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
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
In the Adirondacks, town dam owners watch and wait
The towns of Dannemora, Bolton, Indian Lake and Chester each own a high hazard dam rated unsound by state inspectors.
DIVE DEEP INTO ADIRONDACK ISSUES
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WATER QUALITY
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.
Can art encourage stewardship of North Country waters?
Artists combine science and aesthetics to showcase the voices of local waters.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Ease off the rake: Scientists suggest keeping fallen leaves where they land
Pollinators and the atmosphere benefit from an untouched yard.
Adirondack groups hopeful for climate corps recruits
A new federal program plans to bolster the ‘green’ workforce like CCC of old.
Birds visit new areas or vanish from the Adirondacks
Bird surveys on Whiteface Mountain and also conifer swamps, open peatlands and open river corridors have documented changes in populations.
Funding questions come with electric school bus mandate
A full transition from diesel to electric school buses is expected by 2035.
WILDLIFE
Golden eagles: Just passing through
While no longer nesting in the Adirondacks, these impressive raptors can be seen during migration.
Birds visit new areas or vanish from the Adirondacks
Bird surveys on Whiteface Mountain and also conifer swamps, open peatlands and open river corridors have documented changes in populations.
Wolf advocates push for canid protections
Wolf advocates continue to lobby the state for protections of canids and wolves that may disperse to New York.
Lincoln’s sparrow: Sweet notes from a secretive bird
One of two boreal bird species in the Adirondacks that nest primarily in bogs.
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
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
2022 Explored: Invasive Species
Invasive species on both land and water continue to threaten the health of Adirondack ecosystems.