New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Adirondack Park

Dedicated Forest Ranger Academy Announced

by 2 Comments

Forest Ranger truck provided by Adirondack WildFor the first time, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Ranger training will be held at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) campus in the hamlet of Wanakena in the Adirondacks.

For decades, Forest Ranger recruits have had to share a training academy with Environmental Conservation Office recruits, where law enforcement and policing became the training emphasis. The two positions are very related, but also very distinct. [Read more…] about Dedicated Forest Ranger Academy Announced

The End of Arbitrary Powers to Dam Adirondack Rivers

by 4 Comments

Assemblyman John Ostrander, chairman of the Joint Legislative Committee on River Regulation, left, with Paul Schaefer, center, representing Friends of the Forest Preserve and the Adirondack Moose River CommitteeThe State Legislature has just adjourned, but on a good many nights this past month I grew sleepy watching legislative TV or legislative proceedings on the internet. For the non-debate pieces of legislation, meaning when the legislative majority is not allowing minority debate on bills, the viewer is treated to the following exchanges in a monotone, one after the other:

The speaker or his representative, or the Senate president or her representative: “The clerk will read the bill.”  The clerk: “a bill to” …whatever it does.  The speaker or his representative: “The clerk will read the final section.” The clerk: “this act shall take effect immediately.” The speaker, president or their representative: “The vote: 63 in favor. The bill is passed.” All of that has taken less than ten seconds. Next. [Read more…] about The End of Arbitrary Powers to Dam Adirondack Rivers

An Interview With Brad Edmondson On Adirondack History

by Leave a Comment

wild ideaThe most recent episode of “Empire State Engagements” features a conversation with author Brad Edmondson about his book A Wild Idea: How the Environmental Movement Tamed the Adirondacks (Three Hills/Cornell University Press, 2021).  [Read more…] about An Interview With Brad Edmondson On Adirondack History

Hinckley Reservoir Will Become A Campground

by Leave a Comment

Hinckley Reservoir Day Use AreaThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has finalized the Unit Management Plan (UMP) for the Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area, located on the south shore of the 2,880-acre Hinckley Reservoir in Herkimer County.

Once the UMP is implemented, the Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area is expected to be transformed into the only public campground in the Southwestern Adirondacks. [Read more…] about Hinckley Reservoir Will Become A Campground

The Environmental Movement That Tamed Adirondacks

by Leave a Comment

a wild ideaBook purchases made through this link support New York Almanack’s mission to report new publications relevant to New York State.

A Wild Idea: How the Environmental Movement Tamed the Adirondacks (Cornell University Press, 2021) by Brad Edmondson shares the story of the difficult birth of the Adirondack Park Agency (APA). [Read more…] about The Environmental Movement That Tamed Adirondacks

Barbara Linell Glaser Named ‘Conservationist of the Year’

by Leave a Comment

Adirondack CouncilThe Adirondack Council will present its Conservationist of the Year Award to Barbara Linell Glaser, EdD, during the organization’s Forever Wild Day celebration on July 9th at Great Camp Sagamore, near the Adirondack hamlet of Raquette Lake. [Read more…] about Barbara Linell Glaser Named ‘Conservationist of the Year’

36k Acres in the Adirondack Park Faces Development; Advocates Seek Legal Protection

by Leave a Comment

Salmon Lake stands in the foreground, part of the Whitney tract, with Rock Lake and Little Tupper Lake in the backgroundWhen John Hendrickson, the widow of recently deceased Saratoga civic and philanthropic leader Marylou Whitney, announced last July that the 36,000-acre Whitney Park lands were for sale an alarm was raised by advocates for wild lands concerned the sale would subdivide one of the largest privately held contiguous properties in the Adirondack Park.

Last week, Hendrickson said he will apply to the Adirondack Park Agency to do just that – fragment the tract into eleven estate lots for the uber-wealthy. [Read more…] about 36k Acres in the Adirondack Park Faces Development; Advocates Seek Legal Protection

100 Adirondack Hikes to Avoid Weekend Crowds

by Leave a Comment

High Peaks overuse courtesy High Peaks Advisory GroupMemorial Day Weekend is one of the biggest hiking weekends each year in the Adirondacks. Trailhead parking areas will fill up early and overflow crowds are expected throughout the High Peaks Wilderness Area.

In an effort to help disperse crowds beyond the High Peaks Wilderness Area to lesser used and known trails and hikes across the Adirondacks, Protect the Adirondacks has published online trail guides to 100 terrific destinations throughout the Adirondack Park. These online trail guides provide maps and information for 100 trails in all corners of the Adirondacks Park. [Read more…] about 100 Adirondack Hikes to Avoid Weekend Crowds