2010-02-09:
Spring mud season alert,Stay below 3,000 feet
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* See note in the Hiker's Corner for a further explanation! (Hiker's Corner)
During spring mud season, trails are particularly vulnerable to erosion. The spring thaw creates mud that penetrates much
deeper into the soil than the surface mud created by summer rains, and trails are thus more easily damaged by hikers’ boots.
Alpine vegetation, which is fragile and endangered to begin with, is also particularly vulnerable at this time. It is therefore
best to stay off higher elevation trails during early spring.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation institutes a voluntary trail closure in the Eastern High
Peaks during this time of year that asks hikers to refrain from traveling above 3,000 feet.
This is done to protect alpine vegetation and prevent trail erosion.
More information on trail conditions in the Adirondacks can be found on the DEC Web site
or by contacting the DEC Forest Rangers at 518-897-1200.
If you are planning a trip to the High Peaks during this period,
please call the ADK High Peaks Information Center at 518-523-3441 or DEC Region 5 headquarters to learn about trail
conditions and whether the voluntary closure is in effect.
Trails to Avoid
To avoid damaging natural resources and promote safety, hikers are advised to use trails only
at lower elevations during the spring mud season. Lower trails usually are dry soon after snowmelt
and are on less erosive soils than the higher peaks. DEC is asking hikers to avoid the
following trails until muddy conditions have subsided:
- High Peaks Wilderness Area — all trails above 3,000 feet—wet, muddy snow conditions prevail, specifically at:
Algonquin; Colden; Feldspar; Gothics; Indian Pass; Lake Arnold Cross—Over; Marcy; Marcy Dam; Lake Colden;
Phelps Trail above Johns Brook Lodge; Range Trail; Skylight; Wright, and all “trail—less” peaks
- Dix Mountain Wilderness Area — all trails above Elk Lake and Round Pond
- Giant Mountain Wilderness Area — all trails above Giant’s Washbowl, “the Cobbles,” and Owls Head
Alternative Trails
Weather permitting, alternative trails for hiking:
- Debar Mountain Wild Forest — Azure Mountain
- Giant Mountain Wilderness — Giant’s Washbowl and Roaring Brook Falls
- High Peaks Wilderness — Ampersand Mountain; Cascade; Big Slide; Brothers, and Porter from Cascade; avoid all other approaches
- Hurricane Primitive Area — The Crows and Hurricane Mt. from Route 9N
- McKenzie Mountain Wilderness — Haystack Mountain and McKenzie Mountain
- Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area — Pharaoh Mountain
- Saranac Lake Wild Forest — Baker Mountain, Panther Mountain and Scarface Mountain
2010-02-09:
Pharaoh Wilderness area needs your help
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The Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of ADK has joined with the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) in the Adopt-A-Wildland Program. Our adopted wilderness area is the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness
Area. This heavily used area is in perhaps its best condition in recent years. Pressure on Pharaoh Wilderness
Area (“PWA”) begins in early spring when trout season opens. Unlike past years, the popular camping areas were
relatively free of litter, fireplace unburnables, beer and liquor bottles left behind by people taking advantage
of the excellent trout fishing in PWA lakes and ponds. Easy access to Pharaoh Lake from Beaver Pond Road pressures
this resource all summer. While many come to revel in solitude, hike Pharaoh and Treadway Mountains, or simply
relax waterside listening to loon calls at night; some come to party. This has been a good season.
As adopters of this wilderness area, we are concerned with observing and reporting to DEC such things as:
- Faulty privies
- Messy lean-to areas
- Illegal trail use, especially ATV use
- Trail conditions
- Damaged bridges
- Sightings of rare or endangered wildlife
- Problems with bears
- Trailhead parking problems
- Incorrect or missing signs, etc.
If you are hiking in the Pharaoh Wilderness Area and notice any of these conditions, or something that causes
you concern about the condition or usage of this area, please contact me, Jim Schneider at 581-9367.
Feel free to comment on positive aspects of your experience in this area as well. I will forward
information to DEC. Thank you for helping us participate in the “Adopt-a Wildland” program.
2010-02-09:
Draft Master Plan for Saratoga Spa State Park
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OPRHP has issued a very comprehensive and thoughtful plan for Saratoga Spa State Park. At a public informational meeting held
on Sept. 17, OPRHP presented an overview of the park’s cultural and environmental resources, and provided an opportunity
for the public to comment on the plan.
Addressing natural resource protection, the plan proposes that certain ecologically unique areas be designated as Park Preservation
Areas, thereby protecting them from inappropriate development. This stricter protection is especially important to ADK and our chapter.
In years past, we have actively opposed the construction of both a highway bypass and a golf course in sensitive areas of the park
that would now be protected. The plan also proposes to preserve certain sections of the park that provide habitat for rare and
endangered species by designating them as Natural Heritage Areas.
The plan contains some exciting recreational goals, including additional trails and improvement of presently existing trail systems.
One of the most important parts of the plan calls for links to existing and proposed regional trails, such as the Zim Smith,
Railroad Run and future Geyser Road trail. Also recommended is the development of a water trail that would be part of the
proposed Kayaderosseras Creek-Fish Creek Greenway.
Educational goals of the plan include development of an interpretive center and trail to highlight the cultural and historical resources
of the park. Year-round educational programs for the public will be expanded.
The Saratoga Spa State Park Draft Master Plan balances stewardship of natural resources with providing opportunities for compatible
recreational activities. You can view it on the New York State Parks website; go to “inside our agency,” then “public documents.”
Comments will be accepted through October 9.
2010-02-09:
Updated information for Allegany State Park master planning
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Allegany State Park — Chapter member and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
employee Karen Terbush submits the following to correct information published in the last newsletter:
NYS OPRHP recently began the master planning process for Allegany State Park. Located in the southwestern part of the state,
at 67,000 acres, Allegany is the largest State Park outside of the forest preserve. Public information meetings were held in
July to kick off the planning process and it is hoped that a draft plan will be available for public review by July of 2010.
The major current threat to the park’s natural resources is the fact that the subsurface mineral rights under about half of
the park are privately owned. OPRHP’s process for dealing with proposals for drilling oil and gas wells in the park will be
addressed within the Master Plan.
Forest Management and timber harvesting are not currently threats to the park. The agency has recently adopted a policy on
the Management of trees and other vegetation in state parks and historic sites. This policy recognizes the importance of
forests and trees in state parks, prohibits commercial logging, and provides specific circumstances under which tree removal
may be appropriate such as protection of patron health and safety, removal of invasive species, and restoration of important
scenic overlooks in developed areas.
Comments and suggestions for the park Master Plan can be sent to OPRHP at: Allegany.Plan@oprhp.state.ny.us
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Karen B. Terbush at: Karen B. Terbush, Environmental Analyst 2,
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Environmental Management Bureau, Agency Bldg. 1, Empire State Plaza,
Albany, NY 12238, (518) 474-0409, Fax 474-7013
2010-02-09:
Skidmore: Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Feb 14, 2010 @ 7 pm
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The Skidmore College Outing Club will be hosting the Banff Mountain Film
Festival World Tour on Sunday February 14, 2010. The film festival is comprised of the
top films entered into the Banff Mountain Film Festival. The films highlight both
outdoor activities and other factors affecting the outdoors and the environment. The
films cover a variety of outdoor sports from rock climbing and skiing to kayaking and
mountain biking.
The film festival will include refreshments and door prizes. The event will be
held at Skidmore College in Gannett Auditorium. Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at
the door, children 12 and under are $5. Tickets are on sale at EMS in the Wilton
Shopping Center. The show starts at 7 pm. We hope you will com to enjoy the
spectacular films that Banff Mountain Center has included this year
Sara Clinton, VP Special Events
Skidmore Outing Club
815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
2010-02-09:
ADK Files Lawsuit over Lows Lake Classification
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ADK Files Lawsuit over Lows Lake Classification - The Adirondack Mountain Club and the organization
"Protect the Adirondacks!" have filed a lawsuit to force the Adirondack Park Agency to adhere to
the State Land Master Plan and classify the state-owned waters of Lows Lake. Under the law, the
waters and bed of a lake that is wholly owned by the state as part of the Forest Preserve must be
classified. In addition to settling the classification of Lows Lake, the lawsuit is being filed to
protect all state-owned waters in the Forest Preserve.
For the past several years, Lows Lake has been the center of a controversy over the use of float planes
on a lake that is part of an important wilderness canoe route. In 2008, ADK sued DEC over its failure
to abide by a legal commitment to ban floatplanes on the lake by January 2008. In April of 2009, APA
voted to ban floatplane use on Lows Lake after 2011. One month later, APA and DEC proposed classifying
Lows Lake and other nearby water bodies as wilderness and adding them to the nearby Five Ponds Wilderness.
In September 2009, APA Commissioners voted 6 to 4 to classify part of the lake as Wilderness and part as
Primitive, and sent the recommendation to the governor. After a controversy arose because of the expired
tenure of one agency member, a re-vote was scheduled for November. At that meeting, Governor Paterson's
representatives on the agency reversed their earlier support for classifying the lake, and instead backed
an amendment to remove the lake from the resolution and classify just the adjacent land. ADK feels that
this would not adequately protect the lake in the future.
Additional information regarding the lawsuit and ADK's efforts to protect Lows Lake are available on the Club's website.
Saratoga Sand Plains Wildlife Management Area - New York's Department of Environmental Conservation has begun a planning
process for the Saratoga Sand Plains Wildlife Management Area. This area is comprised mainly of lands in the Wilton
Wildlife Preserve and Park, and also includes parcels owned by the state that are adjacent to property owned by the
towns of Wilton and Northumberland, Saratoga County or the Nature Conservancy. Public input is being sought for a
comprehensive plan to ensure protection of unique habitat and wildlife, such as the Karner blue butterfly, whose larvae
only feed on the blue lupine found on the sandy soils here. The management planning process includes analysis of the
area's natural features and the ability of the land to accommodate public recreational use. Impacts of the plan may
include modifying current recreational practices, which presently include hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding,
fishing and hunting.
Anyone wishing to be included on the mailing list for information about the development of the plan or wishing to submit
comments may contact Wildlife Biologist Melissa Neeley at r5info@gw.dec.state.ny.us
2010-02-09:
Welcome Ryan Simko, New Chapter Publicity Chair!
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My name is Ryan Simko but most people who know me just call me Simko. I was born and raised in Northwest
Indiana, about 45 miles south of Chicago. After graduating college, I'd seen enough flatlands and cornfields,
so I moved to Wisconsin where I started working at a large printing company. After a short six months I
was relocated to Oklahoma City for a little over a year for training. I then went back to Wisconsin where
I trained for six months. At that point I was offered a position in Saratoga Springs. I was flown out
for a week to see what it was like and to make a decision. The new landscape and environment pulled me in
and I decided to move here in September of 2008.
After moving to Saratoga Springs, I began hiking and learning about the Adirondacks. In an attempt to
experience new things, get involved in the area, and meet new people, I decided to check out a group I'd
found out about in my research online. After going to a meeting and being introduced to some members of
this group, I decided to join ADK.
Since moving to the area, I have spent a lot of time out in nature. I enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking,
mountain biking, snowboarding, scuba diving, wakeboarding, and spending time on the lake. I also like
cooking, reading, hanging out with friends, going to concerts, woodworking, and touring microbreweries.
I'm always out searching for my next adventure. Catch me if you can!
2010-02-09:
Cold weather = Heater Meal time, by Jonathan Lane
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The snow crunches beneath your snowshoes as you make your way to the summit. The brisk air
turns your nose and cheeks a rosy red, and your breath rises up in thick white clouds as
you push forward. It is cold out and the peak is in sight. And your stomach is beginning
to growl; but the last thing you want right now is a semi-frozen peanut butter and jelly
sandwich. No. What you could really go for right now is a steaming hot, tasty lunch.
What a great combination - beautiful mountain views and a hot meal to warm the belly.
However, you aren't interested in dealing with a portable stove, fuel canister, etc.
Well, it's a good thing you brought a Heater Meal with you! You find a nice spot on the
mountain to settle in for lunch, take out your Heater Meal box, slide the food pouch
into the heater pouch and pour the supplied water into the heater pouch to trigger a
chemical reaction, then seal and slide the heater pouch back into the box. You now
have about 10-12 minutes to take in the views, take photos, and enjoy your surroundings.
All the while, steam rises from the Heater Meal box and you grow hungrier with anticipation.
The wait is finally over! You open the box, carefully opening the food packet, and
emptying its piping hot contents onto the supplied plate. Bon appétit! And when you're
done eating, everything slides neatly back into the box to be discarded later. Heater Meals,
originally developed for military use, can be ordered from www.heatermeals.com and come
in a variety of entrees, such as Pancakes with blueberry topping, Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli,
and Southwest Style Chicken with Rice and Beans. Sure, there are less expensive options,
but having an easy-to-use, hot, tasty meal in the middle of the woods is worth every cent!
2010-03-24:
Moreau State Park Trail Work Days, April 17 & June 5
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Volunteers are needed for the yearly work on trails in the Palmertown Range in Moreau Lake State Park.
The work is being organized by New York's Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation,
and is planned for Saturday April 17 and Saturday June 5, from 8:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Contact Ben Snyder at 793-0511 or by email at
Ben.Snyder@oprhp.state.ny.us
to volunteer and obtain meeting place information.
2010-04-08:
Northville Placid Trail Hikers Wanted
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Northville Placid Trail Hikers Wanted- Contact Carolyn Cyr at 623-2568 or
cpw3cyr@hughes.net
if you are interested in hiking part or all of this trail during the upcoming summer and fall seasons.
2010-04-10:
EMS Club Days will be held on Apr 23,24 at Wilton Mall
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The EMS Club Days will be held on April 23 & 24 at the Wilton Mall near Saratoga Springs. ADK members
will receive 20% discounts by showing their ADK membership card.
Pat Desbiens will be setting up a Chapter table at the store those two days to provide information
for people that may be intrested in joining the Glens Falls Saratoga chapter of ADK.
Pat is looking for volunteers to work at the tables during this event.
2010-05-05:
Volunteers: ADK workday at LG Headquarters is May 15th!
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The If you don't already have your day booked, please try to come on up and spend some time helping out with a little spring cleanup.
ADK would really appreciate the help and if a dozen of us can make it...we can get a tremendous amount done in just a little while.
I'll be there from 8:30 to 2. It's a work open house...come when you can!
No skills required! Food provided! Come meet fellow ADKers: talk hikes, paddles, adventures, ask questions!
Toddo has already volunteered to trim the shrubs and he'll probably need a hand pulling out a few overgrown or ill-placed shrubs.
The garden will need clean-up and we'll plant some annuals. The kids can do that if any come for this workday.
Bring an annual for the gardens if you'd like (geraniums always do well).
If Mickey comes she picks up all the trash along the road and can always use a helper to keep her company.
Picnic table & decks could be cleaned. If the weather is nice we might do some staining.
Of course (I hate to mention it)...there's always raking! (ugh) Plus, other jobs too.
Hope to see you then! ........... Maureen (Mo) Coutant - ADK LG Prop Chair
2010-06-09:
Annual Dinner Oct. 22 with the Legend: Ranger Emeritus Peter Fish
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The Legend Returns: Ranger Emeritus Peter Fish
Note: Date in July Newsletter was incorrect. Date is Oct 22 and not Oct 21.
Peter Fish is an iconic and retired High Peaks Wilderness Area Forest Ranger, having served
the public in the Forest Preserve and the Department of Environmental Conservation for over
a quarter century. Peter retired in 1998. He has also served the public as a Forest Ranger
in the Catskill Park. Pete lives with his family in Keene, NY, and is a graduate of the New
York State Ranger School in Wanakena. He continues to educate hikers, especially on the trail
to Mt. Marcy, a mountain he’s climbed or skied, as of the end of May 2010, 727 times, a few of
those in kilts.
Peter is a member of the Board of the Tartan Educational and Cultural Association, Clan Macpherson
Association of the United States, and the St. Andrew’s Society of the Adirondacks. For folks used
to seeing Peter in Ranger Greens, he cuts a dashing figure in the Macpherson tartan.
Peter is the recipient of the 2009 Guy Waterman Alpine Steward, given each year to a person or
organization “that has demonstrated a long-term commitment to protecting the physical and spiritual
qualities of the northeast’s mountain wilderness.”
We’ll hear the stories: Peter’s hikes, rescues and mountain experiences, his kilted ascents of
Mt. Marcy, what to carry in your pack so you come home alive, and how to leave no trace behind.
Peter always packs the house. Please be sure to reserve your seat early!
Look for the Annual Dinner invitation and registration on the cover of your next newsletter or
on the website at www.adk-gfs.org after Labor Day.
2010-06-09:
Treasure found! Winners announced
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Treasure found!
In mid-May the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter started their first “Treasure Hunt,” with participants
answering questions and riddles, with one being released each week over a span of 10 weeks. The final
riddle was released on May 22 and within only a couple days the first three people completed the hunt!
Congratulations to the winners: Marsha Noble (1st place), Cassandra Downs (2nd place), and Carleigh Prodrick
(3rd place). Over $200 worth of “treasure” was divided between the three finalists.
Thank you to the following sponsors for helping make the “Treasure” so great: Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK),
mySmartSimulations, D’Andrea’s Pizzeria, Esperantos, Bettie’s Cakes — A Cupcakery Cafe, and Hotdog Charlies.
2010-06-09:
Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area News:
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Have you hiked in the Pharaoh Wilderness Area? If you haven’t what you will find are beautiful lakes and ponds, quiet solitude,
great backpacking, easy walking, and delightful swimming. And when you come back, let us know what you found. We are particularly
interested in flowers, animals, trail and lean-to conditions, and just about anything notable either good or bad. Your Glens
Falls-Saratoga ADK Chapter has adopted the entire Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area.
Use this simple form as a guide to report back to us:
• Unusual animals:
• Unusual plants:
• Trail conditions (blowdown, beaver activity, signs missing or incorrect, etc.):
• Lean-to conditions:
• Other:
Please mail your report to:
Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area
Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter ADK
P.O. Box 2314
Glens Falls, NY 12801
2010-08-14:
EMS Club Days with discounts at Rt.50 Wilton on Oct 1, 2
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EMS on Route 50 in Wilton will be holding their Club Day Event on Friday, October 1 and Saturday, October 2.
Drop by and check out the great discounts on clothing and gear plus stop by at our Chapter table and say hello!
2010-08-14:
Reserve spot for Chapter Winter Weekend at Heart Lake Jan 14-17
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The Chapter will hold its 2011 Winter Weekend at the Wiezel Trails Cabin at Heart Lake during the 2011 Martin Luther
King Weekend — Friday, January 14, to Monday, January 17, 2011.
From the cabin, we will be able to cross-country ski and snowshoe many area High Peaks. This is a good opportunity
for those of you working toward your Winter 46. Algonquin, Iroquois, Wright, Phelps, Tabletop, Marcy and many more
High Peaks await your snowshoes. A ski or snowshoe trip into Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden could also beckon.
Indian Pass would be a nice trip. Perhaps sunrise or sunset from Mt. Jo might be all you want to do. The Heart Lake
property also has excellent ski trails. We never rule out possible shopping in Lake Placid. Breakfasts and dinners
are included in the price. The Wiezel Trails Cabin, with electricity, a kitchen, bathrooms and showers, sleeps 16
in four four-person bunkrooms. The rate for the weekend should be no more than $120 per person, if we fill all 16 spaces.
To reserve your spot, send your deposit of $120 per person as soon as possible to John Schneider, 6 Nonchalant Drive,
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. Call 518-584-8527 for more details. Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve
basis. If we fill all 16 spots, we will maintain a short waiting list. The past four years, some persons have dropped
out and wait-listed persons have enjoyed their weekend with us.
Becky Mosher, our executive chef for more than 20 years of Chapter Winter Weekends, retired after the 2010 Winter
Weekend. Although she still plans on attending, please volunteer to plan and execute dinners and breakfasts.
Do not wait until the last minute to make your reservation!
2010-08-15:
Glens Falls Saratoga Chapter is Looking for Artists
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If interested, contact Jonathan Lane at 744-4594 or saratogahiker@infogorp.com
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