NY lawmakers pass gun-storage requirement
By Michael Virtanen
The storage or locking requirement would apply to guns that are out of the owner’s “immediate possession or control.”
Michael Virtanen
Michael Virtanen is a former Explorer staff reporter who also previously worked as a correspondent for the Associated Press and for daily newspapers in Albany, Utica and Amsterdam, N.Y.
All Stories by Michael Virtanen
DEC eyes improvements to forestry tax breaks
By Michael Virtanen
Established under a 1974 amendment to an earlier law, the 480-A program provides owners of 50 acres or more tax incentives for “continued production of forest crops.” The state is looking for ways to enroll more owners.
DEC maintains stance on paddling rights
By Michael Virtanen
In December, State Supreme Court Justice Richard Aulisi, after hearing three weeks of trial testimony, reversed his own initial ruling in the lawsuit brought by the landowners who want strangers kept off their lands and waters.
Report cites 10 septic system priority areas along Lake George
By Michael Virtanen
Septic system leaks have contributed to algal blooms in Lake George. They also pose a risk for harmful cyanobacteria that can make swimmers sick.
Talks continue on purchase of Tahawus rail line
By Michael Virtanen
The DEC had objected to Iowa Pacific storing idled freight and tanker cars on its tracks inside the Adirondack Forest Preserve last winter. The cars were removed last spring.
New York enacting new gun restrictions
By Michael Virtanen
Background checks are intended to determine whether would-be gun buyers have felony or domestic violence convictions or determined mental illnesses that would prevent them from legally owning a gun.
DEC commissioner defends current ranger staffing
By Michael Virtanen
Scott van Laer, a ranger in the High Peaks Wilderness and a union representative, urged legislators to add staffing. There are 106 field rangers statewide and some supervisors, and 50 permanent rangers who patrol 2.6 million acres in the Adirondacks. That compares to 330 federal rangers who patrol the Yellowstone National Park’s 2.2 million acres, he said.
Cuomo calls for New York ecotourism, using electric shuttles for crowded spots
By Michael Virtanen
“In heavily traveled areas and popular state-owned destinations, New York will invest in safe and environmentally friendly transportation options, launching electric shuttle systems and installing additional electric vehicle charging stations,” according to the governor’s 2019 agenda.
Legislation introduced to shrink threshold for APA clearcut permits
By Michael Virtanen
Bills re-introduced at the start of the New York Legislature’s 2019 session would require Adirondack Park Agency permits for clearcutting more than five acres of privately owned timberland.
Open Space Institute buys land in Adirondack foothills
By Michael Virtanen
The Open Space Institute has purchased 890 acres along the southern edge of the Adirondack Park, which OSI said will permanently protect the forested parcel.