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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
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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
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.
Report: Potential delay in state’s renewable energy target
What New York’s latest renewable update means for the Adirondacks
UPDATE: Beryl’s impact: Adirondack Park towns reopen roads, millions of dollars in damage
One year after torrential rain flooded parts of the Adirondacks, the region is expected to receive another heavy downpour.
While often overlooked, peatlands are beautiful, mysterious, important
Views on the beauty of peatlands and the their important role in storing carbon, and providing a place of refuge
WILDLIFE
The elusive mourning warbler: A colorful gem of North America’s forests
One of the most sought-after species for Adirondack birders
Bear family’s death sparks outrage in Old Forge
Community members propose additional ideas to minimize wildlife encounters, educate visitors on dangers of feeding wild animals
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.
Facing extinction: The plight of New York’s tricolored bat
Populations of hibernating bats continue to see dramatic population losses due to white-nose syndrome
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