Assessment finds High Peaks trails are in poor shape
By Mike Lynch
Many hiking trails throughout the High Peaks Wilderness region are in rough shape and need to be restored, according to a leading Adirondack environmental group.
Mike Lynch
Mike Lynch has been the Explorer's climate reporter since January 2025 and has worked for the publication since 2014. In addition to writing about climate change, he covers issues related to wildlife. Mike has also worked as a licensed outdoor guide and thru-paddled the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail. He is the author of 12 Short Hikes on Preserves near Lake George. He can be reached at [email protected].
All Stories by Mike Lynch
Rome Dam Removal
By Mike Lynch
A video update of the Rome Dam removal by the Ausable River Association. The dam on river left has been cut to the base and material is being hauled off site. The Rome Dam is located on the West Branch of the Ausable River a couple miles upstream from Ausable Forks. Removal of the dam…
Adirondack Council hires Julia Goren to lead 2050 vision project
By Mike Lynch
Adirondack Council News Release Adirondack Summit Steward and Education Programs Director to Lead Team Updating Landmark 2020 Vision Plan for 2050 With the year 2020 fast approaching the Adirondack Council is moving to remake its pioneering 30 year old plan for completion of New York’s 126-year-old Adirondack Park titled 2020 VISION. Julia Goren, director of…
Monarch starting their big migration (photo gallery)
By Mike Lynch
As the days are getting cooler and shorter, more and more monarch butterflies are starting their big migration to Mexico, where they will spend the winter before starting their migration northward in the spring.
DEC kills nuisance bear at Saranac Lake Islands Campground
By Mike Lynch
The state Department of Environmental Conservation killed a black bear at a Saranac Lake Islands Campground in the northern Adirondacks last week.
Crews work to remove Rome Dam (photo gallery and video)
By Mike Lynch
Located less than two miles upstream of Ausable Forks, the Jay town board voted in March of 2017 to remove the Rome Dam after an engineering study found that it posed a threat to residents downstream because of its potential to fail. The engineering study found that it was structurally unsound and would be especially vulnerable during a flood.
Rome Dam on the West Branch of the Ausable River (photo gallery)
By Mike Lynch
Photos of the Rome Dam in May 2017 on a rainy day. The dam is currently being removed because it was found to be structurally unsound in an engineering study. The removal started in August and is expected to be completed by mid-November.
Hiker dies on Seymour Mountain
By Mike Lynch
DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Highlights Forest Ranger Actions for 8/19 – 8/25/18 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from…
DEC Announces Final UMP Amendments to High Peaks Wilderness Complex and Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest
By Mike Lynch
Implementation of Management Actions Underway The High Peaks Wilderness Complex and the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest Unit Management Plan (UMP) Amendments are final and implementation of the management actions has begun, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. Commissioner Seggos said, “Defining DEC’s management of the Boreas Ponds and…
List of conservation easements landowners
By Mike Lynch
A list of conservation easement owners in the Adirondack Park.