On March 18, 2026 the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division, Third Department, in Albany has granted a motion by Adirondack Park advocates for a preliminary injunction preventing LS Marina, LLC (LSM) from installing new docks and dock covers at its two marina sites located on Lower Saranac Lake. The injunction will remain in effect pending resolution of the appeal. [Read more…] about Court Temporarily Halts Adirondack Marina’s Dock Installations
Middle Saranac Lake
Appeal Filed After Court Dismisses Adirondack Carrying Capacity Case
Protect the Adirondacks (PROTECT) has been urging the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for years to conduct a carrying capacity study of the heavily used Saranac Lakes Complex.
After DEC failed to act in response to their formal demand letter, PROTECT filed a lawsuit seeking a court order to compel DEC to complete the required study. [Read more…] about Appeal Filed After Court Dismisses Adirondack Carrying Capacity Case
Rangers Make A Dozen Rescues, Respond to Whiteface Mt Twice, Battle Camp Fire
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers had a very busy Fourth of July holiday week and weekend, responding to at least a dozen search and rescue incidents around the state, including two separate incidents on Whiteface Mountain on the same day.
This report of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers was prepared by DEC: [Read more…] about Rangers Make A Dozen Rescues, Respond to Whiteface Mt Twice, Battle Camp Fire
Adirondack History, Diversity, Environment Efforts Funded by State Budget
The NYS Legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul have approved a state budget that boosts the Environmental Protection Fund by $25 million to a record level of $425 million, while also providing $500 million for municipal clean water projects/septic system replacement, funding for a comprehensive study of climate impacts on Adirondack lake ecosystems, and a new recreation carrying-capacity study for the popular Saranac Chain of Lakes. Adirondack history and diversity efforts have also been given a boost. [Read more…] about Adirondack History, Diversity, Environment Efforts Funded by State Budget
Horrendous Old Adirondack Roads and Buck Boards
The Adirondacks’ earliest highways — and by far its smoothest — were its major waterways. Until well into the 1900s, its roads navigating the land were memorable, but for all the wrong reasons. Early travel writers who otherwise loved the Adirondacks despised its roads.
In 1881 Nessmuk (George Washington Sears), wrote this about the first half of the “Old Road” from Boonville to Arnold’s Hotel and the nearby Fulton Chain of Lakes: “The route was not pleasant. Hills, hollows, sand up to the hubs, boulders, and six miles of corduroy road. Such was the first twelve miles … to Moose River.” [Read more…] about Horrendous Old Adirondack Roads and Buck Boards
EPA Researchers Develop Forecasting for Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms
Freshwater cyanobacteria are found in all lakes and reservoirs, are naturally occurring, and are important to water ecosystems; however, excessive growth of some cyanobacteria can result in harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs, also called cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms or HABs).
These blooms can cause unsightly scums that smell like rotting eggs or septic. Toxins from HCBs can negatively impact people, animals, and the environment. [Read more…] about EPA Researchers Develop Forecasting for Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms
Legislative Budget Would Restore Funding for Adirondack Park Initiatives
The New York State Senate and Assembly have proposed budgets that will restore funding for critical programs in the Adirondack Park, adds potential funding for road salt management, but leaves out funding for the carrying capacity study required for the Saranac Chain of Lakes. The proposed budgets provide significant funding for Adirondack programs that were reduced or eliminated from the Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget. [Read more…] about Legislative Budget Would Restore Funding for Adirondack Park Initiatives
Saranac Chain of Lakes Upper Locks Getting $1.6M Makeover
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced a $1.6 million rehabilitation project for the Upper Locks on the Saranac Chain of Lakes in the Adirondacks. The project is funded by NY Works and will include necessary maintenance and repairs. [Read more…] about Saranac Chain of Lakes Upper Locks Getting $1.6M Makeover