The APA is a New York State government agency, consisting of approximately 56 staff and an eleven-member board. In 1971 the APA was created by the State Legislature to develop long-range land use plans for both public and private lands within the Park.
Maps & Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) uses GIS to understand and support the natural and cultural resources of the Park.
Addressing the Needs of Property Owners
The Adirondack Park Agency regulates development on private land in the Adirondack Park. Before you develop property, you may need a permit from the APA. For more information, please see the links below.
APA Research, Science and Planning Policy
With its mix of public and private lands, the Adirondack Park provides a rich landscape for the research of natural and cultural resources. Wetland Study Throughout its more than a quarter-century of operation, the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) has built scientific, geographic, and planning databases to be able to serve the public more effectively and efficiently, to aid the decision-making process for other State agencies, local governments, organizations and landowners in the Park, and to encourage more research involvement within the Park by universities.
The Adirondack Park Agency on-line library provides documents pertaining to laws, regulations and standards, as well as guidelines, reports and helpful flyers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Some common questions are provided below.
Click on link at the bottom to find answers to these questions.
• How do I know if I need an APA permit?
• What does the Agency look for when reviewing a project?
• How is my land classified?
• What do I need to know before I buy or sell land?
• Why do wetlands require special protection?
• What is the APA’s jurisdiction in Villages and Hamlets?
• What is a watershed?
• Do shoreline restrictions apply to all projects?
• What can I do to protect the watershed?
• When are public hearings held?
• What are some of the regulated activities reviewed by government agencies in the park?
• Are there any current job openings at the Adirondack Park Agency?
• Where do I find information on employment opportunities at the APA?
• What are the mission and vision of the Adirondack Park Agency?
• What is the Agency’s regulatory role in relation to business?
• Does every industrial and commercial project require a permit from the Agency?
• What if I want to work out of my home?
• If a permit is required, what is involved?
• How does the Agency decide whether to grant a business related permit?
• How long does it take to get a permit?
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1,1970 to combine in a single agency all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment.
Mission: “To conserve, improve and protect New York’s natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being.” DEC’s goal is to achieve this mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives.
Your guide to outdoor fun in New York
Education
DEC has environmental education programs and resources that will help everyone become a better steward of the environment.
Have you ever wondered why you need a license to do some of your favorite outdoor activities? Fishing and hunting, as well as other outdoor sports and recreation, require careful management to strike a balance between supply and demand.
Today New York has more forest than it has had in the past 150 years. New York’s forests serve as an important economic and recreational resource. Preserving and protecting our forests benefits local communities and industries, and the state as a whole.
One of DEC’s main responsibilities is to manage and protect New York State’s wild animal and plant populations. To do this, DEC conserves crucial habitats and sets regulations and policies that protect plant and animal resources.
While people usually enjoy having wildlife around, problems sometimes arise when the activities of people and wildlife clash.
The Department is concerned with the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the people of the State of New York and the conservation and protection of its natural resources. Water stored behind a dam represents potential energy which can create a hazard to life and property located downstream of a dam. In order for a dam to safely fulfill its intended function, it must be constructed, operated and maintained properly.
Lake Hadlock Association 