Director LaCivita, Thank you for requesting Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (APBPC) review and comment on the … Albany Pine Bush Commission, RE: 2772 & 2792 Curry Rd. – Eden Renewables proposed Solar Farm
Bill Aylward and Gene Messercola
ALBANY: Bill Aylward and Gene Messercola spoke at the January vegetarian lasagna dinner at the First Presbyterian Church in Albany. Both Mr. Aylward and Mr. Messercola spoke bout the one important thing Albany County can do for Pine Bush preservation: donate all tax delinquent properties located in the Pine Bush to the Pine Preserve. Tax … Bill Aylward and Gene Messercola
What Really Happens to the Dunn Dump Complaints?
by Tom Ellis RENSSELAER, NY: The Rensselaer Environmental Coalition continues its four-year-campaign to immediately close the construction and demolition debris dump in Rensselaer while dealing with an unresponsive state government. Residents of Rensselaer and East Greenbush (R&EG) remain disgusted with how the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) takes odor and other complaints about the … What Really Happens to the Dunn Dump Complaints?
Research
Here are some helpful tools to help you research development and land use changes in Albany Pine Bush. Properties on the Planning Board Agendas See our Planning Board Agenda Tracker. Search a Property You can search a property here, however it must be in a very specific format to match the tax record, like this … Research
Curry Road Solar Guilderland (Borrego Solar) Proposed on 48-acres of Full Protection Lands
As much as we love solar, the Borrego Solar Project in Guilderland is NOT okay. Note: This proposal has been pulled. We are continuing to monitor future development proposals for this property. They will be submitting their site plan review to the Planning Board on Wednesday, September 8 2021. This project is in a full … Curry Road Solar Guilderland (Borrego Solar) Proposed on 48-acres of Full Protection Lands
Town of Guilderland Wants to Build Soccer Fields
At the same Town Board meeting where the Board passed a zoning amendment prohibiting commercial soccer fields in residentially zoned areas, the Town Board heard a presentation by its director of parks about the townÕs own proposed soccer fields in the Pine Bush. The zoning amendment passed by the Town Board specifically prohibits commercial soccer … Town of Guilderland Wants to Build Soccer Fields
Development in Albany Pine Bush – 2010 to 2020
Albany County Tax records show that 253 acres of Pine Bush were forever lost to development between 2010 and 2020. Acres in Study Area Acres Developed with a Building * % Acres Preserved ** % Acres Undeveloped or Used for Highways / Landfill *** % 13,005 5,723 44.0% 3,317 25.5% 3,965 30.5% * Acres developed … Development in Albany Pine Bush – 2010 to 2020
Just Say No to the Bridge!
The Village of Colonie is proposing to build a bridge in the Pine Bush over the Rapp Road/Lincoln Avenue railroad tracks. To allow for high-speed rail, all Òat gradeÓ crossings over railroad tracks are to be eliminated. The Village wants to eliminate the Rapp Road/Lincoln Avenue crossing by building a bridge. Save the Pine Bush … Just Say No to the Bridge!
3131 East Old State Road Subdivision – Pine Bush in Danger !
Dear All, Another proposed development is on the Planning Board agenda for next Wednesday. Please see information below and link. The EAF notes that Frosted Elfin and Karner Blue are on the site. People who are interested should plan on attending the Planning Board meeting and writing to the Planning Board about this proposal. Thanks … 3131 East Old State Road Subdivision – Pine Bush in Danger !
Colonie Landfill Updates
by Tom Ellis The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) illegally granted the town of Colonie permits on April 5 to vastly enlarge its landfill located near Route 9 on the bank of the Mohawk River. The Saratoga County towns of Waterford and Halfmoon have filed lawsuits challenging DEC’s ruling. With the new permits, the … Colonie Landfill Updates
The Poor People’s Campaign
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Joe Paparone of the Labor-Religion Coalition of NYS and former Albany Common Council member Vivian Kornegay spoke about The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Renewal (PPC), at the April 18 SPB dinner. Joe described himself as a sax player but not a singer, and works on immigration … The Poor People’s Campaign
Pine Bush Loses – Drumlin Fields Approved
Pine Bush Loses – Drumlin Fields Approved Albany Common Council Votes Against Pine Bush Approves Drumlin Fields Office Complex Ignores Commission and all Rational Thought by Lynne Jackson The Common Council, against the wishes of its constituents, major environmental organizations in Albany, Save the Pine Bush, and the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, approved the … Pine Bush Loses – Drumlin Fields Approved
Destroying History at The Pine Bush Preserve
by Steve Rider On its website it states that the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission “assure(s) the protection, restoration and management of the natural and cultural resources of the Albany Pine Bush.” However, in reality preservation of cultural resources is given little priority compared to the ecological goals. Original, unspoiled remnants of four historic roads … Destroying History at The Pine Bush Preserve
Making a Living as a Trash Picker The Landfill in Guatemala City
ALBANY: Mindy Whisenhunt and her daughter Alex spoke at the October Save the Pine Bush vegetarian lasagna dinner at the First Presbyterian Church. They have made two trips to the landfill outside of Guatemala City to volunteer with and organization called Camino Seguro or Safe Passage that helps the children of people who eke out … Making a Living as a Trash Picker The Landfill in Guatemala City
PAUSE – Zero Waste
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (APBPC or Commission) Conservation Director Neil Gifford spoke at SPB’s June 19 dinner about the ongoing work of the the Com- mission and the proposed Pyramid Crossgates 222-unit apartment development on Rapp Road inGuilderland. He began saying that “in no small part do we [the … PAUSE – Zero Waste
Neil Gifford – Good News about the Pine Bush
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: “I would not be standing here without the work Save the Pine Bush has done to hold people accountable,” said Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (APBPC or commission) Director Neil Gifford, as he began his presentation at the May 18 SPB dinner. Neil spoke at length about the Karner Blue … Neil Gifford – Good News about the Pine Bush
Researcher: Coyote is Part Wolf
by Stephen Williams, The Daily Gazette It’s one of the great animal kingdom migrations of the last century — the arrival and flourishing of the coyote in the eastern United States. The thick-furred canine and its high-pitched, ethereal yips and howls have become commonplace across the Capital Region over the last 30 years. Even suburbanites … Researcher: Coyote is Part Wolf
Ecology and history can walk side-by-side on Pine Bush roads
Reprinted from the Altamont Enterprisel Thursday, May 17, 2018 Before there were cars and trucks, before there were carriages and wagons, before there were wheels, people have always made pathways. The routes they traveled linked hunting grounds with dwelling places, became a means of trade and commerce, linked one community to another or allowed one … Ecology and history can walk side-by-side on Pine Bush roads
Pollinator-Friendly County Resolution to be introduced in the face of alarming flying insect declines
by Grace Nichols Have you noticed in driving through rural New York, that your windshield – which once would have been covered with the remnants of countless insect collisions are now fairly clean? This observation has been made globally and linked to severe declines in insect populations. Insects are a critical part of the ecosystem … Pollinator-Friendly County Resolution to be introduced in the face of alarming flying insect declines
Proposed Lincoln Park Sewage Treatment Plant
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Dan Van Riper spoke about the proposed Lincoln Park sewage treatment facility at the May 16 SPB dinner. His wife, Lynne Jackson, introduced him saying Dan has studied the sewage issue for more than ten years and written about it extensively on his blog Dan began saying, “This is a … Proposed Lincoln Park Sewage Treatment Plant
NYS Climate Action Council
Dear Common Councilmembers: Thank you for again hearing our concerns about the need for good ecological and scientific review of the Pine Bush Mitigation/Restoration plan. There are many problems with the plan. Save the Pine Bush has presented many concerns to this body regarding the ecological impacts and financial waste involved in this mitigation plan. … NYS Climate Action Council
Hey, Everyone! Time to Get on the Bus!
Recycling occurs in nature every day. For example, leaves that have fallen to the ground decompose and turn into compost, a nutrient-rich soil which helps plants to grow healthily and strong In addition, the organic material serves as food for bacteria and fungi which serves as food for earthworms which serves as food for beetles … Hey, Everyone! Time to Get on the Bus!
Draft Open Space Conservation Plan Available for Public Review
Open Space Public Hearing Wednesday, November 14. 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Workshop 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Public Hearing 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. — Public Hearing Public Assembly Room (129A & B) NYSDEC Central Office 625 Broadway Albany, NY ALBANY: A draft update of New York’s Open Space Conservation Plan for … Draft Open Space Conservation Plan Available for Public Review
The Rome Sand Plains
The Rome Sand Plains The Rome Sand Plains by Lynne Jackson Earlier this month, my husband and I had the pleasure of being given a personal tour of the Rome Sand Plains, a geological and biological sister to our Pine Bush. Located southeast of Rome, New York, the Sand Plains are similar to our Pine … The Rome Sand Plains
SPB Files Appeal – – An Appeal Against the Avila Approval
by Sandy Sheridan In a continuing effort to preserve Karner Blue Butterfly habitat, Save the Pine Bush petitioned the Appellate Court to overrule the Albany Planning Board’s approval of another senior housing project’s construction within the Pine Bush. The plan to build Avila Independent Senior Housing Campus was given the go-ahead by the Albany Planning … SPB Files Appeal – – An Appeal Against the Avila Approval
Odyssey to a Butterfly Festival
by Lynne Jackson Schnecksville, PA: The Trexler Game Preserve in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania was the site of a four-day butterfly festival the last weekend in September. Save the Pine Bush was invited to participate by Mary Beth Leeson, the Marketing Manger of the game preserve. The main event of the festival was the daily releases of … Odyssey to a Butterfly Festival