New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Overuse

A Review of the High Peaks-AMR Parking Permit System in Year Two

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AMR Dial Range2021 was the first year of the new permit system at the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) parking area and trailheads in St. Hubert’s in the Adirondack Park’s High Peaks region, organized by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

The permit reservation system is seasonal and runs from May 1st to October 31st. 2022 is year two. Last year I went through the system in its first month on a hike up Gothics Mountain and wrote a review about my experience. [Read more…] about A Review of the High Peaks-AMR Parking Permit System in Year Two

State Forest Preserve Visitor Use Management Plans for 2022 Season

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DEC LogoNew York State and local community leaders recently announced initiatives planned for the 2022 outdoor recreation season designed to protect public safety and promote sustainable recreation in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks.

Many of these actions, bolstered by $8 million from the State Environmental Protection Fund specifically for Adirondack and Catskill visitor safety and wilderness protection in the recently enacted 2022-23 State Budget, support a strategy to improve safety, sustainability, and equitable access. [Read more…] about State Forest Preserve Visitor Use Management Plans for 2022 Season

DOT Replacing Route 73 Barriers In Adirondack High Peaks

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nysdot logoNew York State Department of Transportation has announced that work is underway on a $8.3 million project to replace concrete barriers and portions of guide-rail along three segments of State Route 73 in the towns of Keene and North Elba, Essex County.

The project includes a stretch of Route 73 along Upper and Lower Cascade Lakes through the Adirondack High Peaks that is part of the annual Lake Placid Ironman course. Work will be completed by late fall, ahead of the Lake Placid 2023 International University Sports Federation World University Games coming this January. [Read more…] about DOT Replacing Route 73 Barriers In Adirondack High Peaks

New Research on Social Change and Sustainable Fisheries

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fish and fisheriesNew research published in Fish and Fisheries suggests that slow but steady degradation of recreational fisheries may be common, and points to actions that anglers and fisheries managers can take to help stabilize and improve fisheries today and for future generations.

Fishery biologist Dr. Chelsey Nieman led the study when they were a postdoctoral researcher at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. They explain, “For too long, recreational fisheries were seen as self-regulating. We now know that their sustainability depends on both natural and human features. When these conditions change, it can have big implications for fish populations and the quality of the fishing experience.” [Read more…] about New Research on Social Change and Sustainable Fisheries

Catskill Park Strategic Planning Group Issues Interim Report

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Adirondack Park and Catskills ParkThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the release of the Catskill Strategic Planning Advisory Group’s (CAG) Immediate Action Recommendations Report for public review and comment.

The report includes proposed actions that DEC and its State and local partners could undertake, pending available funding and continued partnership, to balance increasing and diverse recreational use of the Catskill Forest Preserve, protecting the park’s natural and historic resources, and ensuring the experience of using the Park is welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. [Read more…] about Catskill Park Strategic Planning Group Issues Interim Report

Peter Bauer: DEC’s Revised Approach to Forest Preserve Long Overdue

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Forest Preserve SignThe Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has organized a working group to assist the department in revising and amending a series of policies for New York State Forest Preserve trails stewardship. The DEC organized this working group through the membership of the longstanding Forest Preserve Advisory Committee (FPAC). The working group includes members from trails building organizations, local government, and the environmental community.

The Department stressed that this is a unified management effort for the entire Forest Preserve, and the working group includes members from the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. [Read more…] about Peter Bauer: DEC’s Revised Approach to Forest Preserve Long Overdue

DEC Announces First-Ever Adirondack, Catskill Parks ‘Coordinators’

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Adirondack Park and Catskills ParkNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the creation of new coordinator positions to help lead efforts to promote sustainable use of public lands in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves.

Proposed by the High Peaks Strategic Advisory Group (HPAG) and aligned with Catskills Advisory Group (CAG) discussions to date, these new DEC staff positions are expected to help coordinate efforts proposed and undertaken with the multiple communities and regions that comprise the Adirondack and Catskill Parks to better guide efforts to address the unique problems caused by the uptick in visitors to the two Forest Preserves. [Read more…] about DEC Announces First-Ever Adirondack, Catskill Parks ‘Coordinators’

Report Concludes Cascade Mountain Trail Exceeding Capacity

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Crowding on Cascade Mountain, eastern High Peaks Wilderness by Dan PlumleyA new study of one of the Adirondack Park’s most popular hiking trails into the High Peaks Wilderness Area shows that currently levels of use are degrading the trail and the sensitive ecosystem around it, creating unsustainable levels of damage according to the Adirondack Council. [Read more…] about Report Concludes Cascade Mountain Trail Exceeding Capacity

New Adirondack High Peaks Shuttle Starting Aug 21st

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new hiker shuttle courtesy Essex County A new pilot Route 73 shuttle service will be begin Saturday, August 21st, along the busy Route 73 corridor in the Adirondack High Peaks region, according to announcement issued Thursday by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Essex County, and town of Keene. [Read more…] about New Adirondack High Peaks Shuttle Starting Aug 21st