ALBANYLAW Magazine | Fall 2024
Experts in Environmental Law
Albany Law School alumni are making waves in environmental law, policy, protections, and efforts to make a better world for all of us—now and in the future.
CLAUDIA BRAYMER ’09
Claudia Braymer ’09’s journey into environmental advocacy has been shaped by her long-standing commitment to protecting natural resources.
This commitment dates back to before she even started law school. She found a deep love for the Adirondacks as a child and parlayed that into environmental resource management studies at Penn State. She then went to work for Booz Allen Hamilton, outside of Washington D.C., a consulting firm that performed work for federal agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency.
During her early post-undergraduate years, she was also a U.S. Rugby player competing in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
In 2005, she moved to New York and began law school, planning to focus on environmental law. She also had the opportunity to play in the 2006 World Cup, which caused a hiccup in her law school coursework but was an awesome opportunity.
The sport has taught her strength, resilience, and the importance of putting in hard work—all transferrable to legal advocacy work.
During law school, she was president of the Environmental Law Society, wrote journal articles, and organized symposia.
On January 1, 2025 she assumed the role of Executive Director of Protect the Adirondacks, a non-profit, grassroots membership organization dedicated to the protection and stewardship of the public and private lands of the Adirondack Park.
She was introduced to the organization while serving as legal counsel for them around 2012 during a case against the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regarding snowmobile trails in the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
“We challenged that as unconstitutional under Article 14, section one. There’s a provision that specifically allows for citizen suits. So way back, I think in 2013 is when we had to make a motion for permission to use the citizen suit provision and sue the DEC,” she said. “I was really thrilled to be part of that process. It felt historic even then. I think now having come out on the other side 10 years later, and seeing that we won is really amazing. But I was proud of the organization for taking the stance, and also for taking the risk of suing the State. It’s hard to take on a state agency, and to be out there, maybe, as one of the only voices saying, ‘this is unconstitutional. The State is going too far.’ I was proud to see them not watch that happen and I have been a fan of Protect [The Adirondacks] ever since.”
After serving as Deputy Director from 2023 through 2024, when an opportunity came to lead the organization, Braymer knew she had to give it a shot, despite having her own growing law firm since 2017.
“Protect was formed by one of our predecessor organizations in 1901. So we’ve been around for a really long time advocating for the Adirondack Park, and its natural resources, the trees, the soil, the birds, the animals that are using the Adirondack park as their habitat. People who live in the private lands of the Park are often underserved as far as legal representation. We try to do our best to help people out and help them raise concerns about whatever issues are happening close to them.”
Her private practice included real estate transactions and land use regulation, but focused predominantly on environmental law. Her understanding of zoning and planning, while not initially part of her legal training, became essential in her practice, particularly in opposition to development projects.
The foundational education from Albany Law School also comes in handy, she said. “One of the things I still rely on all the time is the IRAC method,” she said. She stays in touch with the law school. She recently spoke at the Journal of Science and Technology’s Spring symposium, Place, Space & Justice in a Climate Migration World.
LEE WASSERMAN ’83
Lee Wasserman ’83, director of the Rockefeller Family Fund, leads the organization’s dual role as a grant maker and policy advocate in three areas: climate change, democracy, and economic justice for women.
In the climate arena, the Rockefeller Family Fund focuses heavily on holding major oil companies accountable for their role in the climate crisis and ending the buildout of fossil fuel infrastructure necessary for the expanded extraction of oil and gas.
Wasserman noted that the Fund’s efforts in the climate accountability work includes litigation and legislative initiatives aimed at ensuring these companies pay for the damage they knowingly caused while also contributing fairly to climate adaptation. Numerous states and municipalities have used the Fund’s work to file dozens of lawsuits seeking climate damages from oil companies that deceived the public about the climate risks of their products. More-over, cases have been successfully brought by RFF grantees under the Clean Water Act and RCRA to force oil companies to fortify facilities that present the risk of toxic inundation due to an increase in sea level combined with climate-driven extreme weather events.
Legislatively, the Rockefeller Family Fund supports and advocates for bills designed to address climate pollution and adaptation costs. Notably, the Fund backed “Climate Superfund” legislation in several states, including Vermont and New York, which assesses major climate polluters for a share of the costs of climate-induced damages and adaptation. These initiatives reflect a growing trend to integrate climate account-ability into the nation’s environmental laws. “We believe that big oil companies should pay a fair share of the damages they knowingly caused,” Wasserman said, emphasizing the need for these companies to internalize the costs of their product.
“This work will enable states to adapt more readily to growing climate challenges, which will cost billions, and address the damage caused by climate-caused catastrophes that now regularly occur,” Wasserman said. “The grossly unethical conduct of these companies—deceiving the public for decades about the consequences of burning fossil fuels despite sophisticated scientific knowledge to the contrary—should dis-qualify them from helping to guide our energy policy in the twenty-first century,” he added.
Wasserman’s time at Albany Law School —deeply influenced by his professors and the intellectual environment of the state capital—helped lay the groundwork for his career as an environmental advocate.
“I was always committed to doing some-thing to advance the common good and determined that having a law degree would be an important steppingstone to a public interest career. Albany Law School was terrific because, first of all, the professors and my fellow students created an intellectual environment that provided an opportunity to think about the intersection of the law and social issues in ways that I hadn’t previously contemplated,” he said.
“And with school in the state capital,
I had a chance to see the intersection of legal theory, advocacy, and public policy development up close. I had an internship at the state capital during my time at law school and met people who I’m still close friends with. After a quick stint in private practice after graduation, I returned to the state capitol, working in the Assembly Speaker’s counsel office. This led to my next role as executive director of an advocacy group—Environmental Advocates of New York—and my public interest career was on its way.”
Looking back on his now 30 years in environmental law, Wasserman has seen significant advancements in climate policy and litigation gains, but also setbacks and the daunting hurdles ahead.
“The work is long-term and requires persistence,” he said. “Even small victories are crucial and can lead to a virtuous cycle of public gains as we strive towards a more sustainable future.”
CARIN SPREITZER ’04
From her time as a student at Albany Law School, Carin Spreitzer ’04 was determined to work at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Now, she has amassed nearly two decades of experience in environmental law with the state agency.
“After graduating, I spent about 18 months in private practice. When a position opened at DEC, I applied and was eventually offered the role,” Spreitzer said.
At the DEC, Spreitzer has played a crucial role in offering legal guidance across various facets of environmental law, notably within the Division of Water, which focuses on protecting and conserving New York State’s water resources. She finds deep fulfillment in working with her team to positively impact the lives of New Yorkers.
“I find joy in every completed task, whether big or small. Each milestone contributes to the overall mission of DEC,” Spreitzer said. “I truly enjoy problem-solving alongside my technical colleagues. They are some of the most respectful and supportive individuals I’ve met. They value my input, approach me with well-defined questions, and we make decisions collaboratively.”
Spreitzer’s commitment and expertise have led to significant career advancement. In 2020, she was promoted to Chief of the Water and Natural Resources Bureau, a role she continues to excel in. For Spreitzer, Albany Law School was a perfect match, providing essential connections to state government and shaping her career path.
“The educational opportunities in the Capital District are exceptional. Albany Law’s connections to state government were exactly what I was looking for,” she said.
ALEC GLADD ’16
Alec Gladd ’16 has dedicated over half of his career to advancing renewable energy projects, including bringing solar farms to fruition—a pursuit with significant positive impact.
From an early age, Gladd’s passion for environmental conservation was evident. Growing up with deep connections to the Adirondacks, he developed a profound respect for nature’s wilderness and mountains. Driven by a desire to protect these precious landscapes, he chose to pursue a career in environmental law.
Currently, Gladd serves as a land use attorney at Cuddy & Fedder, where he specializes in navigating the complex environmental review process for developers. This process, he notes, is becoming increasingly challenging.
“There is a big feeling in upstate communities that they bear the burden of hosting large solar fields to power downstate areas,” he explained. “Throughout my career, it seems that the challenges have increased, as suitable land for renewable development becomes scarcer.”
Despite these obstacles, Gladd finds his work deeply rewarding. He takes pride in seeing projects through from conception to completion. For instance, he considers a cell tower near the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge as a milestone in his career.
“There’s a cell tower near the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge, which was the first macro site I handled independently, and I’m proud of it. Every time I pass by it with someone, I point it out. Seeing the tangible results of your efforts being utilized for good is very satisfying,” he added.
Gladd also sees promising opportunities for Albany Law graduates.
“There is a huge opportunity for Albany Law graduates interested in environmental law to explore the land use angle because there is such a need for land use attorneys across the board,” Gladd said.
JIM MUSCATO ’01
Jim Muscato ’01 leads the energy practice at Young/Sommer LLC, where he is at the cutting edge of New York State’s renewable energy issues. With decades of experience in securing permits and approvals for wind, solar and energy storage projects, Muscato’s expertise spans appearances before the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Public Service, the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission, and the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority, as well as cases at the state and federal levels.
Reflecting on his career, Muscato said, “I’ve been involved in permitting three gigawatts of renewable energy projects. Unfortunately, it’s a complex market, and although not all are operational, many are generating electricity and contributing to New York’s nation-leading Climate Leader-ship and Community Protection law. The urgency of climate change has driven my work from the beginning. I’m proud to have contributed to a better future for my kids through the wind farms and renewable projects I’ve helped develop across New York State.”
Muscato always aimed to work in environmental law and chose Albany Law School over other top programs like Pace Law School and Vermont Law School for its unique advantages.
“Albany Law enhanced my existing interest in environmental law. Located in New York’s capital, it is the epicenter of action for people passionate about clean energy and environmental issues,” he said. “Albany offers a wealth of opportunities in state government, interest groups and the private sector.”
Looking back, Muscato considers his most fulfilling moment to be touring with his family the wind farm he helped permit—a tangible result of many years and tireless work by him and his colleagues.
“The site manager showed us around and we got to take a family picture inside of one of the turbines,” Muscato said. “That was a cool dad moment for me.”
ALITA GIUDA ’06
Alita Giuda ’06 has nearly two decades of experience at the cutting edge of environmental law. As a Partner and Chair of
the Environmental Law Group at Couch White, LLP, Giuda provides expert representation for energy, industrial and commercial clients across a broad spectrum of environmental issues.
“At Couch White, LLP, we support a diverse range of projects—from large-scale wind farms and landfills to brownfield cleanup sites. Our work encompasses local zoning issues, environmental impact reviews, state and federal permitting for wetlands, site remediation, and much more,” Giuda said.
Before her time at Albany Law School, Giuda earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental economics from Colgate University. Driven by her dedication to environmental advocacy, she interned with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and with the Environmental, Health and Safety group at General Electric. Upon graduating from Albany Law School in 2006, she joined a private firm, setting the stage for a rewarding career. Giuda has since been involved in numerous high-profile projects, including solar and wind farms, brownfields, and complex zoning approvals. One of her notable achievements was her work on the Starbuck Island project—a transformation of an abandoned oil city into a vibrant community along the Hudson River, across from Troy, NY.
“I take immense pride in contributing to the redevelopment of Starbuck Island. The project was unique not only because of its scale but also due to its history as a former oil city. Seeing the project evolve from a concept to a thriving community hub is incredibly fulfilling. It’s rewarding to know that our efforts are making the Hudson River cleaner, and that the community is thriving with new buildings and restaurants.”
With these impressive accomplishments in tow, Giuda remains focused on the future, particularly in New York, where there has been a growing push for stricter climate laws and renewable energy initiatives.
“The mandate for renewable energy has attracted numerous developers to New York State. It’s exciting to witness the influx of businesses and the resulting positive changes in our approach to sustainability,” Giuda said.
STEPHEN SCHWARZ ’81
Stephen Schwarz ’81 got his start in environmental law through Ed Masry, the late attorney who worked alongside Erin Brockovich on the contamination case made famous in the 2000 film.
In 2000, he received a voicemail from Masry. Or, someone who said he was Masry. Schwarz was skeptical the call was a prank at first. The voice on the message said after the movie came out, a lot of similar cases were coming to them and they had two based in upstate New York and asked Schwarz if he might be interested in work ing on them. But first, he’d have to meet Brockovich and get her approval.
Schwarz was the managing partner of his firm at the time and he and his firm had been litigating asbestos personal injury cases for more than a decade by then. But representing a large group of residents in a contaminated community was something new and despite his skepticism, he was intrigued. He flew to New York City, still thinking this was an elaborate practical joke. He’d planned to meet Brockovich after a talk show taping. He arrived at the hotel, asked for her, and they told him there was no one there by that name. Skepticism growing, they realized the reservation was booked under another name as to protect Brockovich’s privacy. They actually did meet. Only after that conversation
did he realize this was the real deal.
Schwarz worked on several large contamination cases from the connection, each taking nearly a decade to settle, while also moving on to other environmental law controversies.
One of his most notable cases is his representation of the people of Hoosick Falls, NY, and the neighboring community of Petersburgh, NY who were exposed to polluted water due to negligence by several manufacturing companies. In the last decade, thousands of residents have suffered elevated PFOA levels in their blood. Prolonged exposure to this manmade chemical can cause elevated risk of cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, among others.
The work is lengthy, complex, and impacts the health of innocent people, he said. “I found the work to be tremendously rewarding. The cases we handled with PFOA, in particular, have been challenging because we were on the cutting edge of the science at the time and had to figure out exactly how the contamination occurred.” He characterized his role as akin to a detective, saying, “We have to find the right experts to help us figure those things out, and then we have to put together the proof to develop that. All of that I find intellectually stimulating.”
“The cases we handled with PFOA, in particular, have been challenging because we were on the cutting edge of the science at the time and had to figure out exactly how the contamination occurred.”
—Stephen Schwarz ’81
In 2022, the Hoosick Falls case settled against three of the four defendants for $65 million and the companies agreed to fund extensive medical monitoring for those effected and compensate property owners for the impact on the property value of their homes.
“We’ve established the largest and
most successful participant-wise medical monitoring programs in the country.” These programs aimed to detect PFOA-related diseases early, providing critical support to affected communities.
Schwarz recalled his time at Albany Law School fondly. He shared, “I really enjoyed law school a lot. I found it intellectually challenging,” attributing his enthusiasm to influential professors, such as Professor David Siegel and supportive peers at Albany Law School,“I learned a lot from and I think my education was great. The success that a lot of alumni have had is based upon the foundation that was built at Albany Law. I don’t think that I would trade that education for anything else.”
JOHN MCMANUS ’97
John McManus ’97, managing partner of Harris Beach PLLC’s Capital Region offices in Albany and Saratoga, is an experienced attorney specializing in energy and environmental law. His focus is navigating the regulatory frameworks overseen by the New York State Public Service Commission and the Department of Environmental Conservation. In that role, McManus typically represents corporate entities involved in, for example, electric transmission and renewable energy projects, and ensuring compliance with environmental and other siting standards while advancing the State’s energy goals.
His Albany Law education and working in the Capital Region, have been a great combination for such a career.
“It’s no surprise that Albany is the focus for both of those areas. The New York State Public Service Commission is the primary regulator for utilities, and it is based here in Albany. And then you have the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which is charged with enforcing the state’s environmental laws. And it is based in Albany, too.”
McManus moved from commercial litigation to zoning and land use law, which paved the way into his current practice areas of energy and environmental law. Administrative law, he said, serves as a foundational piece of his practice, which he learned at Albany Law School with Professor David Siegel.
“While both energy and environmental law are very specific niche areas of law, at their core they’re both founded in administrative law. So having a background on understanding administrative law and how statutes underpin an agency’s jurisdiction and their ability to promulgate regulations pursuant to those statutes was very important for me to be able to understand and navigate that regulatory structure.”
McManus also credits his time at Albany Law with “one of the best professional and personal experiences of my life” serving as a confidential law clerk at the New York State Court of Appeals for Judge Victoria Graffeo ’77 and her primary law clerk, Lisa LeCours ’90, who now is the chief clerk of the Court.
“Albany Law School—I give it and the people there a lot of credit when it comes to my personal and professional development from law school to today,” he said. McManus also serves on the advisory board for Albany Law School’s Women’s Leader-ship Initiative (WLI), and Harris Beach is one of the inaugural supporters of the initiative.
“The firm is very proud to be an original supporter of the WLI. When we heard about the opportunity to participate with the WLI and Albany Law School we jumped at it because its mission is aligned totally with our own as a firm and our ongoing diversity initiatives. We were eager to participate in that, and we have actively done so since the WLI was created. And that participation has gone hand-in-hand with some other programs that we’ve been doing with the law school as well and that we look forward to continuing going forward,” he said.
ROBERT TYSON ’93
During his time at Albany Law School, Robert Tyson ’93 was drawn to the emerging field of environmental law, particularly as President George H.W. Bush signed amendments to the Clean Air Act to ad-dress significant environmental and health issues.
“There was a lot happening in environmental law with the Clean Air Act amendments of 1990,” Tyson said. “I distinctly remember reading about this as an up-and-coming field for young lawyers.”
Inspired by the evolving landscape in Washington, D.C., Tyson pursued his newfound passion with an internship at the New York State Department of Environ-mental Conservation (DEC).
“After my first year at Albany Law School, I interned with the DEC and continued part-time through much of my second year,” he said.
Although Tyson initially planned to focus on labor and employment law, his path took a different turn.
“I had loaded up on labor and employment classes, but when I started at Bond Schoeneck & King, the head of the environmental practice group offered me a position due to my DEC experience,” Tyson said.
Embracing this unexpected opportunity, Tyson took a chance on environmental law and has remained dedicated to it for over three decades.
“I particularly enjoy Clean Air Act work,” Tyson said. “Environmental law is complex, with its heavy regulatory and science-based components, and clean air issues are among the most intricate.”
Reflecting on his journey, Tyson appreciates the foundation provided by Albany Law School.
“Albany Law was excellent in teaching critical thinking. I often tell my younger colleagues that I like to approach complex problems by metaphorically placing them on the table and examining them from every angle,” he said.
MIKE SINKEVICH ’07
Capital Region Native Mike Sinkevich ’07 was well on his way to a career in environmental engineering after earning a Bachelor of Science, and Master of Science degree from Cornell University. But something didn’t feel right, Sinkevich was at a crossroads. A blind leap of faith, thanks in large part to a friend, put him on a path he never imagined.
“I pursued my master’s program and enjoyed it, but it started feeling too theoretical, with a lot of mathematics and less real-world applicability for me. I had planned to continue on to a Ph.D., but on a whim, I decided to take the LSAT after a friend of mine, who was a paralegal, mentioned it. Now, I’m a lawyer, and he’s not,” he said. “I thought I’d give it a shot. The first semester was tough—I had been focused on math and science for six years and hadn’t done much reading, so it was a challenge. But I adapted and ended up really enjoying it.”
Albany Law School proved to be the right choice for Sinkevich, who has practiced environmental law for 16 years at Liberman Blecher & Sinkevich P.C. in New Jersey. Throughout his career, he has argued numerous cases at the appellate level and one case in front of the New Jersey Supreme Court. What initially seemed daunting in law school has be-come a rewarding aspect of his practice.
“If you’re reading this as a student, you might find litigation intimidating. From a practical standpoint, it can be an unavoidable part of many legal careers,” he said. “It’s important to stay open-minded about it. Once you start working in litigation, you’ll find it’s not as daunting as it seems. In fact, litigation keeps you on your toes and can be quite engaging.”
Sinkevich’s commitment to pushing beyond his comfort zone has led to fulfilling experiences, such as representing the Delaware Riverkeeper in what he considers a landmark case in his career.
“In this case, we challenged a proposed warehouse complex so massive it could fit multiple football fields,” Sinkevich said. “The site was a farm in a small town, and despite strong community opposition, zoning laws permitted the development. The residents’ passion against the project was incredible. Ultimately, the New Jersey Farmland Preservation Program stepped in, raising funds to purchase the land and preserve it as farmland. It was a tremendous victory for everyone involved.”
EMMA MARSHALL ’20
Following her passion for science, Emma Marshall ’20 pursued an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Binghamton. Little did she know this was just the beginning of a promising career in environmental law.
“I knew I needed to go on to graduate school to focus on something specific,” she said. “I took a conservation biology course my senior year that focused on environmental regulations and that is when I decided to try for law school to become an environmental lawyer.”
Now, Marshall handles a variety of environmental, energy, and regulatory matters at Barclay Damon.
“I have been lucky enough to work in the area of law that I set out to practice in, and I have not been disappointed in my choice,” Marshall said. “At Barclay Damon, I’ve been able to work on a wide range of issues in the fields of environmental and energy law from brownfield cleanup litigation in federal courts to the project development of major renewable generation and transmission facilities.”
With environmental and energy law practices rapidly growing, Marshall finds that every day presents new and exciting opportunities. Especially in New York State, known for its progressive climate laws, her work is at the forefront of legal developments.
“I love that these fields are constantly evolving and there is never a dull moment. Often, I work on projects and matters that set precedent since so much of the work in these practice areas is new and different,” she said.
Marshall attributes much of her success to the legal education and connections she gained at Albany Law School.
“The reason I chose Albany Law originally was due to it being in the Capital Region where the state agencies and state legislature are located,” she said. “Aside from the great legal education, the location alone gave me the ability to network and meet alumni of Albany Law who are working on policy. That exposure was very beneficial early in my career.”
STU GRUSKIN ’81
When Stu Gruskin ’81 visited the Albany Law School campus this summer, feelings of nostalgia were everywhere, recalling gatherings in the courtyard and hours spent in the Albany Law Review suite.
“I’m happy to be back here and hope to have more opportunities to connect with students,” he said. “Their enthusiasm and curiosity are critical for addressing the complex challenges of today.”
Now Chief Conservation and External Affairs Officer at The Nature Conservancy in New York, Gruskin reflected on how his time at Albany Law has guided him so far.
Gruskin, who has overseen environmental and conservation policy work
at The Nature Conservancy for over a decade, said his legal training has played an integral role in his career.
“Even though my only legal job was at a law firm, my legal education has been crucial,” he said. “The tools and under-standing of law, from risk to regulatory processes, have helped me in all aspects of my environmental work.”
Initially aspiring to be an environmental lawyer, Gruskin faced a job market with limited available positions in the field after law school. Following two decades of practice focusing on litigation, real estate and government relations, he had the opportunity to join the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as executive deputy commissioner. This role, he said, perfectly combined his passion for the environment and his interest in policy and government.
“When I was [a student], the Government Law Center was just starting, and Langdon Marsh, its first director, was deeply involved in environmental issues. I was fortunate to work closely with him, which was foundational for my career,” Gruskin said.
Combining his legal expertise with experience in business and policy has given him a unique perspective on tack-ling environmental issues. Most recently, Gruskin has been interested in applying modern methods of innovation to tackle complex environmental problems.
“The environmental movement needs
to adapt quickly and effectively,” he said.
“By embracing flexibility and continuous learning we can move at the speed at which environmental challenges are evolving” His advice for current law students was both practical and inspirational. “Be curious, explore lots of opportunities, and don’t be shy about building a strong network,” he said. “Even if you don’t land a job immediately, proactively staying in touch and exchanging ideas will open doors.”
ROBERT C. GLENNON ’70
Robert C. Glennon ’70 has long supported Albany Law School students studying environmental law. A namesake fellowship had supported law students working on Adirondack Park environmental/land use matters with either a not-for-profit organization or a New York State agency dedicated to the protection of the Adirondack Park.
The Robert C. Glennon Adirondack Park Fellowship, endowed by Friends of Robert Glennon Esq., has underwritten summer employment for Albany Law students since 2010.
Glennon, former executive director of the Adirondack Park Agency (APA), got his start in environmental law in 1974 as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General. One of the many things he worked on included lobbying against anti-APA bills in Albany. He was introduced to the APA through a networking connection and made his way to the agency headquarters in Ray Brook—a small town between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. And there he stayed for the remainder of his career. The idea of working in some of the world’s most natural beauty, fighting for its protection, and calling it a job? That was a dream, he said.
“I vividly remember arriving at the APA’s rustic log cabin, where I felt out of place in my suit while others wore casual attire. Despite the challenges, including acts of vandalism and threats, I believed in our mission to protect this vast natural area,” he said. “Dream job, I thought. I was right.”
He held several roles from Associate Counsel to Executive Director, and has dozens of stories and memories to go along with each.
“I faced many difficulties along the way. One memorable incident involved stopping an arson attempt at the APA office. The experience highlighted the tensions surrounding environmental protection. Despite the challenges, I was passionate about the work and sought to preserve the Adirondacks from commercialization. I left the APA on my 50th birthday, embarking on a new adventure.”
Earlier this year, he was honored with the Elizabeth Thorndike Adirondack Achievement Award, given annually to an individual who has demonstrated significant contributions to the long-term sustainability of the Adirondack Park through scholarship, research, and policy initiatives.
He reflects fondly on his work and was proud to receive the award, he said.
“Go to work in a log cabin. Never wear a monkey suit. Try to do good for the largest natural area east of the Mississippi, try to keep it from being malled or sprawled. I’d been saying to my wife my career has no direction she said “yes it does. North.”
