About Gwendolyn Craig

Gwen is an award-winning journalist covering environmental policy for the Explorer since January 2020. She also takes photos and videos for the Explorer's magazine and website. She is a current member of the Legislative Correspondents Association of New York. Gwen has worked at various news outlets since 2015. Prior to moving to upstate New York, she worked for a D.C. Metro-area public relations firm, producing digital content for clients including the World Health Organization, the Low Income Investment Fund and Rights and Resources Initiative. She has a master's degree in journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She has bachelor's degrees in English and journalism, with a concentration in ecology and evolutionary biology, from the University of Connecticut. Gwen is also a part-time figure skating coach. Contact her at (518) 524-2902 or gwen@adirondackexplorer.org. Sign up for Gwen’s newsletter here.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brooke Bowman says

    Without the natural hazard of a narrow road I fear traffic speeds will increase and be further dangerous than they already are. Even if the roads went to a two lane and added a painted bike path, people just go too fast. I am always terrified to see kids playing in the road because some people go way too fast to be able to stop if someone runs in front of them. The park rangers won’t be around to monitor when you need them. For pulling a camper, yes it would be easier, but once you’re parked your done. I’m afraid the park will lose the camping feel if it is turned into a highway. The boat launch I somewhat get, but I also have concerns it might further congest the pond with bigger and faster boats meant more for a large lake.

  2. M. Bowman says

    Widening the road at Fish creek ponds campground will encourage drivers to speed up. This will increase the likelihood of pedestrian/vehicle collisions, which never end well. A better option might be to create a two-lane road farther from the lake with a series of driveways to the original road. I am also hesitant about increasing the size of the boat launch at the campground. The pond is small and can get crowded with boat traffic. Making the launch more accessible to larger/faster boats seems like it will increase the danger to people on kayaks and canoes. Fish Creek ponds is such a special place. I would hate to see it modernized in a way that compromises the laid-back atmosphere.

  3. Jim Manfre says

    Leave it the hell alone! It’s booked solid so that should tell you people love it the way it is! What next, electricity for every site? Yeah, I’d just love the blazing bright lights and loud radios! Widening the road will increase speeds. Repave yes, but don’t widen.

  4. JD says

    I think before DEC does any additions they should fix the 2 toilets in the mens shower room that always are plugged up by the end of the day. ugly stuff floating in them. this has happened many times in the 10 years we have been camping there. I think it is a poor plumbing problem.

  5. ADKLynne says

    Andrea Hogan, an APA board member, should think about her comment in the article. How is upgrading the road going to “attract more road traffic” ?
    People driving down Route 30 aren’t going to swing through the campground now that the roads are improved. You are only going to be driving in the campground if you are camping or using the Day Use Area.

  6. Joan Grabe says

    The boat ramp needs a boat inspection and cleaning facility to combat invasive species – anything else flies in the face of reason today with our emphasis on water quality in the Park. And the bathing and toilet facilities need an update after 50 years – no argument here ! We can make a great place even greater and we should.

  7. kathy says

    Have been camping here my whole life over 60 years. I’m in for some upgrades but don’t change the place. Yes, some work needs to be done to the roads, but the better you make them the faster people will go, lots of drivers already go too fast on crappy roads and so many more can’t take 10 minutes out of there day to wait for someone to back up onto there site.
    I have a boat also, it is always cleaned before and after use at the lake. Why can’t people be responsible and clean their boat.
    New boat launch would be nice, but not sure that would cause more boat traffic. Huge nice launch at Saranac Inn for bigger boats.

  8. mary says

    something about the improvements just seem they are for motors…. motor boats, campers, cars, pickups, SUVS. I never heard anyone say they want to vacation at a place that was best for their vehicles. Did you?

  9. Miah says

    I’m in agreement with those saying if it ain’t broke don’t fix it! It’s almost impossible to get reservations for Fish Creek Campground, so obviously people don’t have a problem with it as it currently is. The road definitely doesn’t need to be widened. Plus, it may most likely make sites smaller in the process. I can almost see moving the boat launch to the day use area though. The bike path is one thing they could improve upon. And broadband improvements might be helpful, but again, not as high a priority for those that are there to enjoy nature rather than sit online at a campsite. Also, they could probably improve the carry trails too. But if you change the character too much it may lose the ambiance that’s made it such a favorite place to camp for generations!

  10. Ken Askildsen says

    One thing I thought was worth mentioning is an important safety matter regarding trees around the campgrounds. I was camping on an island in Saranac last summer and upon arrival noted several large dead standing trees. Most were birch. The next morning, while walking to my canoe, a huge birch came down 20 feet away from me. The ranger station was notified and the island was checked for more “widowmakers”. Check your site for dead or dying trees before setting up camp!

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