Assemblyman Marc W. Butler (R,C,I-Newport) joined Star Houghs of the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge and Rehabilitation Center, pictured above with her rescued barred owl, Helen.
“The Adirondack Park and region is a large part of our state’s natural, cultural and economic heritage and is worthy of continued preservation and investment,” said Butler. “I am always struck by its beautiful diversity and the robustness of its communities. For me, Adirondack Day is a wonderful time to share with my legislative colleagues how important the health of the Adirondack region is to my district and our communities.”
Butler met with Star Houghs of the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge and Rehabilitation Center and her rescued barred owl, Helen. The refuge is a 50-acre facility on the Ausable River. The organization works to restore health to sick and injured wildlife.
The Adirondack Park’s stunning beauty and natural wonders attract roughly seven to 10 million visitors annually. Adirondack tourism is a $1.2 billion industry and supports an estimated 200,000 jobs. Hamilton County is especially dependent on tourism, which accounts for nearly 50 percent of labor income. The region attracts many visitors to the park’s trails, hunting grounds and fishing opportunities.
In addition to tourism-based businesses, the Adirondack Park is home to many other small businesses. Businesses throughout the region include food, beverage and other agricultural product businesses, paper and wood fiber production businesses, and various other small mom-and-pop operations that support communities throughout the Adirondacks, a variety of which were represented at the event.