Within the millions of acres of protected land, scientists are studying our changing environment. We, too, have been following these changes: The emergence of invasive species that threaten the health of our trees and waters. The shifts in migrating birds returning to the Adirondacks. And the return of moose, wolves and other mammals.
The thread that weaves through all our reporting is the balance between the man-made environment and the natural world. That plays out with debates around how to manage the close-to 3 million acres of state-owned land in the Adirondack Park.
Dams: An investigation
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A look at the park’s aging dams
Explorer investigation spotlights safety needs of Adirondack dams
Explorer investigation spotlights safety needs of Adirondack structures
Do dams belong in places meant to be ‘untrammeled by man?’
Old dams present inherent tension in wilderness areas
Can dams weather climate change?
Dams have historically helped create drinking water, power and food. In an era of a warming planet, dams could create havoc.
Hard-earned lessons to improve dam safety
Sometimes it takes a disaster to get the policy gears in motion
DIVE DEEP INTO ADIRONDACK ISSUES
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WATER QUALITY
Herbicide application denied in Vermont, approved in New York: A tale of two approaches
Ongoing debate raises questions around ProcellaCOR's use in lakes used for drinking water
Lake George Commission declares ProcellaCOR concentrations undetectable after 24 hours
Lake George Association conducts its own sampling, monitoring
Herbicide used in Lake George for first time
The Lake George Park Commission on Saturday dropped an herbicide into Lake George, a controversial escalation in its battle against Eurasian watermilfoil
Lake George residents upset over uninspected boat launches
Volunteers document out-of-state boat launches raising concerns about invasive species spread at Million Dollar Beach ramp
CLIMATE CHANGE
New York budget 2024-2025: What’s in it for the Adirondacks
Clean water and Adirondack Park funding reinstated in state budget, plus a look at what was left behind
Adirondacks could be critical link for wildlife migration, climate resilience
How the Adirondacks play a crucial role in supporting wildlife migration against the backdrop of climate change
The end of ice climbing?
For those who love ice climbing, with its short season and fickle medium, warmer winters have hit hard
Climate report hones in on impacts on recreation
The Adirondack Rail Trail held up for providing accessible recreation year-round
WILDLIFE
Mistaken wolf kill now centerpiece of NYS Museum exhibit
“Canine Contrasts" features taxidermy mounts and skulls of wolves and coyotes and tells the story of the Cherry Valley wolf.
Firefly show: Will Adirondack nights lose their glow?
As climate impacts worsen, researchers warn that North American fireflies could face uncertain times
New York aims to save Adirondack brook trout with pioneering management plan
New York's ponded brook trout populations get a lifeline with innovative management efforts focusing on sustainability and angler access.
Rusty blackbird’s silent crisis: A dramatic drop in numbers
One of North America’s most rapidly declining songbirds, the rusty blackbird, has lost 85% to 99% of its population in the past five decades.
INVASIVE SPECIES
An environmental duel: Lake George to face herbicide treatment amidst debate about safety, use
The Lake George Park Commission continues to press forward on its controversial plan to use an herbicide to fight invasive milfoil.
Lake George residents upset over uninspected boat launches
Volunteers document out-of-state boat launches raising concerns about invasive species spread at Million Dollar Beach ramp
What lakes are next for herbicide treatment?
Lake communities across the Adirondack Park look to ProcellaCOR as key in fight against invasive weed
Dispatches from a buckthorn assassin
Adirondack Garden Club tackles invasive plant problem at Essex Quarry trail