What made these new lands different from most others, though, was undoubtedly the fact they were already occupied by hundreds of hunting camps. This was not simply opening up vast acreages of forest that had been previously denied to the public-at-large, but driving out the leaseholders who were already there. One can rightly argue that as public lands they will serve more people and provide all sorts of wilderness-based benefits, but I’m sure it still stings for the minority who find themselves at the losing end of the equation.
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.
So Much Work to Be Done
Part 4 of 4 I believe that it is important to know the history of Adirondack trails in order to participate in the public process of creating plans for the units of the park. So, I have written this to give perspective to those who will do the planning.
An Advocate for Trails
Part 3 of 4 Here this account takes on a new perspective, because I view what happened during the past quarter century as one who was actively involved. In the early 70s I completed my graduate work, started hiking again, and became an advocate for trails. As an advocate for dispersing hikers throughout the Park, I was frustrated from the start in ways I never expected.
Join AWA for Second Wilderness Webinar
Join us for our second Wilderness Webinar, beginning at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Long-time AWA member and board member Ari Epstein will walk through the proof-of-concept Visitor Use Management Tool he has been developing, which could someday be implemented at popular trailheads to support adaptive management in the Adirondack Park.
Exciting Changes on AWA’s Board!
Adirondack Wilderness Advocates (AWA) is announcing three new changes to its leadership positions, including a new chair of its Board of Directors, a new addition to the Board, and a new technical advisor. These changes add a wealth of knowledge and professional experience to the organization.
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.
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!