Summer 2006

Recreational Opportunities Featured in Park Kiosks

The New York Power Authority’s $19 million improvement program at North Country recreational facilities will continue this year, with new and expanded amenities becoming available this summer that are sure to attract both local residents and out-of-town visitors to the banks of the St. Lawrence River.

Given the North Country’s wide variety of recreational opportunities, how can a person choose which park to visit? New informational kiosks developed by the Power Authority should help with the decision-making.

The kiosks are being provided as part of the relicensing of NYPA’s St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project, whose boundary stretches along approximately 30 miles of riverfront, from Massena to Waddington. Within that boundary are 19 different recreational sites developed by the Power Authority and operated by either the state or local municipalities.

At nine riverside locations throughout Massena, Louisville and Waddington, large maps will provide an overview of all 19 North Country recreational facilities. The maps include details on more than two dozen types of activities and amenities, indicating which sites have swimming areas, boat launch ramps, fishing piers and picnic shelters. At a quick glance, viewers can locate restrooms, concession stands and campsites. Playgrounds, tennis courts and wildlife viewing areas are identified as well.

Depending on the kiosk, additional maps will be included, providing information for boaters or hikers. Each of the nine kiosks identifies the local operational contact, with telephone numbers listed for general informational inquiries. There’s also room for local bulletins and announcements.

The first five kiosks have been installed at Whittaker Park in Waddington, Coles Creek Car-Top Boat Launch and Sandy Beach in Louisville, and Massena Intake Boat Launch and Hawkins Point Boat Launch in Massena. By summer’s end, the remaining four kiosks will be completed at Island View Park in Waddington, Sand Island in Louisville, and at each end of the walking trail that runs between Whalen Park and Massena Country Club, both also in Louisville.

NYPA-developed recreational sites reported increased attendance last summer, as the first improvements related to the power project relicensing were completed. A second round of improvements is scheduled for completion this season, including drainage work at Massena Country Club, which has been plagued with flooded greens in past years, and construction of a new fishing pier at Massena Intake Boat Launch.

Recreational improvements will continue at the North Country’s two state parks as well. For example, the marina bathhouse at Coles Creek will be rehabilitated; other infrastructure renovations are also planned for the park. New campsites with electrical hook-ups will be added at Robert Moses State Park. There will also be cabin repairs, and three new rest rooms will be added throughout the park.

(Photo caption:  Kiosk maps, such as the one for Whittaker Park, left, identify 19 recreational sites and their amenities, including the new Hawkins Point Boat Launch, above.)

New Power Dam Jam Coming to the North Country

Toes will be tapping and hands will be clapping at the North Country’s newest summer festival, the St. Lawrence River Power Dam Jam, to be held at NYPA’s Hawkins Point Visitors Center Aug. 11-12.

In May, Power Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Timothy Carey, left, presented a major sponsorship contribution of $5,000 to Paul Haggett, executive director of the Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce, who accepted the donation on behalf of the Power Dam Jam Committee.

The event, which had been previously held as the Festival of North Country Folklife in Canton and Massena, will feature a variety of traditional music performances along with workshops, presentations, arts and crafts booths and food vendors.

Headliners for Friday evening will be the Gibson Brothers bluegrass band, while the Cornwall-based Celtic ensemble, the Brigadoons, will play Saturday night. Organizers expect to attract additional performers specializing in country, gospel, fiddle and ethnic folk music.

Other sponsors include SeaComm Federal Credit Union, Alcoa and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Community Partnership. Admission for both days of the rain-or-shine event will be $5.

Opened last summer, NYPA’s admission-free Hawkins Point Visitors Center was designed for use as a community resource and has already hosted a variety of activities for business and neighborhood groups.

RN Notes

Scozzafava Takes Seat as Trustee

St. Lawrence County native Thomas Scozzafava began a two-year term as a Power Authority trustee on March 1.

Scozzafava, of Gouverneur, was nominated for the position by Gov. George Pataki and confirmed by the State Senate.

The new trustee is vice president of acquisitions and strategic investments for the newly formed GreenShift Corp., a publicly traded business development firm that supports companies and technologies promoting the efficient use of natural resources and environmental improvements.

He is also chief financial officer and treasurer of WiseBuys Stores Inc., a chain of retail stores he founded in 2002.

Scozzafava has served as chairman of the St. Lawrence County United Way Campaign and on the advisory board for the School of Business and Public Service at the State University of New York College at Canton.

Boaters Are Reminded to Stay Safe When Near Power Project Dams

Boating safety is important on any waterway, but the St. Lawrence River in particular carries special considerations because of its large cargo ships and the dams associated with NYPA’s St. Lawrence-FDR project.

The three project dams–Iroquois, Long Sault and the Robert Moses powerhouse–all have multiple warning devices installed to remind boaters to stay more than 800 feet from these structures. These warnings are necessary because areas immediately upstream and downstream from these dams have the potential for strong currents and sudden turbulence, which can be hazardous for even the most experienced boaters.

And, since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, security concerns have increased around important infrastructure sites, including hydroelectric stations. Boaters are now advised to maintain proper distance, for their own well-being and that of these facilities.

For anyone wanting a better understanding of how the St. Lawrence-FDR project affects river flows, a visit to NYPA’s admission-free Hawkins Point Visitors Center may be in order. A large audiovisual map charts the course of the St. Lawrence River from Ogdensburg to Massena, and shows how the Iroquois and Long Sault control dams are used to regulate water flows, especially when spring runoff increases the river volume. Be-cause conditions near the two control dams can change suddenly and dramatically, boat-ers should read and obey all warning signs posted at these sites.

NYPA’s visitors center also includes exhibits that explain hydropower technology, showing how giant turbine-generators in the Robert Moses Power Dam convert the force of rushing water into electricity. Various factors, including conditions on the river and operations within the powerhouse, can impact flows above and below the power dam.

NYPA works with local, state, federal and international authorities to ensure safe boating near its St. Lawrence-FDR project. By practicing basic, common-sense safety rules, the public can also play an important part in that effort.

(Photo caption: Boaters should exercise caution around hydropower facilities, including the Robert Moses Power Dam.)

HAWKINS POINT VISITORS CENTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
(visit www.nypa.gov for hours and other details)

JUNE 27   Tuesday Movie Series Begins

JULY 29   Classic Car Cruise-in

AUGUST 11-12   St. Lawrence River Power Dam Jam

SEPTEMBER 12   Community Blood Drive

SEPTEMBER 16   Dam 4-Miler

SEPTEMBER 23   Antique Truck Show

About River News This newsletter reports on Power Authority activities in Northern New York, particularly those associated with NYPA’s St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project.

We welcome your comments. To contact us, call Jill Chamberlain, Community Relations, 315-764-0226, ext. 300.