New York Conservation Officers Association - Grant goes to Natural History Museum

Facility in Tupper Lake to Highlight Region's Ecology and Natural History

The membership of the New York Conservation Officers Association was very pleased by Governor George E. Pataki's recent announcement of a $2.5 million grant to help establish the new Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks in Tupper Lake. The facility will provide visitors with state-of-the-art exhibits highlighting the natural resources of the region such as plants and wildlife, ecosystems, weather patterns, minerals and geology.

"From its incredible glacial origin to its spectacular beauty today, New York's Adirondack region offers a remarkable natural diversity that few places in the world can rival," Governor Pataki said. "The new museum will provide a place for families and visitors to discover the rich nature, history and tradition of the Adirondacks, while surrounded by its majestic mountains, clear lakes and timeless forest."

Located on 31 acres in Tupper Lake, on the Raquette River, the new $20 million, 38,000 square foot facility is expected to draw in excess of 100,000 visitors each year. The exhibits will include a display area, wetland terraces and trails, nature hikes and ski trails, a glacier wall, an introductory lean-to and theaters and seminar areas both indoors and out. A "living river" will flow through the museum itself, surrounding the main exhibit hall on three sides, and will include a marsh, a waterfall, varying elevations and even ten foot deep walk-through aquariums.

U.S. Representative John McHugh said, "Once again, Governor Pataki has demonstrated his steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life for all Upstate New Yorkers. As New Yorkers, we sometimes overlook all of the natural wonders our great State possesses, such as the Adirondack Mountains. The Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks is a great venue for families and all New Yorkers to gain a deeper understanding and renew their appreciation for the continental United States' oldest natural park. This museum will have a profound cultural and economic impact on the entire Adirondack region."

Senator Ronald B. Stafford said, "We appreciate Governor Pataki's support for this project, one that will contribute much to the quality of life and the economy of the Adirondack region. A natural history museum in Tupper Lake will attract national and international attention and serve as an educational focus point for area residents and visitors alike."

Assemblywoman Betty Little said, "This is truly exciting news! The recognition of the value of this project for Tupper Lake, the Adirondacks and all of

New York State by Governor Pataki is key to the completion of this wonderful museum, which will be a worldwide tourist destination. So many people have worked to get the project to its current funding level. We all thank the Governor for this grant bringing us closer to groundbreaking."

Assemblyman Chris Ortloff said, "I applaud Governor Pataki for his ongoing commitment to the environment. Creation of a natural history museum in Franklin County will give visitors a greater understanding, as well as a greater appreciation for the valuable natural resources of the region. It represents yet another vehicle for a growing tourism industry and highlights the North Country's environmental riches."

The concept for the museum originated in 1998. The following year, the State of New York Provisional Charter for the Museum was awarded. The museum's mission is to inspire a broad public understanding of the natural systems that shape and sustain life in the Adirondacks.

Don "Obie" Clifford, President of the NHMA, said "I would like to thank the Governor and the State of New York for this magnificent vote of confidence for the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks. This generous support emphasizes the profound effect the museum will have on the regional economy and on the environmental understanding and education of hundreds of thousands of people in the Adirondack Region and beyond."

Commissioner Bernadette Castro of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said "Governor Pataki needs to be commended for his long‑standing commitment to the environment. Not only has he protected the natural heritage of this state, but he has supported educational programs that have increased awareness of our ecological and geological treasures. The Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks will do both, serving generations of New Yorkers to come."

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said, "Governor Pataki has shown unprecedented leadership and vision in protecting our environment and promoting opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors. With the opening of this nature museum, people of all ages will be able to learn more about our environment and how they can help protect our natural resources." The museum will offer many valuable programs and exhibits. A Naturalists' Cabinet for hands‑on study, a Resource Center containing a comprehensive library, a website designed to be a premier global resource on the Adirondacks, the Adirondack Biological Encyclopedia project (ABLE), indoor and outdoor classrooms, curricula development, teacher training, naturalist and aquarist programs, centers for citizen science where students at any level can participate in ongoing projects and even NHMA expeditions to local community centers and schools will all facilitate both learning and research.

The museum will be built with a minimal impact on the surrounding land. From utilizing solar power to using surrounding wetlands to filter used water, the building will be a model of environmentally responsible design and operation. The museum is targeted to open in June 2003.

The Adirondack Park is the largest park in the United States outside of Alaska, drawing millions of visitors each year. Within the Park is the Adirondack Forest Preserve, comprising more than 2.6 million acres, the largest complex of wild public lands in the Eastern United States.