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
FEMA’s role in rebuilding: Compensation after Irene’s havoc in the Adirondacks
Tropical Storm Irene left a lasting impact on Adirondack Park, displacing residents and leading to extensive federal assistance for recovery efforts.
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
WILDLIFE
Federal grant fuels study to enhance wildlife safety on NY roads
The state Department of Transportation has received a federal grant for a two-part study to look at ways to reduce wildlife-vehicle accidents and improve habitat connectivity.
New leadership coming to Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation
Founder shifts to science role as organization welcomes new director
New protections could help save declining monarch butterflies
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to list monarch butterflies as threatened.
Inside the Adirondack Fish Hatchery: A lifeline for Atlantic salmon, round whitefish
Adirondack Fish Hatchery plays vital role in species restoration
INVASIVE SPECIES
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.
Precautionary measures initiated following detection of invasive round goby fish
Detection at Champlain Canal’s second lock in Halfmoon triggers extra monitoring