by Grace Nichols, July 26, 2009 The survival of the Federally Protected Karner Blue Butterfly in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve is in doubt here in Albany – its numbers have been critically low for at least ten years. This butterfly was first named by Vladimir Nabokov, the famous writer, and became one of … Save the Pine Bush
by Lynne Jackson Albany, NY: Chris Hawver, Executive Director of the Albany Pine Bush Management Commission, spoke at our February 2017 Save the Pine Bush dinner. Chris began his presentation with a really sweet tribute to Rezsin Adams. Chris said that when he first started with the Albany Pine Bush Preserve commission that he was … There would be no Pine Bush Today without Save the Pine Bush and Rezsin Adams
By TU Editorial Board on December 29, 2015 at 3:30 AM When the city of Albany in 2009 convinced New York state to let it do one more landfill expansion, it knew the deal: In exchange for a bigger dump, the city would have to fund a substantial restoration of the fragile Pine Bush. … A thorn in the Pine Bush
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Kate Lawrence of the Mayor’s Office of Energy and Sustainability was the speaker at the March 18 SPB dinner. She said former Mayor Gerald Jennings launched the sustainability office in 2011; he signed a national green jobs pledge in 2008, the bicycle master plan was completed in 2009, and … City of Albany Office of Energy and Sustainability Visits Save the Pine Bush
Wilton: More land at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park in Saratoga County is being restored to sand dunes, scrub trees, prairie grasses and lupines needed to support growing numbers of endangered Karner blue butterflies. This winter, the state Department of Environmental Conservation will clear trees from about 20 acres near Ruggles Road, east of … Saratoga County’s Wilton preserve helps Karner blue
By Sarah Roberts/For The Daily Gazette ALBANY — The Albany Pine Bush Preserve, a patchwork of 3,200 acres, has been designated a National Natural Landmark, after National Park Service officials determined it to be “an outstanding example of a globally rare ecosystem.” The preserve will join 596 other natural landmarks as prime examples of biological … Pine Bush Gets National Status
THE STAKES: It’s a tribute to those dedicated to protecting it from development. In the late 1970s, the Pine Bush, the sprawling pine barrens that extend from the city of Albany to Schenectady County, was considered by some a vast wasteland ripe for development. Its central location appealed to investors, who saw it as a prime … Editorial: A toast to the Pine Bush
by Tom Ellis On December 12, when Albany County Executive Dan McCoy signed legislation passed by the county legislature a month earlier that bans chain restaurants and eateries from using polystyrene (Styrofoam) take-out food containers, he credited his three children, especially Egan, a senior at Albany High School, for pressuring and reminding him to be … Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, Styrofoam Ban and Protection of the Pine Bush
by Tom Ellis ALBANY: George Robinson, a restoration ecologist with the University at Albany’s Department of Biological Sciences, spoke at the June 19 SPB dinner at Westminster Presbyterian Church about the history of restoration planning for the Tivoli preserve. For those unfamiliar with it, the Tivoli preserve is located north of Livingston Avenue and behind … The Importance of the Tivoli Preserve
by Lynne Jackson On February 6, 2013, Save the Pine Bush will be 35. I wanted to reprint the story of our formation (the extended version can be found on the website, http://www.savethepinebush.org) Save the Pine Bush came into being on February 6, 1978. It snowed that day. It snowed so much that the … Save the Pine Bush Turns 35 in February
By SPB Vounteer Andy Arthur After the Save the Pine Bush Hike on Saturday, May 19th, there will be a class from 1:30-4:30 PM on using the free Quantum GIS program to make maps of the Albany Pine Bush at the Delaware Avenue branch of Albany Public Library. GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems, the computer-based … Save the Pine Bush GIS Class
SCHENECTADY — The Woodlawn Preserve is getting closer and closer to full protection. After years of negotiations, the City Council finally adopted a management plan for the preserve last week. The plan will help keep the remnants of Pine Bush ecology that remain in the badly deteriorated preserve, and lays out the steps to restore the flora … Schenectady Pine Bush sees Preservation boost
ALBANY — Fires used in the Pine Bush to restore native habitat of scrub pine and open grassland also greatly reduce chances that hikers will pick up ticks that could carry Lyme disease. A study by two Union College professors has found areas of the Pine Bush that have already been restored carried 98 percent … Pine Bush fires cut tick threat
Albany, NY: Recently, a friend out in Rensselaer County grabbed my arm and said “don’t you dare release your rehabilitated (orphan) rabbits out here—The Fisher will get them!” She went on to describe an animal so mean and vicious that no other mammal would be safe around them. And so, though I haven’t ever met … Fishers in the Pine Bush! May 2011 Pine Bush Dinner with Scott LaPoint
by Andy Arthur ALBANY, NY – Two months I ago I wrote about the research I was doing into unpreserved Pine Bush parcels. I have gone through most of the 1994 Save the Pine Bush (SPB) Preservation Plan and have learned a lot about the lands that either are undeveloped, preserved, or sadly developed. I … Researching the Unpreserved Lands
by Andy Arthur About a month ago, I started working on a project for Save the Pine Bush, working to compile a updated list of parcels in the Albany Pine Bush that would be highly desirable for future conservation by the Pine Bush Commission. I met with long-time Save the Pine Bush volunteer, John Wolcott, … Pine Bush Parcels Project
By Grace Nichols November 2010 was notable in that folks in the community kept contacting us about the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. First it was the neighbors over on Lincoln Ave, wondering why the “forever wild” patch next door was being clearcut, as a new road was being put in connecting Lincoln Ave and Fox … What’s afoot at the Preserve?!
The Field Guide, a Natural History, Identification & Conservation of a Regional Treasure by David W. MacDougall (published by The Environmental Clearing House, Niskayuna, New York 2007) is a charming paperback full of photographs and drawings and a very easy-to-read, brief text. Chapters include: Natural History, Identification, Biology, Family Blues, Nectar & Host Plant Identification. … Pine Bush Commission Update
The Town of Colonie has held a couple of meetings to review the zoning that has resulted from the Comprehensive Plan process completed in 2005. Below, is a press release sent by Dan Dustin. It is the best explanation of what is happening now, and I am publishing it in its entirety—the editor Colonie Town … Town of Colonie is in the Process of Revoking Protection of the Pine Bush!
ALBANY: The City of Albany has applied for a permit to expand the landfill in the Pine Bush. The battle has begun! On Wednesday, February 21 at 7:00 PM at the Polish Community Center (255 Washington Avenue Extension, corner of Rapp Road), the NYS Department of Environmental Conversation will hold a Public Scoping Session on … Expansion of the Landfill in the Pine Bush
ALBANY, NY: Just when you thought it was safe to go to the mall, Pyramid Crossgates proposes yet another project to destroy Pine Bush and potential Karner Blue habitat. Albany City Hall was the setting for Pyramid to describe to the Albany Common Council Zoning Committee how its proposal to build a residence inn hotel … Crossgates Casts a Dark Shadow Over the Pine Bush
Pine Bush Fight Goes Nationwide Pine Bush Fight Goes Nationwide Save the Pine Bush featured in August ’92 Backpacker magazine by Lynne Jackson Along with an excellent article about how sound environmental practices can enhance the economy, the August Backpacker magazine features a one-page story about the battle to save the Pine Bush as a … Pine Bush Fight Goes Nationwide
Another Subdivision Proposed for the Pine Bush Another Subdivision Proposed for the Pine Bush by Lynne Jackson, Jan./Feb. 91 The Hellman Family Foundation has proposed building a 13-home subdivision on valuable Pine Bush. Though one-half of the property would be set-aside as forever wild, the thirteen homes on the other half of the lot would … Another Subdivision Proposed for the Pine Bush
Save the Pine Bush Action Alert! Action Alerts! Call Your Albany City Common Council Member To oppose re-zoning of 365 Washington Avenue Extension (If you do not live in Albany, then choose someone to call). Call before March 20, 2000 Call Your Albany County Legislator To call for the County to request that part of … Save the Pine Bush Action Alert!
Save the Pine Bush Newsletters in Date Order Save the Pine Bush Newsletters in Date Order 1996-1997 December 96, January 97 Newsletter New York to Buy Pineland Tract From L.I. Scouts The Karner Blue vs Crossgates Mall – Secret Meetings and SEQRA Violations The Karner Blue and the Wishing Wells Save the Pine Bush Sues … Save the Pine Bush Newsletters in Date Order
by DINA CAPPIELLO, Staff writer A building that Pine Bush protectors once protested for being constructed in the rare pine barren became part of the preserve on Friday, when the state announced it traded a piece of the Harriman State Office Campus for the State Employees Federal Credit Union on New Karner Road. The deal … LAND SWAP ADDS TO PINE BUSH
By JILL BRYCE Gazette Reporter COLONIE – The fate of the tiny Karner blue butterfly will be a factor when crews begin replacing a Route 155 bridge this spring. Even the butterfly’s flight patterns have been taken into consideration in the design of the new $2 million bridge in the Albany Pine Bush, which will … Pine Bush bridge work to defer to rare butterfly
ALBANY, NY: Save the Pine Bush filed suit in New York State Supreme Court over the City of Albany Common Council’s approval of the Residence Inn Hotel and an Office Complex on Washington Avenue Extention in the Pine Bush in March. Save the Pine Bush sued the City about two development proposals, a hotel proposed … Save the Pine Bush Sues City of Albany Over Rezoning of Land
The DiCaprio Farm parcel, and the two parcels to the west, the Lupe Parcel and the Proposed Lone Pine 7, are part of what the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission calls "Area 33". This section is about 300 acres, and is the largest roadless section of the Pine Bush ecosystem that is privately owned, and … Save the Pine Bush
Save the Pine Bush has been in almost litigation to preserve the Pine Bush since February 6, 1978. With the advent of PDF documents, it is now possible for Save the Pine Bush to inexpensively give the public access to our lawsuits. Click the links to download the files. Some are quite large, please be … Save the Pine Bush Court Cases
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: At times speaking poetically, Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (commission) Conservation Director Neil Gifford spoke at length about the Karner Blue Butterfly (KBB) at the March 21 SPB dinner. He began with a friendly joke that “It’s Lynne and Rezsin’s fault I am here tonight,” a reference to the commission … Neil Gifford Presents A Pine Bush Update
April 17, 2001 Supervisor Runion, Members of the Council, Ladies & Gentlemen: Thank you for letting me speak tonight My name is Candace Lider and I live near the Dicaprio Farm. First, I want to thank the Town of Guilderland for their foresight in purchasing this beautiful property for the enjoyment of the residents of … Save the Pine Bush
A pair of right wing propagandists are using misinformation about the Pine Bush and the Karner Blue Butterfly to attack grass-roots preservation efforts across America, and are calling for overturning the Federal Endangered Species Act. Hailed as the new bible of radical anti-environmentalism, Noah’s Choice, The Future Of Endangered Species, is the product of rightist … Save the Pine Bush
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY: John Poorman, Executive Director of the Capital District Regional Planning Commission spoke at the July SPB vegetarian/vegan lasagna dinner. Mr. Poorman began by describing what the Capital District Regional Planning Commission (CDTC) is. The CDTC is the designated “Metropolitan Planning Organization” (MPO) for four counties, Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady. Under … Roads in the Pine Bush – John Poorman Speaks about the CDTC
COLONIE: The Town of Colonie is currently working on its Town of Colonie Comprehensive Plan. Now is the time for people concerned about protection of the Pine Bush to speak up. According to the Town’s website, “A comprehensive plan is a document that, according to New York State Law, ‘identifies the goals, objectives, principles, guidelines, … You Can Help Save the Pine Bush in The Town of Colonie
Can any study be good for the Pine Bush that cannot even spell “Pine Bush” correctly? The Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) has released draft two of “Pinebush [sic] Transportation Study Update”. At first glance, this study is not as bad as previous transportation studies, but there is still enough in here to cause worry … Roads are Killing the Pine Bush
SCHENECTADY — The Woodlawn Preserve is getting closer and closer to full protection. After years of negotiations, the City Council finally adopted a management plan for the preserve last week. The plan will help keep the remnants of Pine Bush ecology that remain in the badly deteriorated preserve, and lays out the steps to restore … Schenectady Pine Bush sees Preservation boost
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY: In an astonishing, detailed, and carefully written decision, Judge Peter Lynch handed a victory to Westmere Terrace residents and a gas-station owner, the plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed against the Town of Guilderland Planing Board and Pyramid Management Group. The decision makes null and void all of the approvals the Planning … The Residents and the Pine Bush Win Against Pyramid Justice Prevails
Neil Gifford Conservation Director for the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission Restoring Pine Bush Ecosystem Healththrough Management Neil will speak about how managing native scrub oak trees can restore the health of the Pine Bush ecosystem. Neil will discuss the Commission’s research on habitat restoration that includes such techniques as mechanical, chemical and prescribed fire … Save the Pine Bush Zoom Meeting – Wednesday, May 15 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
Save the Pine Bush filed suit in New York Supreme court against the Town Board and the Planning Board of the Town of Colonie over their acceptance of a Generic Environmental Impact Statement for the Lishakill-Kings Road study area. This Generic Envrionmental Impact Statement (GEIS), if approved, would have a devastating impact on the Pine … Save the Pine Bush Sues the Town of Colonie
by Lynne Jackson Save the Pine Bush needs you to write letters to the Governor and the Dept. of Environmental Conservation Commissioner. SPB has the Plan of outlining specifically which parcels should be protected; the State of New York has the money to buy it. Now is the time to take action. Now is the … 10 Minutes & 29¢: The Most Important Thing You Can Do Today to Save the Pine Bush
Finally, after sixteen years of struggle and lawsuits, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for Pine Bush preservation. It is a very tiny light, but with your help, we may actually be able to reach it. Two things are occurring to create this light. One is the change in the political … The Most Important Thing You Can Do Today to Save the Pine Bush
by Tom Ellis Labrador: Jim Learning of the Labrador Land Protectors, who spoke at the April 20, 2016 SPB dinner about his work to preserve rivers in Canada from needless destruction, died on April 16. He was 81. He was a Grand River Labrador board member and Nunatu-Kavut councilor. Jim’s 2016 stop in Albany was … Save the Pine Bush Loses a Friend
by Gregg Bell, July/Aug. 92 A significant conference on the Karner Blue Butterfly was held on April 21, 1992 in Zanesville, Ohio, once again illustrating continuing scientific interest in our famous neighbor. The conference was sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wilds International Center for the Preservation … Save the Pine Bush Newsletter – July/Aug. 92
Christopher M. Walker, Legal Intern for the The Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic wrote comments for the proposed project. Here is an excerpt from his comments sent to the Guilderland Planning Board. You can view the complete comments and the appendicies online at: http://www.savethepinebush.org/Cases/Crossgates_Expansion/index.html The Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic submits the following comments on behalf of … Save the Pine Bush Comments on the Rapp Road Residential/Western Avenue Mixed used DEIS
Fire Management in the Pine Bush, Jan./Feb. 91 Man-Made Pine Bush?? Harvey Alexander Tells All ,Jan./Feb. 92 Recent News-Controlled Burnings in Pine Bush a Success, Times Union, Nov. 13, 1991 Fire? What Fire? Pine Bush Better Than Ever – July/Aug 99 The Pine Bush is a fire dis-climax community. It must burn to survive. The … Save the Pine Bush Fire Management Index
ALBANY: The Pine Bush has won out over the City of Albany. Judge Thomas J. McNamara ruled on Monday that Save the Pine Bush prevailed in their lawsuit filed over the proposed construction of a hotel in the Pine Bush on Karner Blue Butterfly habitat. Attorney Stephen Downs represented Save the Pine Bush in the … Save the Pine Bush Wins in Lawsuit Against the City of Albany
On April 27, 1999 … a small controlled burn conducted by the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission got out of control. 65 acres of Pine Bush burned. The fire was intense enough to jump the four lanes of the New York State Thruway. No one was injured, no property was damaged. For the Pine Bush, … Fire is the Pine Bush’s Friend
So much controversy over such a tiny butterfly-the Karner Blue, Lycaeides melissa samuelis. A beautiful pale blue, this tiny creature only lives in its adult form for one to two weeks. Named by Vladimir Nabokov (probably better known for his writing than his lepidoptery), there were once so many butterflies that all one could see … The Karner Blue Butterfly: The Pine Bush’s Most Famous Resident
Save the Pine Bush uses the courts to force government agencies to follow environmental preservation laws. The City of Albany has been notorious for ignoring the State Environmental Quality Review Act. We have been very successful in our lawsuits to block improper approvals of construction projects in the Pine Bush. Save the Pine Bush’s Victories … How does Save the Pine Bush stop developers?