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
Who’s using the most water in the Adirondack Park?
The Adirondack Park's permitted water users pump around 12 billion gallons of water a year.
Key wetlands protected near Lake George
Lake George Land Conservancy buys key wetlands property on Huddle Bay on Lake George in the town of Bolton.
Feds: Vermont failing its duty to protect Lake Champlain
The federal Environmental Protection Agency is pushing Vermont to do more to control runoff from dairy farms impacting Lake Champlain
Inside Elizabethtown’s 60-year journey to a public sewer system
Has the time finally come for this small Adirondack community to build wastewater infrastructure?
CLIMATE CHANGE
Bill McKibben speaks to importance of renewable energy
This Q&A featured Bill McKibben, a prominent climate activist, discussing the current state of climate change and renewable energy solutions.
Adirondack officials alarmed by possible FEMA changes
A federal council will be tasked with evaluating FEMA in the coming months, leaving its fate uncertain in the coming year.
What is ‘Cap and Invest’?
New York’s plan to put a price on carbon is still on hold. But here’s how it would work, if and when it gets off the ground.
Hochul signs $75B climate superfund bill targeting oil companies
Climate superfund law was a top climate priority this year.
WILDLIFE
Wildlife photographer shares insights in Explorer Q&A session
Jeff Nadler shared with the Adirondack Explorer his experience in photographing wildlife and the northern lights.
DEC plans ‘reclamation’ of Echo Pond, killing fish so others may thrive
Longstanding practice aims to restore brook trout
Bear family death: What really happened in Old Forge
The last hours of the bear trio known to frequent the hamlet of Old Forge were detailed in an incident report the Explorer received.
Avian flu: DEC urges public to report suspected cases
Biologists looking to track cases to find out where it is on the landscape.
INVASIVE SPECIES
ProcellaCOR herbicide use expanded to more Adirondack waters in 2024
Lake George sees first chemical management of invasive plants as herbicide use grows across Adirondack waters
New director on the ‘never-ending’ fight against invasive species in the Adirondack Park
Brian Greene discusses the challenges facing Adirondack Park as it loses its natural defenses against invasive species, emphasizing the role of herbicides in future conservation efforts
Adirondack Rail Trail users invited to join the fight against invasive plants
Visitors encouraged to use 'Play, Clean, Go' approach to stopping the spread
First documented sighting of invasive tree killer in the Adirondack Park’s Essex County
Emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that kills ash trees, was caught in a trap in mid-July in Essex County, state officials have confirmed.