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
Reading the river: Field surveys on the Ausable
In his hands-on exploration of the Ausable River, Gary Henry uncovers strategies for effective stream restoration amid changing environments
Mirror Lake progress highlighted at annual salt summit
Key takeaways from Lake George Association's road salt reduction gathering, held this year in Lake Placid
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
CLIMATE CHANGE
Adirondack communities plan for future storm resilience
Towns search for solutions, and financial help, for making repairs and preparing for additional severe weather
Adirondack listening sessions address flooding and other climate challenges
Roughly 25 people gathered Thursday afternoon at the Whallonsburg Grange in the Champlain Valley to brainstorm about climate resilience.
100-year storms through the eye of a culvert
Region's drainage losing the battle against climate change
Public invited to climate resilience listening sessions
The Adirondack Climate Outreach & Resilience Network invites residents to share concerns and ideas in shaping a roadmap for the region.
WILDLIFE
DEC, partners offer rebate to hunters who buy lead-free ammo
Promotion aims to protect scavengers such as bald eagles, which can ingest lead in discarded deer remains
Chronic wasting disease discovery in Adirondack region raises concerns for wildlife
State officials are investigating a case of chronic wasting disease that was found in a captive deer late last week.
State defends killing Old Forge black bears
The controversial euthanization of 2 black bear cubs leaves some questioning DEC's wildlife management policies
Adirondack moose population threatened but stable
Giant liver fluke playing big role in deaths
INVASIVE SPECIES
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.
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.