Adirondack Environment
Within the millions of acres of protected land, scientists are studying our changing environment. We, too, have been following these changes: The emergence of invasive species that threaten the health of our trees and waters. The shifts in migrating birds returning to the Adirondacks. And the return of moose, wolves and other mammals.
The thread that weaves through all our reporting is the balance between the man-made environment and the natural world. That plays out with debates around how to manage the close-to 3 million acres of state-owned land in the Adirondack Park.
Dams: An investigation
A look at the park’s aging dams
Explorer investigation spotlights safety needs of Adirondack dams
Explorer investigation spotlights safety needs of Adirondack structures
Do dams belong in places meant to be ‘untrammeled by man?’
Old dams present inherent tension in wilderness areas
Can dams weather climate change?
Dams have historically helped create drinking water, power and food. In an era of a warming planet, dams could create havoc.
Hard-earned lessons to improve dam safety
Sometimes it takes a disaster to get the policy gears in motion
DIVE DEEP INTO ADIRONDACK ISSUES
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WATER QUALITY
HABs alert: How Lake Champlain volunteers monitor harmful algal blooms
Beach closures impacts both sides of lake
Hot weather fuels harmful algal blooms on Lake Champlain
Beaches along Lake Champlain close due to harmful cyanobacteria blooms
Ticonderoga faces federal water shutoff deadline
Chilson and Eagle Lake residents that depend on Gooseneck Pond water source brace for possible shutoff
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
CLIMATE CHANGE
Severe drought declared in Essex County as Lake Champlain water level drops
The Adirondack region saw very little rain in August and rivers and lakes are now drying up
New York adds climate education, financial literacy requirements for high school students
New requirements expected to start as soon as the fall of 2026
Project aims to map Adirondack old growth forest land
Lss than 1% of old-growth forests in the Eastern United States remain
State recognizes Jay for climate work
Adirondack town reduces carbon footprint with energy efficient upgrades, achieves bronze status in Climate Smart Communities program
WILDLIFE
Carnivore Challenge aims to spark renewed interest in vanished predators
Adirondack advocate John Davis works to build visibility for wolves and panthers
The ‘brown-capped’ chickadee
Sweet, social, curious, tame, bold and acrobatic are some of the many attributes that describe chickadees
New York wildlife rehabilitators struggle as demand outpaces growth
Despite doubling licenses since 2019 to 2,252 volunteers, experienced rehabilitators work longer hours with more rescue calls
DEC euthanizes ailing bull moose that closed Goodman Mountain trail
Trail closure continues as DEC studies the area to evaluate moose's range and foraging habits
INVASIVE SPECIES
Invasive species prevention: An Adirondack paddler’s guide to clean, drain, and dry protocols
A Pennsylvanian gets schooled on the ways of Adirondack waters
Adirondack invasive species primer with expert Brian Greene
Tips for preventing the spread of some troublesome species
Red pine scale found in Lake George: What you need to know
Public asked to be on lookout for dead red pine trees in Adirondacks caused by invasive insect
ProcellaCOR herbicide use expanded to more Adirondack waters in 2024
Lake George sees first chemical management of invasive plants as herbicide use grows across Adirondack waters
ENVIRONMENTAL BOND ACTS
New state website tracks $4.2B environmental bond spending
Interactive map shows projects funded by bond act and what funds are still available.
Lawmakers double down on clean water funding
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle shared frustrations with the governor’s $250 million clean water cut.
Adirondacks absent from 1st round of $4B bond act awards
Money from a $4.2 billion environmental bond act voters passed last fall is starting to flow, but so far, not to the Adirondacks.
Breaking down the bond act
The state is drafting criteria for spending from the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
Adirondacks absent from 1st round of $4B bond act awards
Money from a $4.2 billion environmental bond act voters passed last fall is starting to flow, but so far, not to the Adirondacks.
2022 Explored: New York’s environmental bond acts
Nearly 60% of New York voters authorized the state to borrow $4.2 billion for an environmental bond act, the first such act since 1996.
1996 Bond Act lookback: Adirondack land conservation
How $150 million from the 1996 Environmental Bond Act was used for open space and farmland protection
With an environmental bond act before voters, a look back to 1996
New York voters will decide on unprecedented state debt for environmental projects, something they have not been asked to do in 26 years.