New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

High Peaks

Boquet River Farm Easement Protects Salmon Fishery

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Aerial view of intact forests along the North Branch of the Boquet River on the Ben Wever Farm property (provided by Adirondack Land Trust/Becca Halter)294 acres of farmland with more than two miles of natural forest along the Boquet River and associated tributaries, have been brought under a permanent conservation easement in a deal between the Adirondack Land Trust and the landowners, the Gillilland family.

The Boquet River, a major tributary of Lake Champlain that drops 2,700 feet over its 47-mile course from the Adirondack High Peaks to the lake, provides critical spawning habitat for salmon and other native fish. [Read more…] about Boquet River Farm Easement Protects Salmon Fishery

Rangers Rescue 15 Rafters; Recover Body; Make Rescues at Fish Creek, OK Slip Falls, Whiteface, Colden, Phelps, N-P Trail

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Whiteface Mounatin rescue over Labor Day Weekend in 2023New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents throughout New York State. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people.

What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers. [Read more…] about Rangers Rescue 15 Rafters; Recover Body; Make Rescues at Fish Creek, OK Slip Falls, Whiteface, Colden, Phelps, N-P Trail

Adirondack Conservation News: 5 Things You Need to Know

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rare dwarf willow found on Algonquin Peak in 2023This round-up of 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 must protect for future generations. [Read more…] about Adirondack Conservation News: 5 Things You Need to Know

Forest Rangers Have Busy Week Making Rescues Around New York State

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Potash Mountain rescue in August 2023New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents throughout New York State. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people.

What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers. [Read more…] about Forest Rangers Have Busy Week Making Rescues Around New York State

Rangers Make Rescues in Indian Lake, Long Lake, Newcomb, Cortland County, Kaaterskill Creek

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Rescue at Watch Hill, Indian Lake in August 2023 (photo provided by DEC)New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents throughout New York State. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people.

What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers. [Read more…] about Rangers Make Rescues in Indian Lake, Long Lake, Newcomb, Cortland County, Kaaterskill Creek

Number of Adirondack High Peaks Hikers Continue to Surge

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Crowding on Cascade Mountain, eastern High Peaks Wilderness by Dan PlumleyThe most popular hiking destination in the Adirondack Park, the High Peaks Wilderness Area, is continuing to see record numbers of High Peaks hikers, with this May seeing nearly three times more hikers on Cascade Mountain, as were seen just last year.

Liam Ebner, the summit steward coordinator for the ADK Mountain Club, told North Country Radio’s Emil Russell, said it was the busiest May since 2018 for many Adirondack High Peak Wilderness Area summits. [Read more…] about Number of Adirondack High Peaks Hikers Continue to Surge

Climber Rescued After 40-Foot Fall At Adirondack ‘Trap Dike’

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Trap Dike rescue on August 9, 2023 (courtesy DEC)On August 9th at about 12:40 pm, Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance for a hiker who fell approximately 40 feet off the highest waterfall in the Trap Dike on Mount Colden in the town of Keene, Essex County, part of the Adirondack High Peaks. [Read more…] about Climber Rescued After 40-Foot Fall At Adirondack ‘Trap Dike’

Iconic Adirondack High Peaks Vista Conserved

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Adirondack High Peaks Vista on Route 73 (photo by John DiGiacomo, courtesy Adirondack Land Trust)Adirondack Land Trust has purchased 187 acres in the town of North Elba, Essex County, NY, to protect one of the most iconic views in the Adirondacks. The tract is bordered by State Route 73, the Adirondack Loj Road, New York State Forest Preserve and private lands and features forest and grassland habitats. From the property, there are stunning views of the High Peaks Wilderness, the Olympic ski jumps, and Whiteface Mountain. [Read more…] about Iconic Adirondack High Peaks Vista Conserved

Forest Rangers Make Rescues at Phelps Mtn, Marcy, Peekamoose Blue Hole, Kaaterskill Falls

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Rescue on Phelps Mountain in July 2023 (DEC photo)New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents throughout New York State. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people.

What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers. [Read more…] about Forest Rangers Make Rescues at Phelps Mtn, Marcy, Peekamoose Blue Hole, Kaaterskill Falls

Helicopter Rescues Two Adirondack Hikers Within An Hour

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Injured hiker hoisted from Basin MountainOn July 22 at about 4:15 pm, Ray Brook Dispatch received calls for a hiker with a knee injury on Basin Mountain and a hiker with an ankle injury on Mount Colden. New York State Police Aviation was called in to assist with both rescues, which took place in the town Keene, Essex County, NY. [Read more…] about Helicopter Rescues Two Adirondack Hikers Within An Hour