For Immediate Release: November 13, 2015
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Information Officer | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY - The Adirondack Park Agency (APA or Agency) Board unanimously voted to approve an amendment to the Whiteface Mountain Ski Area Unit Management Plan (UMP) to renovate the existing Porcupine Lodge located on top of Lookout Mountain. The Lodge, a part of the original ski center, will be used by ski patrol and as a day-use only public warming hut and snack bar. The APA Board found the proposal conforms to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan.
APA Chairwoman Lani Ulrich said, "The Agency is pleased to work with our colleagues at the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Olympic Regional Development Authority on this unique opportunity to enhance the skiing and riding experience at Whiteface Mountain. Nestled in the sub-alpine spruce-fir wave, Porcupine Lodge will provide winter enthusiasts a truly authentic Adirondack experience. This project is another outstanding example of Governor Cuomo's commitment to the Adirondack Park. We are also very excited about future interpretive opportunities to increase public awareness of the Forest Preserve and the special environment that surrounds Porcupine Lodge."
Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) President/CEO Ted Blazer stated, "We are thrilled one of the original lodges from Marble Mountain Ski Area will now be integrated with modern day Whiteface Mountain. Wonderfully preserved, this rustic oasis is sure to a favorite warming area for our guests."
Porcupine Lodge is a 50 x 20-foot enclosed wood-frame building constructed in 1949 as part of the original Whiteface Mountain Ski Area, often referred to as Marble Mountain. The Lodge is an "appurtenance" to the ski trail system pursuant to Article XIV of the NYS Constitution which allows construction of "appurtenances" to ski trails (lodges, lifts, parking lots, snowmaking facilities, etc.)
The structure is located on Lookout Mountain which hosts ski trails approved in the 2004 UMP. The building was saved in 1966 when most of Marble Mountain Ski Center facilities were removed. It was permitted to remain in 1974 in accordance with the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan and was used in the 1970s and 1980s by the Atmospheric Science Research Center.
Elements of the Porcupine Lodge project include to -
- Improve the interior to comply with Life Safety Code and energy conservation requirements while still retaining the rustic heritage of the Lodge;
- Preserve the existing character of the Lodge with limited exterior improvements;
- Add a removable outside deck addition no larger than approximately 30 x 30 feet;
- No additional tree cutting;
- Place self-contained sanitary facilities appropriately near the structure. These facilities will have removable containers that will be transported to the Base Lodge and the contents disposed of via the Base Lodge sanitary system;
- Collect solid waste in closed containers and transport them to the Base Lodge; and
- Use the Lodge only during the winter season.
The entire project will take place above 2,800-foot elevation. Bicknell's Thrush Habitat mitigation measures outlined in the 2004 UMP will apply. This includes avoiding deck construction and the use of motor vehicles and motorized equipment at the site during the Bicknell's thrush nesting period from May 1 August 1. The mission of the Adirondack Park Agency is to protect the public and private resources of the Adirondack Park through the exercise of the powers and duties of the Agency as provided by law.
For more information, call the APA at (518) 891-4050 or visit www.apa.ny.gov.
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