Blog

New York State has done an incredible job adding more land to the Forest Preserve and conservation easements (private land, which rangers also patrol), but with the success we have had in promoting increased tourism in the Adirondacks we desperately need to rethink our staffing numbers for those who protect and manage these lands.

I can still feel the deep longing I had last spring to be out hiking in the mountains, unencumbered by cold-weather gear, after what felt like a never-ending winter. The receding of the cold weather and arrival of spring seemed to be moving at a snail’s pace as I anxiously awaited that final transition into summer. Then, it was here, in all its recreational glory!   

We have a chance to create transformational change in how future generations experience the Adirondack Park. The current model isn't working. There are record numbers of rescue missions and not enough Forest Rangers and support staff. Over 130 miles of trails in the High Peaks Region alone need major work. Hundreds of hikers and paddlers are flooding the same small regions, while other areas of the Park go under utilized.

Throughout that entire period, photography has been an integral component of my experience with the Adirondacks. Although much of that has been casual, over the past several years I have pursued the craft of photography more earnestly. That effort and my desire to help support, protect and educate others about the Adirondack wilderness has lead to the creation of my new business, Nature’s Sake Photography.

Cultivating a diverse workforce is important for a variety of reasons; it creates an inclusive environment, it's the right thing to do, and it can foster economic development. Read our blog by guest author Dr. Donathan Brown at Adirondack Diversity Solutions and find helpful hints on how we can make this happen.

Adirondack Conservation News is a collection of the most current events taking place in New York’s Adirondack Park, a unique national treasure and legacy we inherited over 100 years ago, that we have to protect for future generations. Adirondack News aims to highlight both threats and opportunities concerning the Park’s ecological integrity, wild character and community vibrancy.

Over the past year, we have reflected on the inspiring evolution of the Adirondack Council and the positive influence it has had on the Park since 1975. To continue to attract and engage more people, better motivate government leaders, and better protect the Adirondacks for future generations, we have adopted a new design of our long-time symbol of the mother and baby loon.

This weekend, take the whole family on a gentle walk in the Adirondacks. We’ve compiled a list of our members’ and Facebook fans’ favorite short, easy and rewarding hikes in the Adirondacks outside the very busy High Peaks Wilderness area.

The Adirondack Park Forest Preserve has seen record numbers of recreators in the past several years. Regional tourism officials report that the number of total visitors in the Adirondack Park has risen from 10 million in 2001 to more than 12.4 million in 2018. 

Adirondack Conservation News is a collection of the most current events taking place in New York’s Adirondack Park, a unique national treasure and legacy we inherited over 100 years ago, that we have to protect for future generations. Adirondack News aims to highlight both threats and opportunities concerning the Park’s ecological integrity, wild character and community vibrancy.