LOCALadk Magazine

Winter 2019 LOCALadk Magazine 5 LOCALadk A Department Review A message from the Department of Environmental Conservation NYS Department of Environmental Conser vation (DEC) has care, custody, and control of 2.7 million acres of Forest Preser ve in the Adirondacks. The Forest Preser ve, which ac- counts for 43% of the land within the designated Blue Line, provides a multitude of recreational opportunities for visi- tors and residents of the region. From all-season activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping to seasonal pur- suits such as paddling, biking, boating, hunting, fishing, ski- ing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, the Adirondack Park provides a unique venue for recreationists of all interests and abilities to have a positive experience in the outdoors. Creating a positive outdoor experience takes a lot of work, though. While the natural setting is beautiful by itself, access points like trails, seasonal access roads, boat launches, park- ing areas, lean-tos, and campgrounds are all needed if visi- tors are to take advantage of these public lands. Faced with a task too big to tackle alone, DEC works with partners and volunteers to build and maintain the infrastructure required to support sustainable recreation while protecting the natu- ral resources. NYS DEC would like to extend a thank you to our part- ners and volunteers for their immense dedication and great work throughout the Forest Preser ve. DEC depends on your support, and deeply values the demanding roles you play in protecting and maintaining the lands and water ways of the Adirondack Park. Whether it's building or maintaining trails; protecting alpine vegetation on summits; fighting for fair and just forest and water protections; rescuing and adopting lean-tos or fire towers; educating at trailheads, boat launch- es, and welcome centers; or helping to create and spread im- portant messaging to visitors, ever y piece holds significant importance and leads us to a healthier and more sustainable forest preser ve for future generations to come. With approximately seven to ten million visitors to the Ad- irondacks annually, keeping up with the demand for outdoor recreation opportunities in this region requires the full pow- er of our community. Ensuring its protection so the beauty of the wilderness will live on for generations is a job that tran- scends any one organization. The Adirondack Park depends on all of us to play our part in taking care of its lands and water ways, and there are many ways to give back. Consider joining a trail crew, volunteering as an educator, or starting a trail clean-up event. On a personal basis you can become a more sustainable social media steward, or simply become more aware of your impact on trails, rivers, lakes, and at campgrounds, etc. Follow the example set by other dedicated partners and do your best to leave the Adiron- dacks better than how you found it. It's not about perfection, it's about action.

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