New director for eastern Adirondacks

ALBANY -- The state Department of Environmental Conservation has named a new director for the eastern Adirondacks.

Robert Stegemann will run the agency's Region 5 office. He replaces Betsy Lowe, who resigned last month.

Stegemann has a master's degree from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He is the former executive vice president of the Empire State Forests Products Association and senior policy analyst for the Tug Hill Commission. He worked for 18 years at International Paper Co., including as its manager of sustainability.

Commissioner Joe Martens said Stegemann's record as an environmental steward makes him a natural fit for the DEC.

The region includes Clinton, Franklin, Essex, Hamilton, Fulton, Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

-- AP