FOOD AND FARM-NEW ENGLAND APPLES
New England expects ample apples after dismal 2012
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) ? Apple pickers are descending on New England's orchards for the early varieties as farmers around the region predict a strong rebound from a dismal 2012.
Weather conditions have been favorable to apple production this year, with minimal late frosts, a wet early summer and recent dry conditions. This contrasts with conditions a year ago when a warm late April brought apple blossoms but was followed by a killing frost.
The favorable outlook for apples seems to apply nationwide. Industry group USApple says the national apple crop is expected to be up 13 percent over 2012.
The No. 1 apple producer, Washington state, should see a drop below the five-year average. But No. 2 New York might jump 87 percent and No. 3 Michigan could rise nearly 1,000 percent over 2012.
BOATING SURVEY
Study: Saltwater boating brings billions to region
BOSTON (AP) ? Recreational saltwater boating contributed $3.5 billion to the Northeast's economy last year and supported the equivalent of 27,000 jobs. That's according to a new study on the reach of a historical but under-analyzed industry.
The findings highlight the economic power of the 374,000 recreational boaters along the region's coast. It comes as ocean development appears poised to accelerate because of offshore winds farms, among other things. Boaters want a say about such projects in waters they share.
Industry advocates say the survey indicates that boating spurs jobs and economic development and that can only increase its influence among policymakers.
The survey included about 12,000 randomly selected boaters. It was conducted between May and October 2012 by a public private partnership.
NATIONAL GUARD HOMECOMING
Homecoming set for 2 Conn. National Guard units
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) ? Two units of the Connecticut Army National Guard are being recognized for their deployments to Afghanistan and Bahrain.
A formal homecoming ceremony is scheduled for them both on Tuesday at the William A. O'Neill Armory in Hartford.
The 143rd Military Police Company of West Hartford was deployed to Afghanistan from last August until June. The unit of 120 soldiers conducted counterinsurgency operations with the Afghan troops.
The 248th Engineer Company of Norwich was deployed over the same period of time to Bahrain, where the 120-soldier unit provided security at an air base and trained local police.
Currently there are about 100 soldiers and airmen from the Connecticut National Guard deployed to Southwest Asia.
AUDUBON PRESIDENT
New president named to lead Conn. Audubon Society
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (AP) ? A conservation leader who has worked to support national parks, as well as parks in New York City, is taking over as the new president of Connecticut Audubon Society.
Alexander Brash is scheduled to begin his new job at Sept. 9. He succeeds Robert Martinez, who retired in August after serving 10 years as president of the independent conservation organization. Brash will oversee a staff of 30.
Brash previously served as senior director for the northeast region of the National Parks Conservation Association, where he worked since 2004. During his tenure, Brash opened a regional office and helped to raise more than $40 million. He has also worked for the New York City Department of Park and Recreation.
Connecticut Audubon, based in Fairfield, owns 19 sanctuaries covering 2,600 acres.
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