New Starts

The Adirondack Almanack reported this week on the allocation of $1 million by New York State to extend the New York State New Farmers Grant Fund for another year. State support for this program is important for both its immediate and long term effects.

Many of the goals for this program are extended to the criteria for receiving a grant. These expectations revolve around a dedication to advancing contemporary agriculture practices and partnerships, oftentimes with a focus in sustainability.

This allocation of government funds for a cause so clearly focused on the responsible use of land within the Adirondacks sets a strong and, in my opinion, exciting precedent. Not only is the state presenting itself as committed to supporting the "New Farmer", but it is also encouraging a cultural shift in the way sustainability is positioned in relationship to food production in the Adirondacks. We know that, traditionally, agriculture within the Park has not been an easy means of providing for oneself. By New York State acknowledging this challenge while understanding the necessity of easy access to food for park residents, they seems to suggest a movement on the government level toward providing active support for all individuals that find themselves within the park, not just tourists or government officials. This warming up toward farmers is a comfort as the new year approaches and with it, another presumably difficult winter and all-too brief growing season. With the support of New York State, perhaps 2016 will be the one of the prosperous "New Farmer". While this may seem like too much of a fantasy, it is nevertheless indicative of shifting environmental priorities for the state and region.

Works Cited
Editorial Staff Grants Available for New Adirondack Farms. The Adirondack Almanack. 1 December 2015. 4 December 2015.

Tourism in the Adirondacks

          It’s no surprise that the Adirondack economy relies heavily on tourism. Every year millions of people flood to the region, coming for everything from hiking the high peaks to relaxing and shopping in Lake Placid. Over the semester we discussed the tensions between locals and tourists in terms of using the land for recreation rather than a means of survival. However, locals often greatly depend on business from tourists in order to thrive. Tourism generates 17% of total employment in the area, and a little more than 1 in 6 jobs in the region are tourism related. The Adirondack Almanack recently published an article about a study conducted by the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) regarding tourism in the Adirondacks in 2014. ROOST is a destination marketing organization in charge of promoting the counties in the Adirondacks to the traveling public. Thus, the study focused on who the tourists were—such as their average age and family make-up—and why they visited, in order to inform their marketing strategies and better target the demographic visiting most. The findings were very interesting, demonstrating a change in trends from past years.

            The study found that the average visitor age of the respondents to the survey was 49 years old, a decrease from previous years. This perhaps indicates that a slightly younger population is visiting the region. Additionally, the average party size of visitors was 3.9 people, with an average of 2.7 adults and 1.2 children. This is the first time the average number of children per visiting party rose above 1, indicating that more families came to the area. In order to better understand what attractions were drawing people to region, the study asked the respondents their reasons for visiting. Results showed that tourists were lured mostly by “outdoor activities”, followed next by “relaxing, dining and shopping”. Of the people who said that they visited the Adirondacks for outdoor activities, 85% said that they came for hiking. Clearly a huge attraction in the park is the mountains. For water sports, 55% said they came for paddling, 36% for fishing, and 25% for boating. Winter sports were less of a draw, with only 17% visiting for skiing or snowboarding. The report also showed the peak months in which visitation was the highest. The pie chart below shows the breakdown of the months. The highest influx of tourists occurred in the height of summer (July/August), followed by early summer (May/June) and then early fall (September/October). The winter visitation reported dropped considerably from 2013. These results demonstrate that tourists largely visit the region in the summer months.

           Overall, visitors spent an estimated of $158 million during the visits to Essex County, generating thousands of dollars in income for businesses. Clearly, tourism is an extremely vital economic advantage in the Adirondacks, and a decline in outside visitors would be detrimental to the region. It is important for the state to conduct studies such as this one in order to better understand the attractions of the region and encourage tourism.

Sources:

http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2015/11/2014-tourism-study-hiking-paddling-water-sports-big-draws.html

http://www.adirondackbasecamp.com/2008/09/tourism-impact-adirondacks/

Mental Health in the Adirondacks

Many non-residents romanticize life in the Adirondacks – when someone just enters the park for a day or a weekend to hike, relax, or enjoy the scenery, it is difficult to imagine that living the there would be anything but a vacation-esque lifestyle. However, there is another side to the story; behind the beautiful vistas and quaint villages, a mental health crisis persists within the blue line.

Although the Adirondacks is roughly the size of Vermont, there is only one in-patient mental health clinic in the park, while Vermont has over twenty (Vermont Dept of Public Health). And this Adirondack in-patient facility treats only patients over the age of fifty, forcing any younger residents needing treatment to go outside of the park to Ogdensburg, Utica, Glens Falls, or Plattsburg. 

While every county does have at least one clinic that offers outpatient services, they often struggle to provide the best level of treatment possible. For example, as of June 2014, the Essex county treatment center had been without a psychiatrist for six months, meaning that patients who needed prescriptions written during that time would have had to travel to another clinic or go without their medication. However, this is not an uncommon occurrence, since clinics often have trouble recruiting professionals to come work in the park and live in such a rural place.

Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health is especially prevalent in the culture of the Adirondacks, which keeps many individuals from seeking help. The Adirondacks have a culture of every man for himself that emphasizes a heightened sense of toughness and independence. Since communities are so small, anyone who drives by the clinic and sees your car will know you are inside receiving treatment and it is not unlikely that you might run into someone else you know in the waiting room. This small town factor keeps people from seeking treatment because they fear that they will be seen as weak for getting help. This leaves many people to struggle with their mental illness on their own, feeling like there is nowhere to turn. The long, dark Adirondack winters don’t help either – the lack of sunlight contributing to depressive disorders. 

These are all contributing factors to Essex county’s suicide rate, which is double that of the rest of the state of New York. With statistics like these, one would think that the state would put more resources into such a high-risk area, but more funds are consistently allocated to downstate counties. 

The Adirondack community will continue to fight against the mental health struggle as best it can with the resources it has and do its best to give support to all residents who need it. As visitors to the Adirondacks, of course we will continue to appreciate its beauty and quaintness, but it is still important to acknowledge the harsh realities of life in the Adirondacks as a reminder to respect the residents and their struggles.

Works Cited:

http://www.adirondacklifemag.com/blogs/2015/10/29/an-adirondack-tragedy/

http://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/Facilities

Winter Adventures!

Because we're getting closer and closer to the winter holidays, I wanted to share a couple winter break adventure ideas! Whatever holiday you may celebrate in the December through January months, or even if you don't celebrate anything besides the beautiful snowfall that will soon be here, I know we can all appreciate these fun activities. Who knows, some of you may even be in the Adirondacks for a time and can take advantage of this list! Here are three winter activities to consider besides skiing, ice climbing, hiking, or snow-shoeing, -mobiling, -boarding, etc.

It's incredible how fast a dog can run...

Dog Sledding
I bet not many people think of dog sledding when they think of the Adirondacks, but dog sled rides are actually offered in the popular magical town of Lake Placid!  Different dog sledding companies and "mushers" set up their dogs along Mirror Lake as soon as it freezes over. It's an eye-opening, fun, and safe activity to do solo or as a family. There's something very unique and powerful about being borne over the snow so quickly by a team of dogs. If you have never been in a dog sled before, I definitely recommend it. It is an ancient, traditional means of transportation that should be experienced by all.
Click here for more information!
This site includes the contact information Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours, a local father-son team.

The Saranac Lake Winder Carnival Ice Palace

Winter Carnivals
An old tradition in the Adirondacks, winter carnivals are held all over the region. One of the most well known is the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, which is celebrating its 116th Anniversary this year! These carnivals include everything from live performances, games, fireworks, art shows, and the Saranac carnival even features an incredible ice palace!  For more information on different carnivals throughout the Adirondacks, click here.

Almost "dashing through the snow"... 

Sleigh Rides
Okay, so maybe you can tell I lean towards the more romantic and historic winter activities... Another wonderful recommendation of mine is the time-traveling experience of riding in a horse drawn sleigh. It reminds you that this was how everyone got around just a century or so ago. The silence of riding through the woods or fields, with no sound other than the bells on the harnesses and the snorting of the horses is something that's been lost with time. Find it again by reaching out to the many companies that offer this opportunity. Many rides include warm blankets, hot cocoa, and even hand warmers.
Click here and scroll down for several options!

Happy happy holidays and New Year! Have a good old fashioned winter!

Sources
http://www.lakeplacid.com/do/family-fun/dog-sled-rides
http://www.minitime.com/trip-tips/Lake-Placid-Dogsledding-article
http://visitadirondacks.com/attractions/winter-carnivals
http://www.lakeplacid.com/do/family-fun/horseback-riding-and-sleigh-rides

Fir Facts

Winter break is almost here, and nothing reminds me of being home for the holidays more than the fresh scent of evergreen. Inspired, I decided to research the significance of balsam fir in the Adirondacks. No matter what holiday you celebrate (if any at all) here are some historical and scientific facts that everyone can appreciate about the balsam fir!

Balsam Fir (Photo credit: http://plants.usda.gov)

The balsam fir, a coniferous tree with flat needles, is characteristic of boreal forests. The tree’s shallow root system allows it to grow in wet soils often present in the boreal biome. In terms of its interactions with other wildlife, the balsam fir provides shelter for many animals such as deer, mice, red squirrels, and various songbirds. It also serves as a source of food for browsers such as moose, and its seeds are a tasty treat for mice, birds, and chipmunks.

Woodsmen sleeping on balsam beds (Photo credit: Adirondack Museum)

Humans have also made use of the balsam fir, dating back to Native American herbal remedies. They used the tree to treat illnesses such as cough, headache, sore throat, and even heart disease. Additionally, many woodsmen nicknamed the tree “mountain goose,” because sleeping on a bed of balsam fir was like sleeping on a bed made of feathers. Similarly, there is a tradition of creating soft, fragrant pillows out of balsam. The science community even once popularly used the resin from balsam firs to create microscope slides.Today, balsam firs are primarily used for pulp and paper making. However, what balsam firs are most well known for is their use as Christmas trees. So, if you see a balsam fir this holiday season decked out in lights and tinsel, know that its uses extend far beyond decoration!

Works Cited

http://www.adkmuseum.org/about_us/adirondack_journal/?id=54

http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2009/12/balsam-fir-an-adirondack-classic.html

http://www.adirondackvic.org/Trees-of-the-Adirondacks-Balsam-Fir-Abies-balsamea.html

Day Hikes

            Recently, my roommate and I went on a short day hike in the southwestern part of the Adirondacks. On the hike, as always, I was reminded just how relaxing a day in the Adirondacks can be. My roommate and I covered roughly six miles in around two hours, and were prepared to hike more if we didn’t have obligations back at school to attend to. The beauty in such succinct hikes is that you have plenty of time to do anything else that you need or want to do for the rest of the day. Short hikes allow for a brief hiatus from monotonous routine, and for me, alter my repetitive schedule enough that I feel recharged. Thus, I encourage everyone to try something that breaks them out of their rhythm like hiking does for me. I am going to outline some of my favorite day hikes in the Adirondacks with the hope that others will follow this path and take part in something that is not only beneficial for one’s physical, but also mental health.

Black Mountain: This 6.7-mile loop overlooks Lake George and provides spectacular views of the entire lake. Black Mountain is the highest peak in the Lake George area and the summit has one of the few remaining fire towers (albeit out of service). Ponds can be seen throughout the hike that hikers take advantage of in the warmer months as a way of cooling off after the summit. This is one of the best ‘bang for your buck’ hikes in the entire park.

Cascade Mountain: This is one of the 46 peaks, but don’t let that dissuade you if you are just looking for a day hike; it is only 4.8 miles to the summit and back. This mountain is known for its spectacular 360 degree views and accessibility. Porter Mountain is an easy side trip, and adds only an extra 1.8 miles. Due to the stunning views, short mileage, and relatively shallow incline, Cascade Mountain is one of, if not the, most climbed mountains in the Adirondacks.

Shelving Rock Falls: This 6.5-mile hike takes you to the top of Shelving Rock Mountain and then around the shoreline of Long Bay and Shelving Rock Bay. This hike provides gorgeous views of Lake George without a significant change in elevation, while also providing a plethora of intimate water falls with swimming holes.

Mount Adams: This high peak is slightly more difficult then the previous mentioned ones, but the hike up the mountain is highlighted by quiet streams and a walk along the Hudson River. The trail is not maintained by the DEC, so it is a little more rugged, but also less populated. At the top of the mountain sits a fire tower that provides stunning views of the high peaks. Although the fire tower is currently considered unstable, people are allowed to climb at their own risk, and the Adirondack Mountain Club has vowed to restore the fire tower, so hurry and hike this Mountain before it becomes more popular!

Sources:

http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-new-york

Alternative on Wheels

            As we’ve consistently discussed throughout the semester, the use of Adirondack trails presents a point of controversy for residents and tourists alike. Much of this controversy stems from the desire to use motorized vehicles such as ATVs or snowmobiles on these fragile trails. These vehicles pose a threat to the integrity of the Park in more ways than one. Not only do they physically harm the environment but they also produce a significant amount of noise pollution. Presumably, riders seek the thrill of speed that these motorized vehicles provide but this thrill does come at the costs mentioned above. However, there is perhaps one alternative to motorized vehicles that offers the speed and thrill without the harmful side effects: mountain biking.

           

            While not all Adirondack trails allow mountain biking, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the activity throughout the Park. A quick visit to Adirondack recreation sites such as visitadirondacks.com will provide a quick and easy itinerary for a jam-packed day of mountain biking. There is even an area of Whiteface that’s maintained specifically as a mountain bike park. The terrain at Whiteface attracts bikers from around the world as they flock to experience the challenging trails. Also a ski area in the winter, Whiteface is fully equipped with shuttles and gondolas that make the ascent a breeze. Of course this is a bonus, as biking uphill doesn’t provide nearly the same thrill! 

Mountain Biker flying down the slopes

http://visitadirondacks.com/files/styles/600x325/public/bike5.jpg?itok=UMLbWtCB

            Although mountain biking is slightly more damaging than a simple hike, it offers an important alternative to the thrill seekers who currently opt for the ATV experience. With Governor Cuomo’s plans to expand the recreational opportunities of the Park, it’s crucial that these opportunities are mindful of the Park’s health. Mountain biking should be considered as a way to appease both the thrill seekers and the advocates for preservation. The sport is a compromise between the two camps and could wind up being the difference-maker moving forward.

Works Cited

Lake Placid. "Whiteface Mountain Bike Park." Lake Placid, Adirondacks. 2012.Web. <http://www.lakeplacid.com/do/cycling/whiteface-mountain-bike-park-lp>.

Vist Adirondacks. "Experience Adirondack Mountain Biking." Visit the Adirondacks. 2013.Web. <http://visitadirondacks.com/recreation/bicycling/mountain-biking-fact-sheet>.

Earn Your Turns

           Growing up in Vermont I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend my weekends on the mountains visiting the ski resorts scattered across the state.  As kids, my brother and I would fly as fast as possible down the mountain and ride the chairlift up, competing against ourselves to fit as many runs in before the sun went down.  The exhilarating speed of skiing being our main draw is an obvious reason why we never had any interest in cross-country skiing as an alternative hobby. 

            As we became older we developed an appreciation for skiing off the beaten path.  Instead of straight lining the groomed trails, we find ourselves hopping off the chairlift at the top of the mountain and hiking to the back bowls for our shot at making some turns in untouched snow.  For me, the act of hiking through deep snow in ski boots is less than desirable but after a short rest on the chair lift and the prospect of good skiing I find it worth the extra work.  

            While I’d rather expend my energy heading down the hill, others appreciate the full experience of skipping the chairlift and hiking to the summit in order to head back down on their skis.  The Adirondacks, with 46 peaks over 4,000 feet located in the wilderness, provide an ample playground for those interested in self service skiing.  Many skiers choose to follow the marked state trails in order to reach their descent.  For the more bold and experienced hiker/ skier a compass and topographic map act as a guidance for them to find the least accessed glades, chutes, and back bowls in the Adirondack park.  The act of hiking provides a more subtle experience that allows one to take in their surroundings on their ascent.  It also allows skiers to challenge themselves by accessing areas with steeper pitch and ungroomed trails.  For some, the idea of “earning your turns” provides satisfaction and leaves skiers with a sense of accomplishment.

            For those interested in earning their turns in the Adirondack Park, the Appalachian Mountain Club’s, Best Backcountry Skiing in The Northeast, provides guidance for 50 trips through New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire.  David Goodman, a freelance writer, earned his dream job when the AMC hired him to write the guidebook for backcountry skiing.  The book includes chapters on Mount Marcy, Avalanche Pass, and the Jackrabbit trail.  In the guide, Goodman praises the quality of skiing New York’s highest peak, “If you are looking for the best trail skiing in North America, look no further than Mount Marcy” (Adirondack Explorer).  The lack of need for ski lifts makes self-service skiing a form of recreation that fits well with the conservation efforts of the Adirondack Park.

           

Cited

http://www.adirondackexplorer.org/book_reviews/best-backcountry-skiing-in-the-northeast

Recent Mountaintop Parties

Apparently, having a keg party on top of Adirondack mountains isn't allowed.  Who knew?  Raja Bhatt of New York City (representing my city well!) and his friends tested this endeavor.  Because of their fun times, those of us over 21 now know that a hefty keg party (they carried the keg up the 4,161-foot Phelps Mountain) may bring with it a hefty fine — Bhatt is facing a $250 fine and up to 15 days in jail.  Despite not organizing the hike and "a friend of a friend" bringing the keg, Bhatt is the one facing the penalties because he posted photos of the event on Facebook, some of which presented a joyous woman doing a keg stand.  One of the main reasons for the ticket seems to be the surpassing of the legal limit of people on a day hike together in the High Peaks Wilderness Area, which is 15 people.  Bhatt, who had finished his 46th Adirondack peak to become a member of the 46er club, was not welcomed warmly into the club.  Brian Hoody, president of the Adirondack Forty-Sixers, told the Adirondack Explorer "We neither need nor want members who behave in this fashion."  Neil Woodworth, executive director of the Adirondack Mountain Club, condemned the actions of Bhatt and co as well, saying: "I am appalled at the idea of a keg party on the summit of Phelps.... In my opinion, this kind of behavior is certainly inconsistent with the character and respect for the mountains that I expect of a 46er."

While this behavior is not expected of a 46er, neither is it expected of Scott Jurek, a world-class ultra-runner.  This story reminded me of Jurek, who upon setting a new time record on the Appalachian Trail (walking for 46 days, 8 hours, and 7 minutes for an approximate average of 50 miles a day) popped open a bottle of champagne atop the summit of Mount Katahdin, the trail's terminus.  A park ranger was there to cite him with a $500 ticket for having more people than the legal limit—35 in some photos, whereas 12 is the limit in Baxter State Park—and drinking and littering.  According to Runners World, "The littering citation came because champagne spray hit rocks at the summit."

Scott Jurek drinks his celebratory champagne atop Mount Katahdin

While drinking parties are not ideal for the climate on mountain summits, especially those within protected wilderness areas, they are also not really that bad—if they number below the legal limit.  If a group wants to go through the trouble of transporting a full keg from New York City to the summit of Phelps Mountain, I say they can as long as they keep their group small especially if, as Bhatt claims, the party was well-mannered and nobody on the summit complained.  Stopping the real problem of overuse that poses severe threats to the alpine environments is a real challenge.  If one of the best ultra-runners in the world wants to pop a bottle of champagne after setting a record for fastest time completing the Appalachian Trail, I would say let him, as long as his entourage is under the legal limit.  There is a difference between environmentally conscious people enjoying celebratory beer or champagne and a Hamilton annex-party.  I would understand shutting down the latter completely, if it were in a protected wilderness areas.  However, if you have an entourage of 35 people, an alpine summit is simply not the place to stop for a party.

Sources:

http://www.adirondackexplorer.org/outtakes/dec-tickets-hiker-after-keg-party-on-phelps

http://www.outsideonline.com/2001076/scott-jureks-champagne-problems

http://www.runnersworld.com/scott-jurek/scott-jurek-to-pay-500-fine-for-public-drinking-in-baxter-state-park