I spent a couple day this past week at the Local Government Day Conference up in Lake Placid, NY. The meeting consists of state officials, local government attendees, NGOs, and concerned citizens. I met officials with a wealth of knowledge about the Adirondack Park, and caught up on the agenda and issues for the coming year.

Though there were often differences of opinion, I felt an overwhelming care and respect for the park and the area. It has been said that Adirondackers would rather fight than win, and while this may be true, everyone I met was truly passionate about making a difference in their community, and throughout the park. It was inspiring to see so many people gathered to debate and discuss issues that have no easy solutions.

This is the basis for the Adirondack project I am working on - how the park balances community, economy, and ecology. The issues aren’t simple, and the solutions will likely be ever-evolving as the local and state interests strive to balance a well protected environment with the social and economic needs of the truly unique Adirondack communities.

More on this project to come.

While I was up in the area, I shot 2 quick pictures. The first is a portrait of my friend, John Vargo - the owner of the Eat N Meet Grill , a great place for all types of food. The menu includes local favorites, dishes with international appeal, and they are all cooked fresh, and available for take-out if you’re busy.

The second image is of the lobby / bar of the Crowne Plaza hotel in Lake Placid, what a view….