History

The modern corporate form of AdkAction.org came into existence in early 2011 and is awaiting certification as a New York not-for-profit charity and as an IRS-endorsed 501c3 organization. A predecessor unincorporated association led to the formation of AdkAction.org, Inc.

During the summers of 2006 and 2007 a group of more than 30 Tri Lakes residents, composed of almost equal numbers of permanent and seasonal residents, held meetings to discuss issues of mutual concern. The idea of forming an action committee for the Adirondacks arose at the earliest meetings. The group concluded that such a committee, with its ability to raise money, and support important issues, was needed to advocate for the specific interests of the Adirondacks and especially Tri-Lakes residents. It was recognized that these people with common interests were fragmented by dispersion over different towns and counties and that seasonal residents with longtime, close local ties and interests in the community were often powerless because they could not vote in local elections. A volunteer Organizing Committee from this group took the steps necessary to create AdkAction.org, whose goal was to give all a stronger voice in important local decisions.

An initial survey developed by the group showed overwhelming support for launching AdkAction.org and a commitment from many to contribute time and money. During the fall of 2007 AdkAction.org moved from concept to reality. This survey was replaced by an online version with improved questions, based on the initial test surveys. The first results of this survey produced the following high-priority issues which at least 2/3 of the respondents Agreed or Strongly Agreed were important:

• · Consolidation of overlapping village, town and county services
• · Broadband access throughout the Adirondacks
• · Improved state planning and oversight of water quality, control of invasive species, and management of road salt and its environmental impacts
• · Fair and consistent property assessments for all residents, both local and seasonal
• · Strengthened enforcement of existing land and water use codes
• · Elimination of State-imposed and unfunded mandates
• · Property tax reform, including seeking alternative means to funding education and caps on property tax increases until a property is sold
• · More projects that generate jobs and attract visitors, like the Community Store, Adirondack Carousel, etc.
• · Control of boats moving from lakes with invasive species
• · State tax-equivalent support for State land, equal to private taxation levies
• · Control of "sprawl" through better planning and land use regulations, plus retail building and plaza size limits throughout the Park
• · Park-wide standards for personal watercraft use

The first Steering Committee was elected in January, 2008. In August 2008 AdkAction.org conduced a conference on the valuation of state lands attended by 120 town and county officials.

You may contact us with questions or comments by sending a single email to info@AdkAction.org. If you would be willing to run for our board of directors in upcoming elections, please indicate that in your online survey.

The goal is now to build AdkAction.org's financial strength so that it can influence important issues identified by its members. A simple and safe electronic payment system has been created on the website to facilitate donations by credit card, bank transfer, PayPal, or check.

You can support AdkAction.org by taking the new survey and making a contribution online. Members elect a Board of Directors every year and member surveys determine priorities and to identify issues. Our goal is to attract many small to medium donations to reach the widest possible base of support, but larger gifts are obviously appreciated.

AdkAction.org is determined to establish credibility initially in the Tri Lakes community and ultimately across the Adirondacks by operating with transparency, democratic elections, and by basing its positions on member survey results.

We urge you to spread the word to your community and lake neighbors and friends about AdkAction.org. We are off to a great start and with your help can become a powerful voice for the whole Adirondacks.