Latest news with #KenHughes
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Annual 'Grand Hike' a success for Champlain Area Trails
LEWIS/WHALLONSBURG — Though they may have had to slog through some muddy and water pooled sections as well as be cognizant of slippery leaves and rock surfaces, approximately 500 intrepid hikers accepted the challenge of Champlain Area Trail System's Grand Hike, May 10. 'The Grand Hike is a true celebration of the Champlain Valley's natural wonders and the incredible trails that CATS has worked tirelessly to create and maintain,' said Arin Burdo, Executive Director of CATS. 'Whether you're an experienced hiker or new to the outdoors, the Grand Hike provides an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and friends and meet new people on the trail.' The hike consisted of only a few road sections and featured an elevation gain of 1,532 feet. The trekkers had two options: the Full Grand Hike of 14.5 miles or the Express Route of 10.5 miles. In addition there were four oasis locations where hikers received snacks and water, use a porta-potty, and if desired could be picked up by a shuttle bus. The hikers were dropped off at SUNY Plattsburgh's Twin Valleys Outdoor Education Center in Lewis. From there they traversed a variety of ecosystems ranging from forests, fields, streams, as well as wetlands. In the midst of the woods, Essex Town Supervisor Ken Hughes stationed himself on what has been perceived as the Essex/Lewis line to cheerfully welcome hikers who crossed into his domain. No passports, Green Cards or enhanced drivers' licenses were required. The hike culminated outside the Whallonsburg Grange/Whitcomb's Garage where hikers could listen to live community music, browse art exhibits, or just stretch out on the grass. To signify their accomplishment the weary but happy hikers announced their success by ringing a three foot diameter gong. Everything went smoothly except for one of the shuttle buses which got stuck in the mire at the Essex County Fairgrounds where the participants parked their vehicles. After the event Amber Adamson, CATS Development and Communications Director said, 'We had around 500 participants, including hikers from Montreal to Albany and as far as Hawaii. Approximately 45 volunteers, including several from the Whallonsburg Grange and local businesses and organizations were stationed at an oasis and tabled at the after-hike party at Whitcomb's. 'All proceeds go toward our mission work. Champlain Area Trails has been dedicated to creating and maintaining trails since 2009, connecting people with the beauty of nature. We're proud to have developed over 100 miles of trails and conserved 3,000 acres, all while hosting countless hikes and educational events for community members and visitors alike.' Adamson added, 'We are in the process of transforming the Twin Valleys Outdoor Education Center, where this year's hike started, into a permanent nature preserve. This will keep 676 acres of beautiful Adirondack woodlands open to the public, and nearly 15 miles of trails will remain available to everyone forever. We're thrilled to announce that grants will cover 97% of the project costs. However, we still need to raise $100,000 to make this a reality.' For additional information about CATS, go to:
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Essex begins planning for town's future
ESSEX — The Town of Essex has started the process of updating its plan for the future of the town. The town would like residents to take a survey about what they envision for the community in the coming years, Essex Town Supervisor Ken Hughes said. 'This Comprehensive Plan update is a critical opportunity for our community to come together and shape the future of Essex,' Hughes said in a news release. 'We encourage all residents to participate in this process and help create a vision that reflects our shared values and aspirations.' Key points of the Essex Comprehensive Plan update process include: - Community involvement: Residents, local stakeholders, and businesses will play a vital role in identifying and evaluating existing conditions, issues, and opportunities. - Smart Growth principles: The update will be based on Smart Growth principles, ensuring sustainable and efficient development. - Vision and implementation: The plan will reflect community goals and include a clear implementation strategy. CONSULTANT PLAN The Town of Essex hired LaBella Associates of Latham as consultants to guide the planning process and help with community engagement. Jamie Konkoski is the senior planner at LaBella working with the town. In cooperation with the town, LaBella will develop an updated plan, which will include an overview of existing conditions, a series of goals for the future of Essex, and strategies to implement these goals, Hughes said. A Comprehensive Plan Local Committee chaired by Kristin Kimball was already formed to provide input on all elements of the plan and planning process, he said. The committee will meet next at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 at Whallonsburg Grange Hall. Meetings are open to the public. The updated plan will expand upon the town's 2002 Comprehensive Plan and more recent planning initiatives such as the Historic Hamlet Revitalization Strategy and Essex Marine Base Complex Adaptive Use Feasibility Study. Hughes said the town has created a web page to keep the community informed on progress of revising the plan. It's at: and also includes a link to the survey online. The site will be updated with plan information as it develops, Hughes said. 'Community members are encouraged to check the site for event dates, plan updates, and general information throughout the process.,' he said. Printed copies of the survey are also available at the Essex Town Hall and can be filled out and returned.
