There are common misconceptions about biodegradable waste that contribute to what we as hikers feel comfortable leaving on the trail.
What New York’s bold climate law means for the Adirondacks
The CLCPA calls for 100 percent “clean” (read: including nuclear) electricity by 2040, 70 percent “renewable” (read: not including nuclear) electricity by 2030, and an 85 percent across-the-state reduction in all greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels – including not just electricity generation but also transportation, buildings and other sectors.
Crowding crisis or hyperbole? With enough help and shuttles, we can manage
The unprecedented influx of vehicles on sunny summer weekends cannot possibly be denied. Yet pick a day with a little drizzle and the hordes disappear. So are we actually facing a summer with usage spikes that we will not be able to manage?
A stupid species
Consider the mighty moose, kind of an odd-looking creature. It’s said that after all the other animals were created, God made the moose out of leftover parts. To get a sense of the moose population in Adirondack history, one could start by simply looking at a map.
Hamlets to huts: an idea worth exploring
In the near future, if hikers on the Northville-Placid Trail choose, they can stop in the Town of Long Lake via a new spur trail that comes out at the top of Mount Sabattis, offering a rare mountaintop view on the NPT journey that looks out over the town and lake. They can pick up […]
Let nature determine the ski season
In the March/April issue, I was struck by the juxtaposition of the two articles “Canaries in the Mine” and “Giving Winter a Hand.” In the latter, Mr. Cheney-Seymour’s answer to how global warming is disrupting the Van Hoevenberg ski season: install “snow factory” machines that can make snow in any temperature. These machines, of course, […]
Fewer agencies, not more
I just read the letter from Robin DeLoria, Newcomb town supervisor, regarding rail-car storage in the Adirondack Park (March/April issue). While I’m sure the recommendation of involving all parties is theoretically the proper way to proceed, unfortunately this course of action will result in inaction. Getting two governmental agencies to agree on a course of […]
Bring back elk, introduce red deer
I enjoyed your story on eastern cougars. Regarding reintroducing new species, how about another try at restoring elk to the Adirondacks. Even better, European red deer, which are halfway between elk and white-tailed deer in size. They are majestic and a great game species and adapt easily. Terry Wespestad, Pequannock, NJ
An inspired winter hike
Thank you for the piece about your editor’s annual March ski up Mount Marcy (“A skier’s rite of winter”). It provided the inspiration I needed. While I have climbed almost all of the forty-six, I was never keen on bagging Mount Marcy, due primarily to the crowds (kind of defeats the purpose of a true […]
More women environmental leaders
For too long there have been too few women in leadership positions in the Adirondack conservation movement, but Olivia Dwyer’s important story in the March/April issue (“Where are the women?”) reveals how this historical imbalance is being rectified. I was surprised, however, to see some notable achievements missing in Dwyer’s account. To name a few […]
Consider reintroduction carefully
I do not believe reintroduction in northeastern states would be successful in the long run unless all states with significant wildlands participate. Trying to introduce cougar by creating a single “island” of breeders in one state would likely have poor long-term results. But if several islands in different states are created throughout the Northeast that […]
Supervisor weighs in on trains
Back in 2012, when Saratoga & North Creek Railway applied for an exemption to operate the rail line, they received an overwhelming voice of support from state lawmakers, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and other local and public officials. Although I was not directly involved with local government at the time, I have read the […]