The state Department of Environmental Conservation is advising people against camping above 4,000 feet in the High Peaks after a number of instances became public on social media recently.
Doing battle with black flies
An annual spring rite of passage, the scourge of the black fly lasts roughly from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day. As the weather heats up, the flies die off. While black flies certainly don’t have a monopoly on making outdoor life in the Adirondacks miserable—raise your hand if you’ve suffered from a mosquito swarm or deer fly bite—these insects are uniquely annoying when they’re around. They swarm and have a killer’s instinct for biting. And, man, those bites can hurt.
Treating Lake George stormwater
The West Brook conservation initiative has helped treat stormwater at Charles R Wood Park in Lake George. In the video above, several people involved with the project talk about its impact at the Charles R Wood dedication ceremony.
Hamlets to Huts seeks public input on trekking plans
Adirondack Hamlets to Huts is looking for volunteers to participate in a focus session this weekend that will inform its marketing plan.
DEC and state police resupply interior outposts
The following is from the most recent forest ranger report from the DEC. Towns of Keene and North Elba Essex County Interior Outpost Resupply: On May 6, DEC employees along with New York State Police Aviation unit spent the day resupplying High Peaks Wilderness Area interior outposts with propane, firewood, and lumber for the upcoming season. In addition, roofing materials for the restoration of the Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower were flown to the summit. The New York State Police Aviation unit helped Forest Rangers supply backcountry outposts last week. City of Albany Albany County Prescribed Fire: On May 8, DEC Forest Ranger >>More
Railroad bed washed out near Hoel Pond
A large section of a railroad bed near Hoel Pond appears to have been washed out by a stream this spring. This photo gallery contains a collection of images from the site.
May Snowfall in Wilmington
Portions of the Adirondacks were hit with a snowfall this morning, with snow accumulating on the ground at about 2,500 feet.
ROOST staff, social media ambassadors get crash course in outdoor ethics
Leave No Trace principles address topics such as how to prepare for trips, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, how to dispose of waste properly, and even how to post to social media responsibly. The principles are used by federal land management agencies, national parks, and organizations around the country.
Eastern High Peaks to get “hot spot” hiker education
Efforts to educate hikers about proper backcountry ethics will continue this summer in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness, as the area has been designated an official Leave No Trace Hotspot for 2019.
DEC asks hikers to avoid high elevation trails during mud season
Hikers are being asked to avoid hiking on trails above 2,500 feet until high elevation trails have dried and hardened. Snow and ice are currently melting on high elevation trails and steep trails with thin soils are dangerous for hiking and susceptible to erosion, and sensitive alpine vegetation is easily damaged.
