The Pine Bush is the only sizable inland pine barrens sand dunes in the United States, and is recognized worldwide as a unique pine barrens ecosystem. It contains over 300 species of vertebrate animals, over 1,500 species of plants, and over 10,000 species of insects and other invertebrate animals. Many of them are rare and … What is the Pine Bush?
By Grace Nichols Albany County is home to many bats, from the rare Myotis genus species, so vulnerable to White-nose syndrome for which we were a ground zero, to the more common Large Brown Bat, Hoary Bats, Red bats, Silver-haired Bats and Tri-colored bats. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and they … Bats in the Unprotected Pine Bush of Guilderland
by Lynne Jackson Charlie Touhey, whose proposed office complex at 300 Washington Ave. Ext. was voted down by the Common Council last summer, is proposing yet another development for his 12-acre site in the Pine Bush. There is a twist to this one, though. Usually, developers never want the neighbors to know what they are … Charlie’s At It Again! Touhey proposes housing units in the Pine Bush
by John Wolcott The Albany Pine Bush Management Commission was sued last summer by a group of individuals accusing the Commission of “conspiring to reduce the value of their land.” The Times Union characterized the plaintiffs in the law suit against the Commission as “several farmers”. Actually, there are several individual plaintiffs but out of … “Farmers” Sue Albany Pine Bush Management Commission
If you are – or ever have been a regular at the Save the Pine Bush monthly dinners you probably knew Dr. Bush, my dad (he was the one who looked like Santa Claus but had an english accent). As some of you know he worked for the NYS Health Department, he was recruited in … Brian Bush: PCBs and the Pine Bush Looking back at a legacy
by Lynne Jackson GUILDERLAND, NY: Last August, Save the Pine Bush wrote comments on the Draft Scope for the Pyramid Crossgates proposal to build 222 apartments on land in the Pine Bush ecosystem that was designated as partial protection. At the time, the Draft Scope included two other parcels along Western Avenue, but, no announcements … Proposals in the Pine Bush
by Daniel W. Van Riper With a public flourish, SPB released the Pine Bush Preservation Plan at the first Albany Common Council meeting of the year by presenting a copy to each alderman. Immediately, interested persons and organizations clamored for copies of the plan, including neighboring municipalities, state agencies, county legislators, neighborhood groups, environmentalists and … Everybody Wants One – Preservation Plan Makes Waves
It’s an endless cycle. Every office “park” and housing “development” is an extension of the City of Albany’s infrastructure. This means new roads, sewerlines, waterlines, powerlines, new services such as police, fire, ambulance, administrative. Eventually new schools, libraries and other facilities must be built for the new inhabitants. At the same time, the land speculators … How Destruction Of The Pine Bush Raises Taxes …Again and Again and Again
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
City Strangles Downtown Growth City Strangles Downtown Growth Yet Council Encourages Suburban Sprawl By Daniel Van Riper As far as Save the Pine Bush can determine, the City of Albany Common Council has not denied a single application by any large corporate entity that has wanted to erect buildings in the Pine Bush for more … City Strangles Downtown Growth
by Tim Truscott On November 18 and 19, I attended the annual conference of the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown. The association, also known as NYSAR3, states its mission is “To provide statewide leadership on waste reduction, reuse and recycling issues and practices to … Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Conference
ALBANY: Worried about the tax base? Concerned that the City will lose money if we don’t get a hotel in the Pine Bush? Don’t worry, the hotel is eligible for a property tax deduction!!! 485b is a state tax incentive program — a program that promotes sprawl. To be eligible, any business “involved in the … Hotel Eligible for Tax Incentive
STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ALBANY SUPREME COURT _________________________________________________ In the Matter of the Application of SAVE THE PINE BUSH, INC., REZSIN ADAMS, SANDRA CAMP, SHARON CASTERLIN, LUCY CLARK, LYNNE JACKSON, MARTHA MASTERS JOHN WOLCOTT, PETER VAN NOSTRAND and RUSSELL ZIEMBA, Case No. 1 VERIFIED PETITION … Verified Petition, Januar 17, 2006
Ladies and gentlemen of the Common Council, my name is Lynne Jackson. I live in Albany and I am a volunteer for Save the Pine Bush. I am here tonight to comment on legislation that the Common Council will pass tonight, dedicating the Fox Run Mobile Home Park land to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. … Speech Given to the Albany Common Council June 5, 2006
After "Development" Aftermath of Fire Fire is good for regeneration of the ecosystem. In a month this area will be green with new growth. Photo by John Wolcott Back to Exhibit Index Vegetarian Lasagna Dinner Pine Bush Hike Current Newsletter About Save the Pine Bush Virtual Photo Exhibit Action Alerts Volunteer Nights Articles in Date … After “Development”
After "Development" Aftermath of Fire Note how the ground is exposed in the burn area, while in the unburned area the ground is covered with organic trash. Photo by John Wolcott Back to Exhibit Index Vegetarian Lasagna Dinner Pine Bush Hike Current Newsletter About Save the Pine Bush Virtual Photo Exhibit Action Alerts Volunteer Nights … After “Development”
After "Development" Burn Crew Joel Hecht (left) and an unidentified firefighter after the fire. In the background can be seen where the fire burned out on an office-park lawn. Photo by John Wolcott Back to Exhibit Index Vegetarian Lasagna Dinner Pine Bush Hike Current Newsletter About Save the Pine Bush Virtual Photo Exhibit Action Alerts … After “Development”
After "Development" Aftermath of Fire Pitch Pine trees, even small ones, recover quickly from fire, but bear burn marks on their trunks for decades. Photo by John Wolcott Back to Exhibit Index Vegetarian Lasagna Dinner Pine Bush Hike Current Newsletter About Save the Pine Bush Virtual Photo Exhibit Action Alerts Volunteer Nights Articles in Date … After “Development”
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Jim Learning of the Grand River Labrador (GRL) and Annie Wilson of the New York Environmental Law and Justice Project (NYELJP), spoke at the April 20th Save the Pine Bush dinner bout existing and proposed hydroelectric projects in Quebec and Labrador, and their health, environmental, and financial impacts on … Hydroelectric Power from Canada: Bad for the People of Labrador; Bad for Climate Change
The Politics of Hunting – Ward Stone Mothers a Bear The Politics of Hunting Ward Stone Mothers a Bear by Daniel W. Van Riper Officials in the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation are mainly concerned with promoting the sport of hunting, and give little thought to wildlife management. The only wildlife management policy is … The Politics of Hunting – Ward Stone Mothers a Bear
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY: The Final Environmental Impact Statement submitted by the developer for the proposed Residence Inn is so inadequate, it is appalling. The Albany Common Council must reject this document as incomplete. In analyzing this document, it is difficult to choose which area of inadequacy to attack first. Disappearing Letters First, the FEIS … Another Missing Letter
After "Development" Aftermath of Fire Photo by John Wolcott Back to Exhibit Index Vegetarian Lasagna Dinner Pine Bush Hike Current Newsletter About Save the Pine Bush Virtual Photo Exhibit Action Alerts Volunteer Nights Articles in Date Order Links Articles by Subject Save the Pine Bush Home Email Save the Pine Bush Page written and maintained … After “Development”
After "Development" Aftermath of Fire Plant species in the Pine Bush are adapted to draw nourishment from nutrients released by fire. Seeds, including Pitch Pine pinecones, are encouraged to open by fire. Photo by John Wolcott Back to Exhibit Index Vegetarian Lasagna Dinner Pine Bush Hike Current Newsletter About Save the Pine Bush Virtual Photo … After “Development”
May 9, 2006 The Honorable Denise Sheehan Commissioner of Environmental Conservation New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 625 Broadway Albany, New York 12233 The Honorable Elliot Spitzer New York Attorney General The Capitol Albany, NY 12224-0341 The Honorable David Soares Albany County District Attorney County Courthouse Room 218 Albany, NY 12207 The Honorable Gerald … Letter to Albany County District Attorney and Others Regarding Illegal Bulldozing
Like a junkie in need of a fi x — in this case the addiction is cash — Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings will stop at nothing in his quest to get yet another lease on life at the city’s Rapp Road landfill. Never mind that Jennings has been told more than once to forget it … Albany landfill deal has a funny odor
<< Previous Begin Next>> Note: The "Comment" is the developer’s summary of the public input, the Response is what the developer says in response. Comment 4: Commentor indicated that walking is a dangerous mode of transportation. No sidewalks are proposed. Employees will not be able to walk to work or use mass transit. Customers will … Developer Responses on Proposed Hotel
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY: Responding to a motion to dismiss the lawsuit against the City of Albany over the proposed hotel in the Pine Bush, Judge Stephen A. Ferradino ruled in favor of Save the Pine Bush, giving all the plaintiffs standing. Steven Downs brought this case on behalf of Save the Pine Bush. Standing … Developer Responses on Proposed Hotel
Scoping Session and Public Comment for Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Wednesday February 21, 2007 at 7:00 pm Location: Polish Community Center 255 Washington Avenue Extension located at the corner of Rapp Road and Washington Avenue Extension in the City of Albany This hearing is the only opportunity for the public to comment in person about … DEC Hearing on Proposed Expansion of the Rapp Road Landfill
STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ALBANY SUPREME COURT _________________________________________________ In the Matter of the Application of SAVE THE PINE BUSH, INC., REZSIN ADAMS, SANDRA CAMP, SHARON CASTERLIN, LUCY CLARK, LYNNE JACKSON, MARTHA MASTERS JOHN WOLCOTT, PETER VAN NOSTRAND and RUSSELL ZIEMBA, Case No. 1 Petitioners, … Memorandum of Law, January 17, 2006
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
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 • 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM Push NYS’s Packaging Reduction Act and Bigger Better Bottle Bill Over the Finish Line! Please join the New York is NOT Disposable Coalition to meet with your state representatives in Albany to help get two critical bills — the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act … New York is Not Disposable • In-Person Rally & Advocacy Day
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY: The City of Albany has announced the closure of the Albany Landfill and is asking for proposals to build a transfer station. The deadline for public comment on the City’s RFP — Request for Proposal — is July 12., 2024. See: https://dec.ny.gov/news/environmental-notice-bulletin/2024-04-17/public-notice/city-of-albany-request-for-public-comments-to-draft-request-for-proposal In the draft RPF itself, there is not a … City of Albany Landfill to Close in January, 2027
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
Bring us Your Rummage! SPB Rummage and Bake Sale! Saturday, October 4 from 9 to 4 pm* 1501 Siver Road, Guilderland. Corner of Siver and Lydius Streets. Buy great stuff! And, we will accept donations of rummage from September 12 to October 3. Call Sandra Camp (456-4640) for details on where to drop off your … Bring us Your Rummage!
AUDUBON’S ENDANGERED SPECIES WORKSHOP and Save the Pine Bush Audubon’s Endangered Species Workshop Five Rivers Environmental Education Center Delmar, New York Saturday, November 22, 1997 AGENDA 9:30 a.m. Registration & Refreshments 9:45 a.m. Welcome and Overview David Gibson, Capital Region Audubon 10:00 a.m. The Endangered Species Act History & Current Status in Congress Kathleen … 92
Save the Pine Bush Current Hikes, Walks and Ski Trips Hike Along the East End of Snake Ridge in the Pine Bush Saturday, October 25, 1997 Meet at 10:15 am at the Campus Circle Bus Stop, SUNYA campus, 1400 Washington Ave. Albany. For information, call John Wolcott at 465-8930. Hike leaders will be Burt Shou … 92
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
COLONIE – John Wolcott, a rebel with a cause, a purveyor of justice and the truth, died August 17, 2023, a month before his 91st birthday. He is now walking the Glory Road with Jesus. John was a genius who had a photographic memory. He was a beautiful calligrapher and made his own Christmas cards … John Wolcott Obituary
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
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
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
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
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
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
GUILDERLAND: What better way to celebrate Earth Week than attending a public hearing? The Town of Guilderland Zoning Board of Appeals is holding a public hearing on giving a special use permit to Pyramid for the proposed Costco to be built near Crossgates Mall. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 19 at 7:00 … The Costco Public Hearing & Climate Change
by Lynne Jackson COLONIE, NY: The Town of Colonie Planning Board voted to recommend the rezoning of an 11.89 acre site at 4232 Albany Street from industrial to single-family residential after a public hearing on January 10. Five people spoke in opposition, four were from Save the Pine Bush. The rezoning would allow for construction … Proposed Development in Colonie
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
By Ted Remsnyder | February 9, 2023 TROY — Ward Stone, who served as the state’s wildlife pathologist for over four decades, died Wednesday morning at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson after a long illness. Stone, who held his post with the Department of Environmental Conservation from 1969 until his retirement in 2010, left behind … Ward Stone, longtime DEC wildlife pathologist, dies at 84
There will be a party at Glenn Peter Jewelers on Wednesday January 25, 1544 Central Avenue to celebrate 10 years of Focus on Albany in addition to 90+ years of Rezsin Adam‘s life. Russell and I will be continuing the work we started before Covid to do a Documentary on Rezsin. So please come on … Reszin Adams Documentary Event – January 25, 2022 5:30 PM