Within the millions of acres of protected land, scientists are studying our changing environment. We, too, have been following these changes: The emergence of invasive species that threaten the health of our trees and waters. The shifts in migrating birds returning to the Adirondacks. And the return of moose, wolves and other mammals.
The thread that weaves through all our reporting is the balance between the man-made environment and the natural world. That plays out with debates around how to manage the close-to 3 million acres of state-owned land in the Adirondack Park.
Dams: An investigation
A look at the park’s aging dams
2023 Explored: Dam Safety
Explorer investigation spotlights safety needs of Adirondack structures
Do dams belong in places meant to be ‘untrammeled by man?’
Old dams present inherent tension in wilderness areas
Can dams weather climate change?
Dams have historically helped create drinking water, power and food. In an era of a warming planet, dams could create havoc.
Hard-earned lessons to improve dam safety
Sometimes it takes a disaster to get the policy gears in motion
DIVE DEEP INTO ADIRONDACK ISSUES
Subscribe to receive 7 issues of Adirondack Explorer delivered to your mailbox and/or inbox
WATER QUALITY
Tupper Lake’s water woes
After move from lake to well water, Tupper Lake looks to switch back
Paradox Lake to become latest to be treated with milfoil herbicide
Adirondack Park Agency approves permit for 3rd Adirondack lake to use ProcellaCOR
Lake George Waterkeeper: State road salt pilot resulted in more salt use
While trucks were spreading less salt per mile, trip frequencies increased, monitors say
Annual road salt summit follows release of task force report
The annual summit, celebrating its eighth year, brings together road crews, water scientists and advocacy organizations interested in new approaches to winter road management.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Report: More 90-degree days ahead
First installment of state report points to more 90-degree days in the Adirondacks
Study: 95% of Adirondack lakes could lose brook trout habitat
Study finds just 5% of Adirondack lakes may have the right conditions to sustain brook trout habitat in a warming climate.
Adirondack climate change forecasts by the numbers
Research shows a steady climb in temperature and precipitation
Program pays landowners to practice sustainable forestry
Environmental groups zero in on small woodlots as part of larger carbon offsets initiative
WILDLIFE
Deer vs gardens
Although deer numbers are sparse overall in the Adirondacks, they are gaining ground in populations centers
How birds handle the ‘lights out’ during an eclipse
When day becomes night, wildlife responds accordingly
DEC develops plan for Adirondack lake-dwelling brook trout
Public input sessions scheduled for Old Forge, Warrensburg
Report: Mountain bird numbers see dramatic dip
Counts show decline in many high-elevation species across the Northeast since 2010
CLEAN ENERGY
APA developing battery energy storage application
The APA is creating an energy storage application it hopes will address fire and safety concerns when a project falls under its jurisdiction.
Adirondackers are electrifying, and getting tax credits, rebates
More to come with Inflation Reduction Act incentives
Long Lake powers up, passing laws to oversee battery storage
Long Lake town board adopts laws related to installation of Raquette Lake microgrid battery storage facility
Building a home for energy efficiency and renewables
Newly formed North Country Clean Energy Hub aims to connect homeowners, communities to energy efficiency, renewable energy programs and incentives
INVASIVE SPECIES
Dispatches from a buckthorn assassin
Adirondack Garden Club tackles invasive plant problem at Essex Quarry trail
Park agency approves Lake Luzerne’s plan to kill lake weeds with herbicide
The Adirondack Park Agency approved a plan to use herbicide to battle invasive water weed on Lake Luzerne
Lake communities line up for herbicide approval from APA
As the state appeals a court decision vacating a Lake George herbicide permit, a line of other interested communities is forming at APA
Meet the beetles
Researchers release bugs in strategy to save Adirondack hemlocks