The only independent, nonprofit news organization solely dedicated to reporting on the Adirondack Park.
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].
By Mike Lynch
Adirondack Wild says a permit system is a good idea and suggested the concept in its comment letter to the state Adirondack Park Agency and Department of Environmental Conservation regarding the recently proposed amendments to the the High Peaks Wilderness unit management plan.
By Mike Lynch
The Wright Peak Ski Trail is one of the top backcountry-skiing trails in the Adirondacks, but skiers often complain that it dumps them out onto a narrow and often-rocky hiking trail that leads to Algonquin Peak. The state Department of Environmental Conservation proposes to fix the problem by rerouting the bottom of the ski trail…
By Mike Lynch
Lake Clear resident Mary McLean and her family stopped using her home’s water for drinking and cooking years ago because it tasted salty. They’ve also seen corrosion to their appliances and plumbing, including the faucet on the kitchen sink.
By Mike Lynch
Join wilderness photographer, Carl Heilman, on a journey through the backwoods to capture the stunning and surreal landscapes only found in the Adirondack Park. Carl uses his rotating panoramic camera to recreate the magical feeling of this region and to portray how special and unique it truly is. Carl is a regular contribute to the…
By Mike Lynch
The New York state Legislative Session came to a close Wednesday without addressing several key Adirondack Park issues including a conservation subdivision design bill, according to a leading environmental advocacy organization.
By Mike Lynch
The state Department of Environmental Conservation is currently removing contaminated sediment from Lake Flower in Saranac Lake. The sediment is located in Pontiac Bay and is contaminated with coal tar, coke, and ash from a gas plant in the village. Other pollutants include volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes. Starting in…
By Mike Lynch
A third public meeting seeking public comment on the High Peaks Wilderness Complex and the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest Draft Unit Management Plan Amendments has been scheduled, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. The meeting is scheduled for June 21, at 6 pm in the Lussi Ballroom of the Olympic…
By Mike Lynch
The Upper Works Road in Newcomb is one of the most interesting roads in the Adirondacks. It is the southern entrance for many of the High Peaks, historic buildings from the former mining village of Tahawus are located alongside it, and the scenic Hudson River can be found nearby. I visited the area in late…
By Mike Lynch
It’s not entirely out of the question that Adirondack history will one day associate John Davis with wildlife in the same manner that it associates Bob Marshall with mountains. Through Herculean physical exploits, the formation of advocacy groups, and incessant PR, Marshall showed that the oft-exploited wilderness was deserving of our protection and respect, both…
By Mike Lynch
New Strategic Working Group Made up of State Agencies, Scientists and Environmental Representatives to Develop New Strategies for Keeping Roads Safe while Reducing Impacts of Road Salt New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas today announced two new innovative pilot programs to help rejuvenate Mirror Lake and Lake George by reducing the application…