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Adirondack News

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.

Wildfire in Chesterfield. DEC photo

search and rescue

Recent fires sparked by lightning, negligent campers

By Adirondack Explorer
July 15, 2025

Rangers put out campfire at Split Rock Falls, and a wildfire in Keeseville

Communities

Essex County Land Bank transforms zombie houses, adds rental assistance and public art

By Brenne Sheehan
July 15, 2025

Organization grows from single condemned property to seven homes

Outdoor Recreation

Landslides close Avalanche Pass trail

By Brenne Sheehan
July 14, 2025

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

Migrant worker in yellow jacket carrying a bushel of apples in a back around his chest reaches up to pick apple from three

Government

North Country communities form immigrant protection networks as ICE enforcement intensifies

By Tim Rowland
July 14, 2025

From Saratoga to Plattsburgh, North Country communities are organizing protection networks in response to increased ICE activity.

Meg LeFevre Bobbin tests out "The Rig," a mobility device created by the company Not A Wheelchair, to ride into Camp Santanoni in August 2024 in Newcomb. Bobbin made the excursion with her husband Buck

Outdoor Recreation

Motorized wheelchairs return to remote Adirondack historic site

By David Escobar
July 13, 2025

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

Communities

Dewey Mountain meets the mix in Saranac Lake

By Brenne Sheehan
July 12, 2025

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

Wildlife

Moose on Goodman Mountain is possibly ill, says DEC

By Mike Lynch
July 11, 2025

DEC is continuing to monitor the situation

The trail to Scarface Mountain is closed to the summit due to a unsafe bridge. Photo by Mike Lynch

Hiking

Scarface Mountain Trail in Ray Brook to reopen this fall after bridge replacement

By Mike Lynch
July 11, 2025

Work to restore access to a popular hiking trail to start in August.

Loon, hermit thrush, red-eyed vireo

Wildlife

The Bird Songs of Summer

By Contributing Writer
July 11, 2025

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

Man on bridge with hiking poles and baseball cap

search and rescue

New York forest ranger found dead after 8 days missing: Petition demands safety reform 

By James Odato
July 10, 2025

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.

aerial photo of the Clifton-Fine Hospital

Communities

Rural healthcare program promises relief, Adirondack hospitals wary of Medicaid cuts

By Brenne Sheehan
July 10, 2025

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.

Marty Miller, the town supervisor of Potsdam, sits at his desk at Town Hall. Potsdam’s population declined by 1,523 residents between 2010 and 2024. Courtesy of Marty Miller

Communities

‘North of Albany doesn’t matter’: Local officials frustrated as towns shrink

By Times Union
July 10, 2025

Times Union research found that many communities across New York, especially upstate, are still experiencing serious population loss.

Environment

Scientists converge on remote preserve for climate research

By Zachary Matson
July 9, 2025

Scientists and students gather each summer at the remote Shingle Shanty Preserve and Research Station to study birds, bogs and black spruce.

moose

Wildlife

Moose rules Goodman Mountain: DEC refuses to elaborate on when closure might end

By Brenne Sheehan
July 8, 2025

No resolution in sight for trail restriction as state officials remain tight-lipped on reopening timeline

stars in a dark night sky

Environment

Adirondack residents work to preserve dark skies

By Holly Riddle
July 8, 2025

Dark Skies Protection Act aims to reduce light pollution across New York state

Leichter trail farmland

Hiking

Linger on the Leichter Trail

By Tim Rowland
July 8, 2025

The 1.5 mile hike provides options for views of High Peaks and Champlain Valley farms

Al Hicks talks about climate change and wildlife at the Lake George Land Conservancy office in Bolton Landing. Photo by Mike Lynch

Wildlife

Moose don’t have a future in New York, says retired state biologist

By Mike Lynch
July 8, 2025

Wildlife expert and former DEC biologist Al Hicks shares insights gained over his career

Nina Schoch takes blood samples from a loon that was rescued near Upper Saranac Lake in 2016. Photo by Mike Lynch

Wildlife

Adirondack loon center founder departs to launch new wildlife initiative

By Mike Lynch
July 7, 2025

Schoch has been the leading loon researcher in the park for decades

Great Sacandaga Lake with empty boat docks

search and rescue

Police recover body of man who drowned during rescue attempt at Great Sacandaga Lake

By Times Union
July 7, 2025

A Schenectady County man is believed to have drowned Sunday evening.

exterior of temple beth joseph in tupper lake

Adirondackers

Tupper Lake’s synagogue marks 120 years of community

By Aurora Pfaff
July 7, 2025

Temple Beth Joseph celebrates milestone in Adirondack history with an event on July 13

LGBTQ activist Kelly Metzgar stands with her Pride flags.

Adirondackers

LGBTQ activist resigns from nonprofit she co-founded after nearly 10 years as leader

By David Escobar
July 5, 2025

Executive director Kelly Metzgar steps down following an internal board conflict over Tri-Lakes Pride event

Arial of fort

History & Culture

Students uncover Colonial era secrets at Crown Point Historic Site

By Tom French
July 4, 2025

Lost French fort treasures unearthed at Adirondack historical site

Close up of hexegenia Limbata Adult Spinner perched on a finger in the dark

Fishing

After dark adventures: Prime time summer fly fishing in the Adirondacks

By Contributing Writer
July 3, 2025

Major insect hatches make for epic night time fishing

goodnow fire tower

Outdoor Recreation

Goodnow Mountain trail to close July 7 for repairs

By Melissa Hart
July 3, 2025

Popular Newcomb fire tower hike to temporarily close for repairs

assistant ranger brendan jackson and his dog

search and rescue

Rangers pay respects to deceased colleague Brendan Jackson

By Adirondack Explorer
July 2, 2025

Assistant Ranger passed away last month

Aerial of Osgood Pond shoreline

Land use

Historic Adirondack property gets permanent protection from development

By Tim Rowland
July 2, 2025

Adirondack Land Trust, Paul Smith's College enter $4.1M easement agreement to protect 2,800 acres

painting of water flowing over rocks

History & Culture

Where art meets science: Exhibition explores the Ausable watershed

By Contributing Writer
July 2, 2025

'Follow the Water' exhibition led by painter Anne Diggory, opens July 3 at Keene Arts

aerial shot of the whitney estate

Land use

NYS enters conversations with future owner of Whitney estate

By James Odato
July 1, 2025

DEC Commissioner engages with buyer to balance development and conservation at Whitney Park

A man wearing a helmet rides a mobility chair on a trail

Outdoor Recreation

Motorized wheelchair program returns to Great Camp Santanoni

By David Escobar
July 1, 2025

Accessibility devices to become available starting July 5

Barbara Rice, APA Executive Director

Government

Park agency’s top leader cleared in Inspector General investigation

By Zachary Matson
June 30, 2025

Allegations of wrongdoing on part of Executive Director Barbara Rice found to be ‘unsubstantiated’ 

saranac waterfront lodge before prison strike

Communities

Prison strike brings unexpected boost to local economy

By James Odato
June 30, 2025

State has paid $3.5M to North Country businesses so far during National Guard assignment to area prisons

Passengers looking at train

Communities

Adirondack rail buffs get rare access to scenic train routes

By Tom French
June 29, 2025

Digital railroad historical society preserves Adirondack railway history

Communities

Lake Placid church establishes safe space for immigrants fearing deportation threats

By David Escobar
June 28, 2025

Adirondack residents hold ‘know your rights’ events to educate locals amid growing ICE presence

Communities

Hochul warns of ‘dangerous’ federal cuts to North Country 

By Mike Lynch
June 27, 2025

Governor Kathy Hochul stopped in Saranac Lake to speak at the Harrietstown Town Hall against federal policies.

Hikers cross rocks

Hiking

Crane Mountain Paint Mine features high bluffs and history

By Tim Rowland
June 27, 2025

Remnants of the Glen Mining Co. paint plant dot the scenic hike between Huckleberry and Crane mountains

Outdoor Recreation

GRB canoe brand to move inside Blue Line

By Zachary Matson
June 26, 2025

Canoe enthusiast takes over line of racing boats

smallmouth bass under water

Environment

Efforts to wipe out Little Moose Lake’s smallmouth bass population backfire

By Zachary Matson
June 25, 2025

Cornell research contains unexpected lessons for managing invasive fish

Snow removal operations in Lake Placid NY which include snow plows from various municipalities, snow roller brushers and shovels, with efforts around MIrror Lake and on Main Street lessening the use of salt to protect water quality. Photo by Nancie Battaglia

Environment

Road salt oversight bill passes Senate, stalls in Assembly

By Zachary Matson
June 24, 2025

Legislation would establish committee to monitor efforts to reduce road salt use

helicopter rescue on Hurricane Mountain

search and rescue

Rangers conduct hoist rescue on Hurricane Mountain

By Adirondack Explorer
June 24, 2025

Injured hikers call for help at Whiteface, Cranberry Lake and Owls Head as well

lake trout on lake placid

Environment

Big fish, bigger stakes: Lake Placid’s lake trout caught in derby crosshairs

By Brenne Sheehan
June 24, 2025

Local guides blame out-of-state contest for dwindling giants, but state officials see little threat

aerial shot of the whitney estate

Land use

Future plans for 36,600-acre Whitney estate may be limited by past decisions

By James Odato
June 23, 2025

Any development for Whitney Park would require approval of master plan by Adirondack Park Agency

hiker search on snowy Allen Mountain

Land use

Do Adirondack land use policies hinder rangers’ rescue efforts?

By Times Union
June 23, 2025

Forest rangers say wilderness restoration policies hampered abilities to search for missing Canadian hiker Leo DuFour, who died on Allen Mountain

Wildlife

Nest rafts help to boost loon populations

By Mike Lynch
June 23, 2025

The structures can protect nests from rising waters and human disturbances.

woman in canoe seen from behind with paddle in hand

Outdoor Recreation

Paddling Dead Creek to Raquette River

By Tom French
June 22, 2025

A new canoe and winding rapids make for an enjoyable Adirondack paddle

girl playing with ball run at the wild center

Communities

Rock, Raquette and roll at The Wild Center

By Tom French
June 21, 2025

The Raquette River Roll includes a variety of sculptures and interactive elements for visitors to enjoy

champlain valley sunrise

Communities

Celebrating summer in the Adirondacks

By Brenne Sheehan
June 20, 2025

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

Hoisington summit trees and lake

Communities

Westport trail network gains community support

By Tim Rowland
June 20, 2025

Trails around Hoisington Mountain offer scenic views of the Champlain Valley

Jake Dunkley Nick Rowell

Commentary

Invasive species prevention: An Adirondack paddler’s guide to clean, drain, and dry protocols 

By Brenne Sheehan
June 19, 2025

A Pennsylvanian gets schooled on the ways of Adirondack waters

The Garden trailhead, filled to capacity on a fall weekday afternoon.

Outdoor Recreation

Keene Valley’s Garden parking to close for repairs

By Tim Rowland
June 18, 2025

Popular Adirondack access point will be shut down for upgrades  next week

water in buckets in Ticonderoga

Water quality

Ticonderoga faces federal water shutoff deadline

By Tim Rowland
June 18, 2025

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

underground railroad director on juneteenth

History & Culture

Celebrating Juneteenth: Remembering a path to freedom

By David Escobar
June 18, 2025

Underground Railroad Museum plans tour of historic sites in Champlain Valley

prospect mountain rescue

search and rescue

Rangers assist dehydrated hikers in Cranberry Lake, Mt Haystack

By Adirondack Explorer
June 17, 2025

Plus: Hiker and dog stuck on ledge on Crane Mountain

ausable river

Communities

Keeseville opens new waterfront park, amid other revitalization efforts

By Brenne Sheehan
June 17, 2025

Community revitalization efforts are growing in this former Adirondack mill town

Environment

Grant funds in action: New tech helps small towns tackle water pollution problems

By Zachary Matson
June 16, 2025

An aging wastewater treatment facility in Bolton adopts technology to reduce polluting runoff

water treatment plan

Government

A fair share? Grant programs fall short for the Adirondacks, officials say

By Zachary Matson
June 15, 2025

Adirondack communities at a disadvantage when competing for state funds, even as state dollars flow into the park

John Ernst at APA meeting.

Government

APA saves accessibility issue for another day

By Zachary Matson
June 14, 2025

Ernst thanked for service; new board members confirmed by senate

Burns and McKenna on field

Farms and food

The legacy of Henry Uihlein: farming success in the Adirondacks

By Tim Rowland
June 13, 2025

Historic Heaven Hill property to become working research farm

Purple flowers by marsh

Hiking

Ausable Marsh: Flora and fauna accompany a short hike

By Tim Rowland
June 12, 2025

Ausable Marsh offers an environmentally abundant alternative to the busier Ausable Point

ausable river rescue

search and rescue

Angler falls down Ausable embankment, breaking leg

By Adirondack Explorer
June 11, 2025

Plus: Rangers search for missing men in two separate incidents

moose

Wildlife

The moose that won’t move: DEC closes Goodman Mt. trail after bull moose settles in

By Brenne Sheehan
June 11, 2025

State officials closed the trail for now, citing safety concerns for both hikers and the animal

The hills of the Twin Valley Preserve from a lookout on Payne Mountain.

Communities

Champlain Area Trails buys Twin Valleys Education Center

By Tim Rowland
June 11, 2025

Acquisition prioritizes maintaining and expanding outdoor recreation

Aerial in the central Adirondacks, summer. Part of Whitney Park, a private inholding, is seen here with the Whitney camp on Little Forked Lake.

Commentary

New York state needs to step up in conserving Whitney Park

By Guest writer
June 10, 2025

Adirondack Wilderness Advocates urge conservation easements for Whitney estate

Invasive Species

Adirondack invasive species primer with expert Brian Greene

By Mike Lynch
June 10, 2025

Tips for preventing the spread of some troublesome species

aerial photo of the Clifton-Fine Hospital

Communities

Budget bill raises alarm for rural hospitals in Adirondacks

By Brenne Sheehan
June 9, 2025

Hospital trade group fights to reinstate cut Medicaid funding

sandy bank to Lows Lake

Outdoor Recreation

Bog River put in gets facelift with additional parking 

By Phil Brown
June 9, 2025

Lows Lake access upgraded for canoe, kayak users

Communities

Celebrating diversity, though bird song

By David Escobar
June 8, 2025

Black Birders Week celebration brings community and curiosity for birding at inaugural event in Lake Placid

Hikers on mountaintop

Outdoor Recreation

Who will lead trips for Adirondack Mountain Club?

By Gillian Scott
June 7, 2025

Some chapters cite updated training requirements as contributing to decline in volunteers

dramatic night skies

Communities

Dark skies beckon: Night events see surge in popularity

By Holly Riddle
June 6, 2025

Stargazing, night paddles, photography workshops and other activities provide after-dark outings

Through its news reporting and analysis, the nonprofit Adirondack Explorer furthers the wise stewardship, public enjoyment for all, community vitality, and lasting protection of the Adirondack Park.

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