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Outdoor Recreation

DEC fire towers closed

By Mike Lynch

March 29, 2020

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The Hurricane Mountain fire tower lit up by the sun shortly before sunset in August 2019. Photo by Mike Lynch

By MIKE LYNCH

All fire towers managed by the state Department of Environmental Conservation have been closed to the public due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The DEC said the decision was made to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. 

“The towers themselves present a potential risk with multiple people climbing the stairs, in close quarters, unable to appropriately socially distance, and using the same handrails,” states the DEC website.

Trails and the summits to the towers will remain open. 

DEC recommends that people recreate locally, safely, responsibly, and follow coronavirus guidelines while using the Adirondack Forest Preserve.

Mike Lynch

Mike Lynch has been a multimedia reporter for the Explorer since 2014 and can often be found hiking mountains, paddling rivers, or skiing down slopes. His photos complement many of the stories throughout the magazine and website, and he regularly writes wildlife, land acquisition and recreation stories. Mike has also worked as a licensed outdoor guide and thru-paddled the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail. He is the author of 12 Short Hikes on Preserves near Lake George. He can be reached at mike@adirondackexplorer.org. Sign up for Mike’s newsletter

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  1. Bill Starr says

    Is DEC also closing all Lean-Tos, boat launches, campsites, education centers and other facilities where people gather or are they specifically targeting fire towers?

    Reply

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