June 14, 2020 — Page 2 Of 3

It Can Happen Here

Andy | June 14, 2020

Liberal democracy has enjoyed much better days. Vladimir Putin has entrenched authoritarian rule and is firmly in charge of a resurgent Russia. In global influence, China may have surpassed the United States, and Chinese president Xi Jinping is now empowered to remain in office indefinitely. In light of recent turns toward authoritarianism in Turkey, Poland, Hungary, and the Philippines, there is widespread talk of a “democratic recession.” In the United States, President Donald Trump may not be sufficiently committed to constitutional principles of democratic government.

U.S. unveils vision for more development in national forests – Reuters

Andy | June 14, 2020

U.S. unveils vision for more development in national forests – Reuters

In a memorandum to U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen, Perdue said more was needed to relieve burdensome regulations on industries and make federal forests and grasslands more productive.

“These lands are critical for the prosperity of rural communities, sustaining jobs and livelihoods in grazing, mining, oil and gas development, recreation and forestry,” the letter said.

The vision laid out in the letter is in line with the Trump administration’s broad effort to allow more energy extraction and infrastructure development on federal lands and waters.

Perdue directed the USFS to streamline processes and identify new opportunities for mineral extraction, expedite broadband development, and speed up permitting for grazing and logging. He also said the agency should increase recreation opportunities and open public access to more forest lands.

Lost Pond Sign

Andy | June 14, 2020

Saturday June 26, 2010 — Charles Baker State Forest — Charles Baker State Forest 🗺 — Charles Baker State Forest Auto Tour Route 🗺 — Charles Baker State Forest Horse and Truck Trails 🗺— PDF with All Maps 📚

Map: Applachian Region Of New York State

In many ways it really sucks that so much of the Adirondacks were devestated by the October 31, 2019 storm and have yet to fully rebuild. The pandemic and resulting economic tax revenue crash has really slowed these projects down.

I am just hoping that all of Piseco Powley Road reopens for easy access to the Potholers for the second half of the summer. I know that’s probably wishful thinking but it doesn’t hurt to hope.