High Peaks crowds compound problems in a tight budget year
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos talked about crowds in the High Peaks, the state budget, permits, staffing and protecting hikers and natural resources.
Stories
Adirondack Climbing Guide: Navigating traditional climbs, gear tips
Getting started in rock climbing involves learning the lingo
A different kind of summer atop High Peaks, where troubling trends persist
By Mike Lynch
Large summer crowds are a trend that has been well established in recent years, and many hikers are continuing to go to the summits unprepared for such long and remote day trips.
Inspectors block new Lake George invaders as boat numbers swell
This summer is bringing more boaters and more invasive species threats to Lake George. But inspectors are catching these aquatic hitchhikers.
Water talk
Join Explorer reporter Ry Rivard and Dan Kelting, head of the Adirondack Watershed Institute of Paul Smith’s College, to talk about one of the major sources of water pollution in our region: the road salt showing up in water supplies across the Adirondacks. Ry Rivard has been reporting on this issue for the Explorer. Dan…
Emerald ash borer documented for first time in Adirondacks
State Department of Transportation staff found an infestation of the invasive Emerald Ash borer in Chester near the Schroon River.
Rangers fight fires in St. Lawrence County
Recent DEC Forest Ranger actions: Town of MaltaSaratoga CountyWildland Helicopter Bucket Training: On July 27, DEC’s Forest Rangers and the Army National Guard Air Assault Battalion out of the Albany Airport conducted specialized wildland firefighting training on Round Lake using two Army UH60-A Blackhawk Helicopters outfitted with 660-gallon Bambi Buckets. Forest Rangers and Army National Guard…
Ausable River Association resumes educational outings
The Ausable River Association aims to advocate for the watershed through stewardship, conservation and recreation.
Mother bear and cubs prompt camp advisory near Tupper Lake
“It takes a long time to discourage a bear who thinks they can eat there."
Biking a rarely traveled loop in the Sable Highlands
By Phil Brown
Although the state Department of Environmental Conservation released its interim recreation plan more than a decade ago, in 2009, the agency has yet to implement much of it, and the lack of signage means visitors may not know where they can go and what they can do.