MEETINGS

The Adirondack Landowners Association hosts two annual membership meetings. The first meeting is held traditionally in early May…this is the official business meeting for the organization. Annual elections are held to select a board of directors followed by a directors meeting to elect officers.

The spring meeting normally begins on a Friday evening with a cocktail and dinner reception, followed by the regular meeting on Saturday morning. We traditionally have a number of guest speakers who come from local and state government or represent one of the Adirondack stakeholder groups. Many of our members combine this meeting with a "spring trip" into camp.

The winter meeting is held in early December and is always hosted by the Adirondack League Club in Old Forge. The ALC is one of the oldest and largest private clubs of its kind in the country…they were formed in 1890 and have an amazing preserve. The history of the club combined with a unique backwoods setting makes for a memorable experience for everyone.

The winter meeting is the real highlight of our year and is very well attended by our members and their guests. The meeting starts on Friday evening with cocktails and dinner followed by our annual auction fundraiser….the auction is a fun and entertaining part of the meeting. Saturday morning following breakfast we hold a members meeting which features presentations and discussion on a wide range of Adirondack issues affecting private landowners. Many ALA members come early to this event to enjoy some of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities available at the League Club. This is one event you don’t want to miss.

Spring 2011: ALA Members Meet in North Creek

The annual ALA spring membership meeting was held at the Copperfield Inn in North Creek on May 6 & 7. Friday evening offered members the opportunity to renew old friendships and to make a few new ones. In addition, we learned more about Adirondack history during an entertaining presentation from author and owner of Forager Press, Roy Rehill.

Roy Rehill presents a "sneak peak" at his newest book

Ted Wickersham was presented with a handmade Adirondack canoe seat in recognition of his service to the ALA

Prior to the business meeting on Saturday there was an informative presentation on invasive species by Dan Spada, Director of Resource Analysis and Science Staff of the Adirondack park Agency. Dan not only gave a primer on invasive species but was helpful in letting all of us know what we should be doing as land owners and citizens to combat the plight of increasing invasive species in the Adirondack Park and beyond.

Dan Spada leads the discussion on invasive species

The business meeting included information on changes in the By-Laws as well as election of Board members and officers. Colin Bradford and Wilbur Rice were elected as new members and David Skovron and Kevin Arquit were elected for another term. New officers for 2011-2012 are Tom Williams, President…John Ernst, Vice-President…Bob Friedman, Treasurer…and John Fritzinger, Secretary. Animated discussions were held on the Governor’s proposed property tax cap, nomination of new Park Agency commissioners, and proposed additions to the Forest Preserve of former Finch and Follensby lands. The meeting was an important time for the board to hear the views and wishes of the membership on legislative and other issues concerning them.

Everyone enjoyed a great dinner and conversation

Many of the issues discussed at the meeting will be followed up with information on the ALA website in the near future.

Bill and Anna Hutchens smile for the camera