Outgoing official criticizes DEC’S view
Park Agency’s Dawson says recreation shouldn’t top environmental protection
Chad Dawson, an Adirondack Park Agency board member who has advocated for protecting the park’s wilderness character, said at the end of a contentious meeting on Thursday that he will submit his resignation to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Dawson criticized the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s administration for elevating recreational amenities over environmental protection without sufficient study of the consequences.
“I understand people want things and the department may want things, but I don’t think that’s a compelling argument,” Dawson said. “It’s not an adequate justification for an agency and department whose first job is to protect the resources for present and future generations.”
The announcement came after the APA board moved forward on two disputed projects that included creating a day-use area in the Debar Mountain Wild Forest and rescinding of a campfire ban in primitive sites on the Essex Chain of Lakes.
Dawson was the most vocal member against both proposals, though some of his concerns were echoed by board member Zoe Smith.
“I am leaving not because I don’t care, rather because I’m passionate about the park, particularly protection of the park for future generations,” Dawson said at the end of the APA meeting.
DEC spokeswoman Erica Ringewald later called Dawson’s comments “disappointing and contrary to the facts,” but thanked him for his service.
“DEC subjects every proposal and plan to a painstaking review and conducts extensive public outreach to solicit input and comments from the community in order to continue our work of protecting the Adirondack Park,” Ringewald said in a statement.
Dawson, a retired professor of recreation resources management at the SUNY'S College of Environmental Science and Forestry, has been an advocate for the environment and natural resources during his time on the APA board. He served for 4 ½ years as an out-of-park member from Onondaga County.
One environmental group, Adirondack Wild: Friends of the Forest Preserve, said Dawson’s resignation was a loss and “does not reflect well on either APA or DEC, or Governor (Andrew) Cuomo.”
Dave Gibson, managing partner of the group, said Dawson’s resignation “reflects continued failings by APA to independently undertake their responsibilities for oversight of the State Land Master Plan and to view protection of natural resources as their paramount responsibility.”
Even those who frequently disagreed with Dawson said he had a crucial role on the board.
“It’s always important to have all views, whether you agree with them or not, so the decision-making can get pulled in the middle to where it truly belongs,” said Gerald Delaney Sr., executive director of the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board.
Cuomo appointed Dawson to the APA board in 2016, replacing Richard Booth of Ithaca. For the full version of this story, see www.timesunion.com