LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/870890
24 Fall 2017 LOCALadk Magazine LOCALadk tr y. He has located lost day hikers on the cliffs of Algonquin, assisted those in the early stages of heart attacks, and pro- vided stability to a myriad of twisted ankles and knees. One of his most memorable experiences as a caretaker came after Hurricane Irene in 2011. After the torrential downpour and flooding, trails were closed off to the public. "Driving through Keene Valley looked like a war zone," Nate reflected. "We were sent in teams of two with a GPS and camera to as- sess the damage. It was strange not knowing where you were even though you'd been so familiar with that area. And seeing the af- termath of the storm – there was so much change to the backcountr y." The life of a caretaker is demanding and rewarding. Nate loves the public interaction and helping people have a better trip in the great outdoors. "I've loved the trail mainte- nance and watching a section transform. The ability to save lives has been super rewarding as well. I've done what I love." Nate's last season at Colden is bittersweet. Colden has be- come his home. A chickadee lands on the birdfeeder. Nate moves over to the window and watches. A pine martin slinks out of the undergrowth. He points quietly and smiles. Importance of Caretakers There is a plaque on the side of Colden Outpost: "Lake Colden Interior Outpost Erected 1998 This facility is dedicated to the NYS DEC employees and volunteers who labored in its construction and the lives saved by its pres- ence at this site." Douglas McCabe is currently an operation's super visor of the DEC and oversees the out- posts and caretakers. He took over when Phil retired in 2009. In the Adirondacks, there are five active outposts: Colden, Johns Brook, Marcy Dam, Raquette Falls and Valcour Is- land. "The primar y function of a caretaker is ed- ucation and outreach," McCabe explained. "They're the first line of rescue in a time of need." Education – including checking with rec- reationalists to see if they have the proper gear and know where they're going – Is the first line of defense in prevent- ing rescue operations. Most rescues are born of recreation- ists being underprepared and taking on more than they ex- pected to. Anne Brewer Bethany Garretson Photo: Current caretaker Maureen Murphy.