Visitor Interpretive Centers reduce hours

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September 30, 2008

Anonymous The Press Republican Tue Sep 30, 2008, 12:00 AM EDT

RAY BROOK -- The Adirondack Park Agency has moved to a new winter schedule for its two Visitor Interpretive Centers at Newcomb and Paul Smiths.

The measure is part of an energy-savings program that will help the APA meet Gov. David Paterson's mandate that state agencies reduce spending by 10 percent.

The VICs will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday from Nov. 1 to April 30, with the trail systems remaining open while the buildings are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The VICs are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

"The new five-day-a-week winter schedule at the Visitor Interpretive Centers will reduce the agency's energy bills and staffing requirements at a time when the country's energy prices continue to rise," Agency Chairman Curt Stiles said in a news release.

The new schedule will allow the agency to save electricity and reduce the temperature of the buildings during the two days of closure.

"We picked one weekend day and one week day for a reason," Paul Smiths VIC Director Mike Brennan said in a statement. "This schedule preserves our ability to keep weekend programming for residents and visitors while accommodating school groups during the week. And we're keeping the trails open seven days a week."

The schedule also gives VIC staff a chance to offer winter programs they couldn't offer in the past.

"By consolidating our staff to a five-day week, we are better able to provide more comprehensive weekend programming and host larger school groups," Newcomb VIC Director Rynda McCray said in the release.

The VICs offer educational programs, miles of scenic interpretive trails and visitor information services. Admission is free.

The Newcomb VIC is located 12 miles east of Long Lake on Route 28N.

The Paul Smiths VIC is located 12 miles north of Saranac Lake on Route 30.

For more information, log on to the Web site www.

adkvic.org.