MEMORANDUM

TO: Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission

Albany Pine Bush Technical Committee and Partners

FROM: Christopher A. Hawver, Executive Director

CC: Gene Kelly, NYSDEC Region 4, Chair

DATE: December 7, 2011

RE: December 14, 2011 Commission Meeting #89 @ the Discovery Center

Attached is the agenda for the Wednesday, December 14, 2011, 9:30 am meeting of the Albany

Pine Bush Preserve Commission. The meeting will be in the Pine Barrens Room of the Albany

Pine Bush Discovery Center.

If you have any questions regarding the proposed agenda, please contact Margie Stein at our office

(456-0655 x1215), or myself (456-0655 x1218). We thank you for your continued support of the

Albany Pine Bush Preserve and look forward to seeing you.

Distribution:

Commission Technical Committee

Gene J. Kelly, Esq. (NYSDEC) Richard Georgeson (NYSDEC)

Commissioner Rose Harvey (NYSOPRHP) Karen Terbush (NYSOPRHP)

Anthony M. Wilkinson (TNC) Mark King (TNC)

Hon. Jerry Jennings (City of Albany) Brad Glass (City of Albany)

Hon. Kenneth Runion (Guilderland) Donald Csaposs (Guilderland)

Hon. Paula A. Mahan (Colonie) Mike Lyons (Colonie)

Hon. Michael G. Breslin (Albany County) Mark Fitzsimmons (Albany County)

Harvey J. Alexander, PhD. (Citizen member) Paul Russell

John Brust (Citizen member)

Aaron Mair (Citizen member)

Steven K. Rice, PhD. (Citizen member)

Additional: Larry Eckhaus, Esq. (NYSDEC)

Tom Lyons (NYSOPRHP)

Karl Parker (NYSDEC)

Loretta Simon, Esq. (NYSOAG)

Bill Bruce (City of Albany representative)

Lisa Anthony (APBPC Finance)

Emailed Agenda: Michael Yevoli Shauna Desantis, Esq. Peter Innes

Ken Hamm, Esq. John Sipos, Esq. Joseph LaCivita

Rich Ostrov, Esq. Jan Weston Doug Haller

Bill Clarke Nancy Amo Andy Marcuccio

Tom Reynolds Doug Melnick

ALBANY PINE BUSH PRESERVE COMMISSION

MEETING #89

WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2011, 9:30 am

Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center

Pine Barrens Room

9:30 1) Introductions – Gene Kelly, Vice Chair

2) Consider minutes of September 15, 2011 meeting

9:35 3) Comments from the public

9:45 4) Reports:

a) Commission Chair – Gene Kelly

b) Commission Members

c) Executive Director – Chris Hawver

d) Technical Committee – Neil Gifford

e) Discovery Center – Mike Venuti

f) Financial report – Chris Hawver

10:15 5) Annual report on investments – Mike Durand, Key Bank

10:30 6) Action Items:

a) Consider signatory authority on financial accounts

b) Consider 5-year Budget and Financial Plan for reporting requirements

c) Consider conversion of money market to checking account

10:45 7) Presentation and Discussion Topics:

a) Hydrogeologic study – Neil Gifford

b) Hydrogeology of the Pine Bush – John Williams, USGS

11:15 8) Executive Session

11:30 9) Other Business and Adjourn:

a) Future meetings at the Discovery Center:

March 15, 2012, 9:30 am

June 21, 2012, 9:30 am

September 20, 2012, 9:30 am

December 20, 2012, 9:30am

TO: Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (APBPC)

APBPC Technical Committee

FROM: Christopher Hawver, Executive Director;

Margaret Stein, Office Manager

DATE: December 7, 2011

RE: December 2011 Pine Bush Update

Since the September meeting, Commission staff, partners, interns and volunteers have continued

progress toward a number of exciting Pine Bush projects. Here are highlights from this fall:

Communications

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission has a new website!

We have just launched a new and improved www.albanypinebush.org

Some exciting new features include: search engines, frequently asked questions, ability to register and

pay for your Discovery Center programs online, watch videos about the Preserve, and a small sample

of gift shop items are available for online purchase. We hope you take a few minutes to browse

through it and let us know what you think!

We also have an all new Events Calendar! The new Events Calendar is much more user friendly. If you are using it for the first time, please

create a new account (even if you had an account, please create a new one). This new account will

allow you to manage your profile information, event registrations, and reset your password.

Discovery Center

The service road, located on the east side of the Discovery Center, was resurfaced with porous

pavement in mid-September. This pervious asphalt product was placed over 12” of stone and readily

accepts the water from rain events.

A bid proposal for the replacement of the Discovery Center entrance sign was recently successfully

advertised. As a result, a contract is currently being prepared with Sign-A-Rama, located in Syracuse.

Using a design developed by Taylor Studios and Envision Architects, Sign-A-Rama will fabricate and

install this new, more visible and theme appropriate sign by spring of 2012.

Fire Management

Brandon has completed three National Wildfire Coordinating Group courses to advance his fire

qualifications (S-390, RX-341, and RX-301). One management unit has been burned in Region D of

the preserve (Dogbane). Wildland Fire Training was provided to 15 City of Albany Fire recruits.

Work is continuing to progress on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan and the Region C South

Prescription. A presentation was given to students at Finger Lakes Community College on careers in

Wildland/Prescribed Fire. Brandon represented the Commission at the New York State Firewise

Council meeting and assisted in teaching S-130 and S190 to the Massachusetts National Guard.

Stewardship

Stewardship/Fire Crew – After an extremely productive field season, seasonal employees David

Decker and Tyler Briggs will continue through March 31, 2011. We have not typically had seasonal

staff through the winter, but Dave and Tyler will be working on controlling invasives through

December, and then GPS and GIS projects which are long overdue during the winter months.

Additionally they will assist with field season planning, and possibly some winter trail construction.

Seed collection – Seed collection for 2011 is complete, and seed will be cleaned and prepared later this

winter. We had another excellent year of lupine collection and expect about 90 pounds of lupine seed

to be available for next year’s restoration planting. We also collected adequate amounts of all of our

other restoration species to plant next year’s acreage at our ideal seeding rates with significant amounts

of seed left over to “bank” for the following year.

Boundary posting and encroachments – Over 33 additional encroachments on Preserve lands have

been resolved since September. Commission and NYSDEC staff have worked with these neighbors by

identifying property lines and providing time extensions for those who needed them so they could

remove the trespassing items. Only one Preserve neighbor required additional enforcement action to

produce full compliance with Preserve rules and regulations.

Invasive plant treatments continue – Aspen tree treatments completed in the fall of 2010 on 480

acres are continuing this fall on another 500 acres in the Preserve. The “drill and fill” mechanical and

chemical technique is used to rapidly treat tens of thousands of trees. This work will continue into

January 2012. Although aspen trees are native to the Pine Bush their population has exploded in the

absence of fire over several decades. Treatment of these trees is the critical first restoration step before

then putting these acres on the list for prescribed fire in future years.

Black locust re-sprouts treated on over 30 acres – Each year black locust tree sprouts on restoration

sites are treated to stop this highly invasive tree from recolonizing these sites. Sites are visited the first

year after the trees are removed and then every few years thereafter to keep these trees under control

and allow the native plants to thrive across these acres.

Trail network changes – Implementation of the trail system changes proposed in the 2010

Management Plan has been initiated. In both Karner Barrens East and Blueberry Hill, internal trails

that fragment larger tracts of quality habitat have been closed, and new perimeter trails have been

created. Large maps on trailhead kiosks, smaller portable maps at the kiosks, and information at both

the Discovery Center and on our website highlight these changes for the public. We will continue to

make gradual changes to the trail system as feasible.

Conservation Science

Staff changes – Preserve Ecologist Jason Bried has left his position to pursue a PhD at Oklahoma

State University. The Commission’s Assistant Ecologist, Amanda Dillon (aka “Dillon”), has a new

title, Field Ecologist and Environmental Educator, and divides her time and talents between

conservation science and environmental education.

Autumn bird research – The Preserve is an amazing place to witness the annual migration of many

North American bird species. In 2011 Conservation Director Neil Gifford and Amanda Dillon,

completed the 5th consecutive year of autumn migrant bird research within a 15 acre section of Karner

Barrens East. With the help of 11 volunteers who contributed 228 hours of time, the group captured

414 birds from among 48 species in just 17 sample days. The crew operated 10 mist nets for five hours

each morning between August 11 and October 20 under a permit from the US Geologic Survey and

Master Bird Bander, Dr. Jeremy Kirchman (NYS Museum). A summary of the first three years of

autumn migrant bird research, Stable Isotope analysis of fall migration stopover by six passerine

species in an inland pitch pine scrub oak barren, was published in the September 2011 issue of the

Wilson Journal of Ornithology. This season’s highlights included 68 yellow-rumped warblers, 47 gray

catbirds, 44 white-throated sparrows, 19 eastern towhee’s, 15 hermit thrush, 14 magnolia warblers, 11

golden-crowned kinglet, 7 field sparrows, 6 American woodcock, 5 ruby-throated hummingbirds, 3

sharp-shinned hawks and a pileated woodpecker…in a pine tree.

Inland barrens buckmoth – Amanda Dillon and seasonal staff Grace Barber, Dave Decker, Tyler

Briggs and Plattsburgh State University volunteer Lilly Schelling, conducted the 2011 buckmoth

surveys. The results reveal that the Preserve supports a relatively large population throughout most of

the available scrub oak habitat. Of six sites surveyed adult buckmoth were observed at three. A

variety of factors likely contributed to the lack of observations at the other sites, including late season

frost that eliminated their scrub oak food source; overall the 2011 adult buckmoth observation rates

were the highest recorded since monitoring began 20 years ago. An investigation of environmental

factors that influence buckmoth survival will be part of a new research project being implemented by a

SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry graduate student in 2012, working under Dr. Dylan Parry.

We look forward to learning how the Commission’s efforts can improve habitat for this rare moth.

Wetlands – Science staff implemented ecological surveys of 12 unique wetland sites throughout the

Preserve in 2011. Sampling included vegetation, birds, damselflies, dragonflies, other aquatic insects,

and hydrological characteristics including pH, depth, and temperature. Dragonfly and damselfly

surveys resulted in more than 40 species, including three previously unknown to the Preserve. Data

will be used to characterize imperiled Pine Barrens Vernal Pond habitat and other Preserve wetlands

important to many Species of Greatest Conservation need. The data will also aid in assessing the

habitat viability of Preserve wetlands for the reintroduction of the Ringed Bog-haunter dragonfly, a

NYS-extirpated species originally discovered in the Pine Bush. Identification of aquatic insects this

winter will be followed by continued hydrological monitoring in 2012.

City of Albany Wildlife Habitat Restoration Project - The City of Albany continues to implement

the Albany Rapp Road Landfill Ecosystem Mitigation, Restoration & Enhancement Plan, in

accordance with state and federal permits associated with the expansion of the Rapp Road Sanitary

Landfill. The City’s aggressive project – only one part of the mitigation program approved by state

and federal regulators - will restore and/or enhance more than 200 acres, approximately half of which

will occur on dedicated Preserve lands. The 2011 phase of the habitat restoration project included

completing native plant test plots on the closed landfill, and completing a native plant nursery and

restoring a variety of stream corridors, wetlands and associated native upland community types at the

former trailer park. The City’s consultants communicate project details with Commission and

NYSDEC staff weekly. Details and reports regarding the restoration plan can be found at:

http://www.albanyny.org/Government/Departments/GeneralServices/TrashRecycling/landfill.aspx.

Education

Junior Docents supported by CDTA and Mr. Subb - If there is one word to describe this summer’s

Jr. Docent Volunteer program it would be “active”. From day one the volunteers were on the move,

learning, exploring, teaching, applying and expanding their knowledge and skills. We were happy to

include students from many local middle and high schools. Schools represented include Albany High

School, Farnsworth Middle School, Guilderland High School, Niskayuna High School, Scotia-

Glenville Middle School and Tech Valley High School. Support for the Junior Docent program came

from CDTA and Mr. Subb for transportation to and from the Discovery Center.

Exploration Station investigations – Come visit our current Exploration Station, “Biomimicry” at the

Discovery Center and learn how nature can be an inspiration for technology. The Biomimicry exhibit

will be on display through the end of the year. The next Exploration Station planned for the Discovery

Center is “Subnivian Pine Bush” where visitors will learn about life under the snowpack.

Environmental education interns - The Albany Pine Bush education program grew a little larger

with the help of two college Environmental Education interns, Clare and Lily. Each student

volunteered 35 hours per week over a six week block of time and assisted education staff with a

myriad of projects including leading education programs, interpretive writing projects, care for

education animals and program preparation. Their level of enthusiasm and initiative was impressive

and we sincerely appreciate their high level of contribution to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Schools visit the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center – This fall, almost 800 students visited the

Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center for hands-on guided education programs, marking a 30% increase

in fall school visitation from 2010.

Winter programs – The Discovery Center and Pine Bush Education staff are gearing up for a busy

winter of school, public and special interest group programs. Schools are invited to the Discovery

Center for our Winter Ecology program, “Where do all the wild things go?” As well as Discover the

Pine Bush. We will also be offering a diversity of programs to the public including a series of full

moon hikes, “Groggy Groundhogs”, “Aerial Acrobats” and “Owl Prowls.” Our Pine Bush Pups

programs for pre-school aged children will be also be resuming for a six week period of time this

winter. We hope to see you at one of our programs!

Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission

Statement of Financial Activities

A B C D

2011-12 BUDGET

REVENUE Budget Actual % Budget

1 Dues & Contributions 25,200$ 29,267$ 116% 50,000$

2 Government Grants & Contracts 1,205,000$ 748,557$ 62% 2,010,000$

3 Mitigation Fees 180,000$ 187,000$ 104% 360,000$

4 Investment Income 38,296$ 651$ 2% 65,651$

5 Lease Revenue 89,984$ 103,775$ 115% 155,343$

6 Other Revenue 8,100$ 13,036$ 161% 17,250$

7 TOTAL REVENUE 1,546,580$ 1,082,286$ 70% 2,658,244$

EXPENSES

8 Personnel & Fringe 708,771$ 533,777$ 75% 1,171,771$

9 Travel & Training 12,985$ 9,307$ 72% 18,535$

10 Contractual 435,828$ 257,064$ 59% 821,293$

11 Communications 60,240$ 24,255$ 40% 78,175$

12 Occupancy 71,034$ 63,380$ 89% 119,740$

13 Supplies & Equipment 97,991$ 63,908$ 65% 135,853$

14 Other Expenses 22,120$ 27,238$ 123% 53,470$

15 TOTAL EXPENSES 1,408,969$ 978,929$ 69% 2,398,837$

16 NET SURPLUS (DEFICIT) 137,611$ 103,357$ 259,407$

YEAR-TO-DATE

October 31, 2011

Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission

Statement of Net Assets

A B

FY 2012 FY 2011

ASSETS

1 Cash & Cash Equivalents 221,605$ 819,355$

2 Conservation & Land Reserves 876,205 18,365

3 Grants Receivable - 473,135

4 Accounts Receivable 182,554 89,245

5 Inventory 15,524 9,070

6 Prepaid Expenses - 17,448

7 Investments 3,137,510 3,190,108

9 Capital Assets, net of 4,775,950 4,775,950

accumulcated depreciation

10 TOTAL ASSETS 9,209,348$ 9,392,676$

LIABILITIES

11 Accounts Payable & Accrued Expenses 153,372$ 117,236$

12 Deferred Revenue - 12,313

13 TOTAL LIABILITIES 153,372$ 129,549$

NET ASSETS

14 Invested in Capital Assets, net of debt 4,775,950$ 4,775,950$

15 Reserved 36,969 36,969

16 Unreserved 4,243,057 4,450,208

17 TOTAL NET ASSETS 9,055,976$ 9,263,127$

October 31, 2011

Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission

Investment Summary

Reserve Fund

Beginning Balance 760,653.39

Deposits -

Withdrawals -

Expenses (3,199.74)

Income 25,473.87

Unrealized Gains/Losses 49,844.00

Ending Balance 832,771.52

Annualized Rate 9.94%

Discovery Center Endowment

Beginning Balance 76,156.76

Deposits -

Withdrawals -

Expenses (301.19)

Income 902.53

Unrealized Gains/Losses (3,111.21)

Ending Balance 73,646.89

Annualized Rate -2.91%

Endowment

Beginning Balance 2,371,663.29

Deposits -

Withdrawals -

Expenses (9,267.40)

Income 19,327.20

Unrealized Gains/Losses (150,631.78)

Ending Balance 2,231,091.31

Annualized Rate -5.56%

October 31, 2011