RESOLUTION 2004-5

Saluting Raymond Powers Curran
Supervisor, Natural Resource Analysis

WHEREAS, Raymond Powers Curran has served the Adirondack Park Agency and the Adirondack Park since August 9, 1973, as AP Project Analyst, Biological Resources, May 16, 1974, as Associate Natural Resource Planner and since July 16, 1981, as Supervisor, Natural Resource Analysis; and

WHEREAS, over the longest tenure of any staff ever to have worked at the Agency, Mr. Curran has exhibited the highest levels of professionalism and technical expertise. Mr. Curran oversaw the establishment and development of the Agency’s Resource Analysis and Scientific Services (RASS) Unit, a cadre of specialists providing technical advice to the Agency and other staff setting high standards for resource protection. Mr. Curran provided the role model for RASS staff soaking up knowledge from all sources, analyzing the facts and synthesizing information for use in dealing with the difficult issues facing the Adirondack Park’s natural resources; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Curran, in his role as senior scientist at the Agency, provided the model for all technical staff in logical deliberation of often disparate claims and confusing facts. As a certified ecologist and professional wetland scientist, Mr. Curran brought his formidable educational and experiential talents to the various problems facing the natural systems of the Park. Seldom has any one person been able to perceive the “big picture” ecologically, and work to implement policy that is strong enough to provide adequate protection and enhancement of natural resources, and yet retain the flexibility to allow for reasonable and legal use of those resources; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Curran has nurtured the creative talents and professional development of the RASS staff and other Agency staff through his concern and actions in setting up or having set up staff natural resource training sessions. Mr. Curran’s handling of staff transitions over the years has been exemplary and his steadfast support of RASS staff greatly appreciated. He has formed partnerships throughout his career at the Agency with scientists across the Park, New York State, and the nation to heighten awareness of the global importance of the Park’s natural resources, and has brought over one million dollars of federal funding to the Agency to create wetland maps for the Park that have served as the basis for numerous scientific studies.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that it is recognized by all that Mr. Curran had, as his guiding light throughout his long career at the Agency, the welfare of the Adirondack Park as his core desire and all his work has been directed toward leaving the Park in better condition than he found it for future generations. The Adirondack Park Agency pauses in its deliberations to congratulate Mr. Curran on his retirement and wish him success in his future endeavors. The Agency also expresses its sincere appreciation to Mr. Curran for all he has done for the greater good of the Adirondack Park Agency and the Adirondack Park. His presence on the staff of the Adirondack Park Agency will be deeply missed.

Resolved and unanimously adopted this 9th day of September, 2004.

Ross S. Whaley, Chairman
Daniel T. Fitts, Executive Director