Even more compelling, in our opinion, than the impact on the landscape is the issue of justice. New York State has instituted policy and passed well-intentioned legislation to expand the production of solar and wind energy. But the implementation of this policy has been expeditious rather than thoughtful. The decisions as to where to site these projects have been left to a newly created Office of Renewable Energy Siting, which in turn has employed developers to “help” them with the process. While lip service has been paid to involving the communities which will be impacted by the development, this involvement comes late in the process and the communities have no power to veto the decision of ORES.

The concept of “home rule” has been suspended for renewable energy development projects. Protect Columbia has argued that viable farmland will be taken out of service, food production will be threatened, wildlife habitat will be constricted, property values will diminish, and the tourism industry and economic viability of the region will be threatened. These are not NIMBY arguments. But in the end, they could be completely rejected in favor of the developers. This is not justice.

Applications are now being accepted for vendors interested in becoming a part of the year-round Cooperstown Farmers’ Market.

As Lee Ann and Rick Myers of Oneonta completed the Otsego Outdoors Fall Octet Challenge, it marked the 5000th trek Octet participants have completed. A collaborative program of Otsego 2000, the Otsego Land Trust and Otsego County Conservation Association, Otsego Outdoors connects residents and visitors with year-round recreational opportunities in and near Otsego County.

“As a result of our participation in the Fall Octet, we have added some hikes to our family favorites for sure - Texas School House State Forest and Forest of the Dozen Dads are among them. Otsego County and New York State have so much to offer,” said Rick Myers, who said he and his wife Lee Ann were accompanied on several hikes with their children and grandchildren. “It’s a wonderful way to spend quality family time together.”

Join in the Hardy Locavore Challenge and support local farmers, artisans and makers.

Take part in the new Winter Octet Challenge from Otsego Outdoors and earn a patch.

The Cooperstown Farmers’ Market will hold a special Holiday Market with 26 local farmers, artisans, crafters, and food producers on Tuesday, December 20, from 12 to 5 pm. The event will feature free mulled cider from Middlefield Orchard and live music. The Farmers’ Market, which operates year-round on Saturdays, is located in Pioneer Alley at 101 Main Street in Cooperstown.

Glimmerglass Film Days, a program of Otsego 2000, presents its tenth season, with 28 films and shorts programs, filmmaker talks, parties, music, art, and guided walks. See the full line-up at glimmerglassfilmdays.org

The Cooperstown Farmers’ Market will celebrate all things pumpkin on Saturday, September 24 from 9 am to 2 pm, with a pumpkin craft for kids, pumpkin specials from vendors, pumpkin recipes, and music.

Otsego 2000 will offering architectural walking tours of Sharon Springs (July 31) and Richfield Springs (August 14). Register in advance online or by calling 607/547-8881.

The Summer 2022 newsletter opens with a letter from Otsego 2000 Board President Jim Dalton. Read his message and the full six page newsletter to get a great overview of Otsego 2000’s work and how you can invest in its continued success.

The new Otsego Outdoors Summer Octet includes state forests, state parks, local parks, Otsego Land Trust properties, private property open to the public, and the New Lisbon Ride which links Gilbert Lake State Park and Texas Schoolhouse State Forest. By completing eight activities between June 21 and September 21, participants can earn a free embroidered Summer Octet patch and get listed on the Otsego Outdoors Challenge Roster.