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Adirondack Park Agency

  • The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) is a New York State government agency, consisting of 54 staff and an eleven-member board. In 1971 the APA was created by the State Legislature to develop long-range public and private land use plans for the largest park in the continental United States.

  • Governor Hochul Designates John Lyman Ernst As Chair Of The Adirondack Park Agency

    "The Adirondack Park is a unique asset to New York and we must preserve its natural beauty for future generations to enjoy, while also boosting tourism and small businesses across the region,” Governor Hochul said. “This appointment is an important step in advancing the long-term public and private land use plan for the largest protected area in the continental United States. John has demonstrated a strong dedication to the North Country and I am certain he will excel as the next Chair of the Adirondack Park Agency, helping build a better and brighter future for this natural gem.”

    "I am pleased and honored to serve as Chair of the Adirondack Park Agency. I thank Governor Hochul for this opportunity and for her outstanding leadership especially during this challenging period. I will do my very best to try and match Governor Hochul’s tireless energy and unwavering commitment to all New Yorkers,” said Chair John Ernst. "Certainly, these past two years of the pandemic have truly shown how very critical the Adirondack Park is to New York State. It has served as a welcoming reprieve for so many people. I am very eager to continue working with my colleagues and all stakeholders to ensure this cherished asset will endure as one of the jewels of the great State of New York and benefit all of us - especially future generations."

    APA Executive Director Terry Martino said, “The Adirondack Park Agency is thrilled to have John Ernst serve as Chair of the Agency Board. We thank Governor Hochul for her decisive leadership and commitment to the Park. Mr. Ernst has provided a calm and knowledgeable voice to board deliberations since his first appointment in 2016. We look forward to his continued contribution.”

    John Lyman Ernst was originally appointed to the APA Board in June 2016. As a Board Member, Mr. Ernst served on the Regulatory Programs, State Land, Enforcement, and the Park Policy and Planning committees.

    2021 APA Board Chair

    Agency Chair John Ernst Bio
  • 2020 APA Annual Report

    APA Executive Director Terry Martino said, “We will always remember 2020 as a year of crisis when individuals, communities, organizations and businesses faced relentless change due to a global pandemic. I am pleased to share with you the accomplishments of the Adirondack Park Agency for the year 2020 which document resiliency, adaptability and achievement.  I express my appreciation to the staff and Board who remain committed to the high standards expected of the Agency by all of us who love the Adirondack Park.”  

    2019 APA Annual Report

    Please click 2020 Annual Report to download report

  • COVID-19 Updates

    Following current State directives and guidance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Adirondack Park Agency has implemented precautionary protocols for staff and their interactions with the public. To achieve the most efficient response, please call our main number at 518-891-4050 or please email your inquiry to APAsubmissions@apa.ny.gov.
    The Agency is closed to walk-in consultations at this time. Please call the Agency regarding any consultation needs.


    The Agency continues to electronically accept jurisdictional inquiries, applications, and related submissions.  Please submit all jurisdictional inquiries to apajif@apa.ny.gov.  The new electronic jurisdictional inquiry form cannot be completed online.  Instead, to complete the Agency's electronic jurisdictional inquiry form please download the form, fill it out completely, sign electronically per the instructions provided, save the form, attach a copy plus any other required documents to an email, and submit to apajif@apa.ny.gov. If you are unable to submit via email, hard copy submissions are accepted, although delays may occur. Please be advised that many email systems may automatically filter .gov emails to junk mail. Please alter your email settings to accept emails ending in @apa.ny.gov or frequently check your junk file.


    Please send applications and submissions by email to APAsubmissions@apa.ny.gov.  All applications and submissions should be in PDF or similar format and be legible. Electronic copies of plans must be fully scalable. Applications must contain scans of signatures affixed by hand or electronic signatures consistent with the Electronic Signatures and Records Act.  
    The Agency will continue to evaluate wetland delineations and soils analysis/deep hole test pits provided by private consultant professionals. Confirmation of results through staff inspection may be required. The Agency maintains lists of consultants in the Adirondack Park that perform these services. The lists can be found at www.apa.ny.gov/Forms/index.cfm, under the “Help for Applicants” link.


    Please direct all media inquiries to the Agency’s Public Information Officer Keith McKeever via email at keith.mckeever@apa.ny.gov or by phone at 518-354-9698.


    Link to Governor Kathy Hochul's COVID-19 Updates

  • 2019 Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan

    APSLMP Cover Page

    The August 2019 version of the APSLMP contains the latest State Land Classification and Reclassification Actions including the final tract of the historic Finch Pruyn & Company land deal – the 20,543 acre Boreas Ponds parcel. The State’s unprecedented, multi-year land transaction with The Nature Conservancy resulted in the acquisition and classification of nearly 65,000 acres of globally significant forests. This represents the largest Forest Preserve expansion in the history of the Adirondack Park.

    In addition, revisions to the definition of the Travel Corridor Classification and related management guidelines are included. The Travel Corridor revisions maximize public recreational opportunities, broaden economic impact and ensure the protection of the Park’s unique natural and historic resources.

    To download the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan please click here