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APA board approves zip line

This image shows a zip line ride like one the state Olympic Regional Development Authority plans to install at the Olympic Jumping Complex in Lake Placid. (Image provided by ORDA)

RAY BROOK — Late last week, the state Adirondack Park Agency board found that two unit management plans were in conformance with the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan and approved a permit that would allow zip lines in Lake Placid.

The APA board, during its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, approved a permit that will allow the state Olympic Regional Development Authority to construct a four-line zip line at the ski jumping complex in Lake Placid. The zip lines are part of a massive overhaul of the 1980 Olympic venues, and the permit approved last week accounted for some small changes in ORDA’s plans.

APA board member Art Lussi, who was filling in for acting APA board Chair Karen Feldman, recused himself from the ORDA vote since he is also on the ORDA board.

The APA board also voted in favor of two unit management plans at the end of Thursday’s meeting.

The first, a generic UMP from the state Department of Transportation, provides guidance on the management of travel corridors throughout the Adirondacks. This UMP does not provide detailed plans for future management of travel corridors. State officials have told the Enterprise that a UMP for the DOT-owned Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor should be forthcoming this summer, including plans to replace the 34 miles of tracks between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid with a trail for biking, snowmobiling and other uses.

The APA also approved the UMP for the Hammond Pond Wild Forest, which is a collection of parcels in the eastern part of the park. One hang-up from the public comment period was what to do with the boat launch on Eagle Lake. The state Department of Environmental Conservation — which produced the UMP — decided to solve the boat launch issue in the next five years, either through a new plan for the launch or through reclassification of that particular area.

The APA also got updates on the Adirondack Mountain Club’s Summit Steward program and on efforts to combat invasive species.

The APA board is next set to meet on Thursday and Friday, June 13 and 14.

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