LOCALadk Magazine

Protecting the Adirondacks: How You Can Help A message from the Department of Environmental Conservation The Adirondack Park is a special place. A mixture of public and private lands spanning six million acres, it is the largest collection of protected land in the contiguous United States. With 2.6 million acres of forest preser ve and 830,000 acres of conser vation easement lands, the region with varied eco- systems, innumerable plant and animal species, and count- less outdoor recreation opportunities. This kind of pristine nature has a way of healing us, mentally and physically, so it makes sense why so many people are visiting the Adiron- dacks in search of relaxation and relief during the COVID -19 pandemic. Unfortunately, not ever yone is doing their part to protect the uniqueness of the Adirondacks. There has been a marked increase in littering, vandalism, and non-compliance with regulations and instructions on public lands. Trash and gear are being left on trails, parking lots, and campsites creating hazards for wildlife and diminishing other visitors' experi- ence. Graffiti and car vings are both an eyesore and a detri- ment to our natural resources. In addition, camping, hiking, and parking where doing so is not allowed poses a safety hazard to other visitors and emergency responders and can quickly cause long-term impacts to the environment. Luckily, further impacts can be avoided. If ever yone does their part to protect the Adirondacks, we can continue to preser ve this special place for ourselves, local wildlife, and generations to come. The easiest way to do this is to follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace whenever and wher- ever you recreate outdoors. This set of guiding principles, developed by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Eth- ics, provides tips and tools for minimizing our impacts on the land, local wildlife, and other visitors. The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace: 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare Know before you go, and make sure you bring all the essen- tials. Check the DEC website for specific land use rules and regulations for the area you will be visiting. Pack the appropri- ate gear, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring plenty of food and water. Research your route, including park- ing, and have a few back-up plans. If you arrive at your parking area and find it full, move on to a back-up location. 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Stick to designated trails and campsites whenever possible. If at-large camping (camping outside of designated sites) is allowed, make sure you are at least 150 feet from all roads, trails, waterbodies, and water ways. Become familiar with the prohibitions on camping in certain areas of the Adirondacks, put in place to protect vegetation and soils. If trails are mud- dy, walk through mud instead of around it to protect trail edg- es. 3. Dispose of Waste Properly Trash your trash and carr y out what you carr y in. Never leave garbage or gear behind. Instead, take it home and dis- pose of it there. Do not leave garbage at trailheads or in pub- lic toilets. Use designated toilets when available or walk 70 big steps away from roads, trails, and water before going to the bathroom. 4. Leave What You Find Leave nature where you find it, and as you find it. That goes for outdoor infrastructure as well. Do not steal signs and do not leave graffiti or car ve trees, rocks, lean-tos, or other structures. 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts Far too many forest fires are started by poorly managed campfires. Before you begin collecting wood or light a fire, make sure campfires are allowed where you are. Campfires are prohibited in several areas of the Adirondacks to help protect the area's natural resources. Keep fires small and contained. Do not burn trash or cut down trees for firewood – even if the tree appears to be dead. Never leave a fire unattended. Make sure it is completely out and cool to the touch before going to bed or walking away. 6. Respect Wildlife Give wildlife plenty of space, leave their home as clean or cleaner than you found it, and never feed wild animals. Human food is not healthy for wildlife and feeding them creates an unnatural and unsustainable dependency on humans. 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors Public lands belong to all of us, which means we all must do our part. Be kind and respectful to other people you meet on the trail – both visitors and outdoor workers. Tr y not to disrupt the nature experience of others. Follow social distanc- ing guidelines and wear a mask in crowded spaces like parking lots, boat launches, summits and where trails are narrow. If you feel sick, stay home. Before you head out for your next Adirondack adventure, learn how you can be a better steward of the land by visiting lnt.org to learn more about the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace. For specific land use rules and regulations, activity sug- gestions, COVID -19 guidelines and safety information, visit www.dec.ny.gov.

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