The most recent headlines from around the Adirondacks, with a focus on the environment, communities and recreation in the Adirondack region of Northern New York state.

Recent fires sparked by lightning, negligent campers
Rangers put out campfire at Split Rock Falls, and a wildfire in Keeseville

Essex County Land Bank transforms zombie houses, adds rental assistance and public art
Organization grows from single condemned property to seven homes

Landslides close Avalanche Pass trail
Several routes in the High Peaks around Mount Colden, Algonquin Peak and Mount Marcy have closed until further notice.

North Country communities form immigrant protection networks as ICE enforcement intensifies
From Saratoga to Plattsburgh, North Country communities are organizing protection networks in response to increased ICE activity.

Motorized wheelchairs return to remote Adirondack historic site
A DEC program that helps people with disabilities access one of the Adirondacks’ most remote historic sites is returning for a second year.

Dewey Mountain meets the mix in Saranac Lake
A free, all-day electronic music show at Dewey Mountain in Saranac Lake offers DJ sets and a range of all-age activities on Aug. 2 from 1-9 p.m.

Moose on Goodman Mountain is possibly ill, says DEC
DEC is continuing to monitor the situation

Scarface Mountain Trail in Ray Brook to reopen this fall after bridge replacement
Work to restore access to a popular hiking trail to start in August.

The Bird Songs of Summer
Readers and birding experts debate summer's best bird song: loon, hermit thrush, or red-eyed vireo?

New York forest ranger found dead after 8 days missing: Petition demands safety reform
The petition has drawn more than 5,273 signatures since it was posted July 7, the one-month anniversary of Jackson’s last contact with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Rural healthcare program promises relief, Adirondack hospitals wary of Medicaid cuts
About 215,000 people — 28% of the population — in New York’s 21st Congressional District, which includes the Adirondack Park, receive Medicaid, according to a report by the Healthcare Coalition of the North Country.

‘North of Albany doesn’t matter’: Local officials frustrated as towns shrink
Times Union research found that many communities across New York, especially upstate, are still experiencing serious population loss.

Scientists converge on remote preserve for climate research
Scientists and students gather each summer at the remote Shingle Shanty Preserve and Research Station to study birds, bogs and black spruce.

Moose rules Goodman Mountain: DEC refuses to elaborate on when closure might end
No resolution in sight for trail restriction as state officials remain tight-lipped on reopening timeline

Adirondack residents work to preserve dark skies
Dark Skies Protection Act aims to reduce light pollution across New York state

Linger on the Leichter Trail
The 1.5 mile hike provides options for views of High Peaks and Champlain Valley farms

Moose don’t have a future in New York, says retired state biologist
Wildlife expert and former DEC biologist Al Hicks shares insights gained over his career

Adirondack loon center founder departs to launch new wildlife initiative
Schoch has been the leading loon researcher in the park for decades

Police recover body of man who drowned during rescue attempt at Great Sacandaga Lake
A Schenectady County man is believed to have drowned Sunday evening.

Tupper Lake’s synagogue marks 120 years of community
Temple Beth Joseph celebrates milestone in Adirondack history with an event on July 13

LGBTQ activist resigns from nonprofit she co-founded after nearly 10 years as leader
Executive director Kelly Metzgar steps down following an internal board conflict over Tri-Lakes Pride event

Students uncover Colonial era secrets at Crown Point Historic Site
Lost French fort treasures unearthed at Adirondack historical site

After dark adventures: Prime time summer fly fishing in the Adirondacks
Major insect hatches make for epic night time fishing

Goodnow Mountain trail to close July 7 for repairs
Popular Newcomb fire tower hike to temporarily close for repairs

Rangers pay respects to deceased colleague Brendan Jackson
Assistant Ranger passed away last month

Historic Adirondack property gets permanent protection from development
Adirondack Land Trust, Paul Smith's College enter $4.1M easement agreement to protect 2,800 acres

Where art meets science: Exhibition explores the Ausable watershed
'Follow the Water' exhibition led by painter Anne Diggory, opens July 3 at Keene Arts

NYS enters conversations with future owner of Whitney estate
DEC Commissioner engages with buyer to balance development and conservation at Whitney Park

Motorized wheelchair program returns to Great Camp Santanoni
Accessibility devices to become available starting July 5

Park agency’s top leader cleared in Inspector General investigation
Allegations of wrongdoing on part of Executive Director Barbara Rice found to be ‘unsubstantiated’

Prison strike brings unexpected boost to local economy
State has paid $3.5M to North Country businesses so far during National Guard assignment to area prisons

Adirondack rail buffs get rare access to scenic train routes
Digital railroad historical society preserves Adirondack railway history

Lake Placid church establishes safe space for immigrants fearing deportation threats
Adirondack residents hold ‘know your rights’ events to educate locals amid growing ICE presence

Hochul warns of ‘dangerous’ federal cuts to North Country
Governor Kathy Hochul stopped in Saranac Lake to speak at the Harrietstown Town Hall against federal policies.

Crane Mountain Paint Mine features high bluffs and history
Remnants of the Glen Mining Co. paint plant dot the scenic hike between Huckleberry and Crane mountains

GRB canoe brand to move inside Blue Line
Canoe enthusiast takes over line of racing boats

Efforts to wipe out Little Moose Lake’s smallmouth bass population backfire
Cornell research contains unexpected lessons for managing invasive fish

Road salt oversight bill passes Senate, stalls in Assembly
Legislation would establish committee to monitor efforts to reduce road salt use

Rangers conduct hoist rescue on Hurricane Mountain
Injured hikers call for help at Whiteface, Cranberry Lake and Owls Head as well

Big fish, bigger stakes: Lake Placid’s lake trout caught in derby crosshairs
Local guides blame out-of-state contest for dwindling giants, but state officials see little threat

Future plans for 36,600-acre Whitney estate may be limited by past decisions
Any development for Whitney Park would require approval of master plan by Adirondack Park Agency

Do Adirondack land use policies hinder rangers’ rescue efforts?
Forest rangers say wilderness restoration policies hampered abilities to search for missing Canadian hiker Leo DuFour, who died on Allen Mountain

Nest rafts help to boost loon populations
The structures can protect nests from rising waters and human disturbances.

Paddling Dead Creek to Raquette River
A new canoe and winding rapids make for an enjoyable Adirondack paddle

Rock, Raquette and roll at The Wild Center
The Raquette River Roll includes a variety of sculptures and interactive elements for visitors to enjoy

Celebrating summer in the Adirondacks
Kick off the official start of summer with a variety of outdoor activities

Westport trail network gains community support
Trails around Hoisington Mountain offer scenic views of the Champlain Valley

Invasive species prevention: An Adirondack paddler’s guide to clean, drain, and dry protocols
A Pennsylvanian gets schooled on the ways of Adirondack waters

Keene Valley’s Garden parking to close for repairs
Popular Adirondack access point will be shut down for upgrades next week

Ticonderoga faces federal water shutoff deadline
Chilson and Eagle Lake residents that depend on Gooseneck Pond water source brace for possible shutoff

Celebrating Juneteenth: Remembering a path to freedom
Underground Railroad Museum plans tour of historic sites in Champlain Valley

Rangers assist dehydrated hikers in Cranberry Lake, Mt Haystack
Plus: Hiker and dog stuck on ledge on Crane Mountain

Keeseville opens new waterfront park, amid other revitalization efforts
Community revitalization efforts are growing in this former Adirondack mill town

Grant funds in action: New tech helps small towns tackle water pollution problems
An aging wastewater treatment facility in Bolton adopts technology to reduce polluting runoff

A fair share? Grant programs fall short for the Adirondacks, officials say
Adirondack communities at a disadvantage when competing for state funds, even as state dollars flow into the park

APA saves accessibility issue for another day
Ernst thanked for service; new board members confirmed by senate

The legacy of Henry Uihlein: farming success in the Adirondacks
Historic Heaven Hill property to become working research farm

Ausable Marsh: Flora and fauna accompany a short hike
Ausable Marsh offers an environmentally abundant alternative to the busier Ausable Point

Angler falls down Ausable embankment, breaking leg
Plus: Rangers search for missing men in two separate incidents

The moose that won’t move: DEC closes Goodman Mt. trail after bull moose settles in
State officials closed the trail for now, citing safety concerns for both hikers and the animal

Champlain Area Trails buys Twin Valleys Education Center
Acquisition prioritizes maintaining and expanding outdoor recreation

New York state needs to step up in conserving Whitney Park
Adirondack Wilderness Advocates urge conservation easements for Whitney estate

Adirondack invasive species primer with expert Brian Greene
Tips for preventing the spread of some troublesome species

Budget bill raises alarm for rural hospitals in Adirondacks
Hospital trade group fights to reinstate cut Medicaid funding

Bog River put in gets facelift with additional parking
Lows Lake access upgraded for canoe, kayak users

Celebrating diversity, though bird song
Black Birders Week celebration brings community and curiosity for birding at inaugural event in Lake Placid

Who will lead trips for Adirondack Mountain Club?
Some chapters cite updated training requirements as contributing to decline in volunteers

Dark skies beckon: Night events see surge in popularity
Stargazing, night paddles, photography workshops and other activities provide after-dark outings