Adirondack Environment
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
Explorer investigation spotlights safety needs of Adirondack dams
Explorer investigation spotlights safety needs of Adirondack structures
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
DIVE DEEP INTO ADIRONDACK ISSUES
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WATER QUALITY
More Adirondack lakes, communities eligible for septic funds
Dozens more Adirondack lakes qualify under a state septic replacement funding program.
Mercury in Adirondack Park fish raises health concerns
Adirondack Park's pristine waters hide contaminant dangers in fish
Herbicide application denied in Vermont, approved in New York: A tale of two approaches
Ongoing debate raises questions around ProcellaCOR's use in lakes used for drinking water
Lake George Commission declares ProcellaCOR concentrations undetectable after 24 hours
Lake George Association conducts its own sampling, monitoring
CLIMATE CHANGE
The power of ‘pee-cycling’: Longtime compost enthusiasts turn to human urine
Compost for Good’s experimental facility opens to the public in Jay. The initial test involved collecting 2,000 gallons of urine, which was made into fertilizer.
From Azerbaijan to the Adirondacks: Teacher gets global perspective on climate
Lake Placid educator Sam Baker discusses his experience at climate training ahead of November’s COP29
Group aims to help communities access infrastructure, climate funding
Adirondack Climate Outreach and Resilience Network plans listening tour as first step in efforts to address climate change impacts
Storms steal power, flood roads in the Adirondacks
For the second month in a row, power outages and flooding came from storms in the Adirondack Park.
WILDLIFE
A closer look at black bear euthanizations in the Adirondacks
In the past eight years, the DEC has euthanized 54 black bears in the area that encompasses the Adirondack Park, due to conflicts with humans.
New York evaluates freshwater fish as part of endangered species list update
Draft includes at least 10 species from the Adirondack region whose status may change
Study: Development in Ontario limiting wolves’ range
Study says a loss of habitat in southern Canada has made it more difficult for wolves to travel from the Laurentians to the Adirondacks.
A behind-the-scenes look at the wild revival of Lake Champlain trout
Scientists, fisheries managers keep watchful eye of growing success of lake trout recovery. Here's a look at how they do it.
INVASIVE SPECIES
Precautionary measures initiated following detection of invasive round goby fish
Detection at Champlain Canal’s second lock in Halfmoon triggers extra monitoring
An environmental duel: Lake George to face herbicide treatment amidst debate about safety, use
The Lake George Park Commission continues to press forward on its controversial plan to use an herbicide to fight invasive milfoil.
Lake George residents upset over uninspected boat launches
Volunteers document out-of-state boat launches raising concerns about invasive species spread at Million Dollar Beach ramp
What lakes are next for herbicide treatment?
Lake communities across the Adirondack Park look to ProcellaCOR as key in fight against invasive weed