"Worst" Invasive Species: Downstaters, New Jerseyites and Long Islanders
Monday, September 3, 2012 at 8:44AM Of all the invasive species in our pristine Adirondacks, the fine people from Downstate New York, New Jerseyites and Long Islanders are "the worst." That's the conclusion of Post-Star editor Ken Tingley, in a commentary he penned in Sunday's Local Region section.
In a rant about the newest invasive to be identified in the 'dacks -- the spiny water flea -- Mr. Tngley compares the above group to the zebra mussels, Asian clams and black flies. He writes:
"But the worst of all invasive species -- if you do not make your living in the tourism trade -- is the Downstater, the New Jerseyite and the Long Islander with the rude manners and tailgating ways.
We've been dealing with those invasive species for years, clogging our roads, taking up spots on our beaches and making Adirondack life way too noisy. Comparatively speaking, the water flea is no big deal".
(Somehow folks from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Connecticut are a different breed)
We sincerely hope that Mr. Tingley had his tongue firmly planted in cheek when he tapped out that purple prose.
Because the reality is, Downstaters, New Jerseyites and Long Islanders, significantly add to the quality of life here in the 'dacks, and in particular our little hamlet of Schroon Lake.
We ran into a New Jerseyite yesterday, a second home owner here, who was fuming after reading about her new status as an invasive species.
This woman and her husband are very active here in Schroon, contributing their time and talents to several volunteer organizations, including the Community Church, the Schroon Lake Association and the Friends of Schroon Lake Library. Quite frankly, the woman was very offended -- and rightly so.
And we know first hand of a dozen more folks from the new invasive species list, that are hands on give back to the community types, helping local organizations by volunteering at the Seagle Music Colony, the Schroon Lake Fish and Game Club, the Schroon North Hudson Historical Society, and the Schroon Lake Food Bank, just to name a few. Their contributions enhance the quality of life here in many ways for many folks.
But what is totally lost on Mr. Tingley is that he brushes aside the enormous economic impact that "the worst invasives" play in the Adirondacks. Again, I will use Schroon as an example. By several accounts, the population of Schroon grows from about1800 year 'round residents, to more than 20,000 plus in season. That group of visitors includes second homeowners, campers, RVers, renters, families who stay in local inns, motels and B & Bs, as well as day trippers.
One can assume that a great deal of those folks are from the "worst invasive group". It goes without saying Schroon's many businesses -- from the marina, shops, bars, restaurants, gas stations, inns and B and Bs -- wouldn't be as successful if it wasn't for that influx. And let's not forget the jobs created at those businesses by the dollars spent by "worst group" or how they contribute to various fund-raisers in town.
And we find it slightly amusing that many full time residents of the 'dacks were at one time members of "the worst".
Mr. Tingley complains the worst group take up spots on our beaches. And who pays for those beaches to be maintained? Answer: Property taxes from both locals and Schroon's large group of second home owners, taxes which also go towards funding the school and other town services.
As for the noise, tailgating and rude manners Mr. Tingley complains about, we haven't witnessed any extremes.
If it was the author's intent to highlight the water flea as a new invasive, he failed. If he wants to learn more about the invasive group he detests, maybe he should plan a trip to Schroon and meet the enemy.
Is Mr. Tingley on target? Tell us what you think in comments.
Reader Comments (8)
I think you should be ashamed of yourself. You can't judge all people. We have been on Schroon Lake for fourteen years and certainly respect the beauty of the Adirondacks and all those who live here year round. I think the noise from Word of Life Island very offensive and maybe you should try to do something about that and feel grateful for all the summer people who help to keep Schroon lLake the beautiful place it is ?
Lets just assume that his comments were "tongue in cheek". I'm sure the writer appreciates that the invasive downstaters and Jerseyites he mentions are also the "tourists" he welcomes, the second home taxpayers that support the schools (but have no children attending), the customers in the local restaurants and theaters (paying local sales tax), and yes - as you mention - the volunteers that work shoulder to shoulder with the "locals" at area clubs and churches and libraries to make this the community the one we all love. And - most importantly - where would the locals be without a flatlander's car (usually with Jersey plates) to "test" the ice at the annual ice fishing derby?
Ken Tingley has decided, once again, to alienate a legitimate population who contribute to not only the Adirondack economy, but to its communities as well. (They buy newspapers too.) Perhaps the Post Star doesn't need the advertising dollars paid by the countless businesses that serve the tourism industry? I take it Mr. Tingley never travels so cannot consider himself invasive.
What a irresponsible statement, we are here because we love the Adirondacks,
support the business and towns and his newspaper. As they say, you cant fix stupid.
Same old story! Tourists, please send us your money, but we'd really rather you just stayed home.
Same old story! Tourists, please send us your money, but we'd really rather you just stayed home.
As a summer residence since my childhood and a former homeowner in Glen Falls I was highly offended by the Post Star comments..........but my heart was lifted when the Schroonlaker defended us so vehmently! I love Schroon Lake and everything it has to offer more than I love most people! LOL!!
This is another example of "last one in, close the door behind you." I'm curious where Mr. Tingley is from? At best his comments are ignorant, at worst they are offensive and insulting. Not only do Mr. P and I consider our downstate, New Jersey-ites, Long Island customers essential to the success of our business, most we consider to be mutual friends who love our town, right along side the folks who live here year round. The black fly in my life is the person who doesn't understand that all visitors are guests, no matter where they are from or how long they stay, and the person who targets a certain population with rude generalizations and assumptions.