On July 3, 2019 the NY State Supreme Court Appellate Division Third Judicial Department decided that construction of 27 miles of proposed Class II Community Connector trails in Newcomb, Minerva and North Hudson was an unconstitutional destruction of timber despite the fact the judges agreed the trails didn’t violate the “forever wild” clause of the state constitution. In spite of 21 miles of trail having already been cut, Protect the Adirondacks continues to fight tooth and nail against completion.
New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) promptly responded by sending a letter to Governor Cuomo, urging him to direct NYS Department of Environmental (DEC) to appeal this decision. Thankfully, NYS DEC decided to appeal. NYSSA will submit an amicus brief to become “a Friend to The Court” and become involved in this lawsuit.
NYSSA also plans on filing an amicus brief in regards to the closely-related Cedar River Bridge litigation in the Essex Chain Lakes Complex. To that end, we are looking for snowmobilers who have ridden in the area, nearby the Cedar River and across the river to contact NYSSA Executive Director Dominic Jacangelo at email: dominic@nysnowmobiler.com or by calling 888-624-3849 ext 104.
I believe that we can agree the recent court rulings cannot stand as we would lose a golden opportunity to connect the Eastern Adirondacks to Hamilton County and beyond. Lost snowmobiling opportunity equals lost tourism and economic opportunity.
How YOU can help!
I notice that fellow snowmobilers are starting to renew their club memberships for 2019-20.
The best way to help NYSSA fight for snowmobile issues IN COURT is to add Trail Defender Membership to your club membership:
Funds from Trail Defender Membership are used by NYSSA to become a “Friend to the Court” and get involved with lawsuits that threaten snowmobiling in New York State, including ilsnow land.
While you are at it, also check the box for NYS Snowmobile PAC, which enables them to lobby our lawmakers in Albany.
If you wish to contribute more than $20 to the Trail Defender fund, please send a check with “Trail Defender” written on the memo to:
New York State Snowmobile Association
Trail Defender Fund
PO Box 740
Central Square, NY 13036
Adding Trail Defender Membership is the easiest way for any snowmobiler to help NYSSA fight for us in court!
For the ilsnow nation,
Darrin
