To figure out solutions to protecting the High Peaks Wilderness, first we need to fully understand what is threatening it on an ecological and social basis. Those threats might include some aspects of high use, such as improper disposal of human waste and trail erosion in sensitive habitats, but if we choose to only focus on these impacts we run the risk of fixing a leak in a dam that is about to burst.
Donate Today!
Now is the perfect opportunity to support what matters! This year, AWA has been working to protect the Adirondacks by advocating for your interests on the High Peaks Strategic Planning Advisory Group; creating a visitor use app to educate recreationalists and collect data for local land managers; and working to restore access to Cathead Mountain, an action which could lead to a significant boundary expansion of the Silver Lake Wilderness. But we can’t do this without you! Your gift will support our mission of promoting the knowledge, enjoyment, expansion, and protection of the Adirondack Park’s wildest places.
Knowledge
Sharing the benefits of wilderness to both human and natural communities.
Enjoyment
Promoting the enjoyment of all Adirondack lands and waters through responsible low-impact recreation.
Expansion
Advocating for the expansion of key wilderness areas in the Adirondack Park.
Protection
Serving as a voice for the protection of the Adirondack Park.
Wilderness in the Presence of History
The legal definition of wilderness in the Adirondack Park, since 1972, has in part read “an area of state land or water having a primeval character … [which] generally appears…
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Public Invited to Join AWA for High Peaks Webinar
In the inaugural Wilderness Webinar, AWA Board member and High Peaks Advisory Group (HPAG) member Pete Nelson will talk about the recently released HPAG Final Report. Nelson will give a brief overview of the most important topics both in the report and in the actions taken since its release, then save the bulk of the hour for what is likely to be a lively question and answer session.
Public Invited to Join AWA for High Peaks Webinar
In the inaugural Wilderness Webinar, AWA Board member and High Peaks Advisory Group (HPAG) member Pete Nelson will talk about the recently released HPAG Final Report. Nelson will give a brief overview of the most important topics both in the report and in the actions taken since its release, then save the bulk of the hour for what is likely to be a lively question and answer session.
AWA Co-organizing an Alpine Summit Adaptive Management Pilot
AWA has achieved its first success in its initiative to help the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation implement the most important recommendations from the High Peaks Strategic Planning Advisory Group (HPAG) Final Report. …
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AWA Selects New Leader
At its spring 2021 quarterly meeting, which was held (remotely) in April, the Adirondack Wilderness Advocates board of directors held its first officer elections since incorporating as a 501(c)(3) organization…
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Visitor Use Management
Adirondack Wilderness Advocates is working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, local governments, and other partners to push for a comprehensive visitor use management plan for the High Peaks Region.
Explore the Wilderness!
The wilderness areas of the Adirondack Park are huge and protect many distinct habitats. Get started on your next adventure by learning about each area! Download vintage topographic maps, read historical texts, learn about the management concerns — and more. New area descriptions added frequently!