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The electronic newsletter of the Adirondack Mountain Club
Vol. 6, No. 4: April 2013
Show Your Support For Wilderness
The crown jewels of the 65,000 acres of former Finch Paper lands are the 10 lakes and ponds of the Essex Chain. These lovely and unspoiled lakes are interconnected with narrow channels and short portages. Like the St. Regis Canoe Area, they will be a canoe camper's dream. But making that dream a reality depends on us speaking up for a Wilderness classification for these special lakes. The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is calling for a Wild Forest classification which would allow the use of floatplanes and motor boats on these pristine lakes. DEC is even calling for allowing road access and motor vehicle use to reach campsites on the lakes during expanded spring and fall seasons. Only a Wilderness or Canoe Area classification will protect these lakes from the noise and intrusions of motor vehicles, motor boats and especially floatplanes. Motorfree lakes offering a quality canoe and kayak experience are rare in the Adirondacks. Floatplane access to two of the lakes on the periphery of the Essex Chain of Lakes, 1st and Pine lakes is already guaranteed. From these lakes, paddlers and sportsmen can reach the rest of the lakes easily. Yet, DEC wants floatplanes to be able to fly into Third Lake in the heart of the area. If we want the quiet and unspoiled wilderness experience of Lake Lila or Little Tupper Lake, we must fight for it. If you agree, please sign our online petition: Adirondack Park Petition.

Grant Awarded To Fight Hydrofracking
The Conservation Alliance recently awarded the Adirondack Mountain Club a $50,000 dollar grant to secure protection of New York State public lands from oil and gas drilling, including hydraulic fracturing. The Conservation Alliance has awarded the Adirondack Mountain Club $160,000 since 1993 for our conservation and advocacy work. We would like to thank them for their generous support of these important conservation initiatives.  
 
EMS Club Days
Join us at Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) for their spring Club Days on Friday, May 3rd and Saturday, May 4th. Show your membership card and save 20% on merchandise at EMS. ADK will be staffing tables at EMS stores in NY and NJ. Stop by and say hi! EMS will donate 1% of all Club Days sales to The Conservation Alliance. 

 

Black Fly Affair: A Peace And Love Cruise
BFA web banner - no date
The Adirondack Mountain Club invites you to celebrate Clean Waters... 1960s style. Proceeds from this special Peace & Love Cruise supports ADK's efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives that threaten our Adirondack waters. Whether you attend or not, show you care about clean water by supporting this event. 
 
 
ADK Trails Coordinator, Andrew Hamlin, discusses "mud season" in a recent blog postSpring is an exciting time of year, one in which many of us look for every opportunity to get outside. This is also the time of year that most trails receive the majority of damage. Higher elevation trails are particularly vulnerable this time of year. Consider visiting lower elevation destinations or less vulnerable areas.
 
Trail Scholarships Available To Teens
The deadline for the Jane C. Neal Scholarship Fund and Sean A. Kelleher Memorial Award Fund has been extended to June 1st. These scholarships cover the cost of our five-day high school supervised volunteer trail projects. The scholarship application can be downloaded from our website.
 
Sponsor National Trails Day
Adirondack trails need your help! Give back to the wonderful network of trails in the Adirondacks by participating in National Trails Day�. This year, ADK will be hosting a NTD event out of the Adirondak Loj. Participation is free (donations appreciated) and includes camping in our Wilderness Campground, a barbecue, beverages, music, and a raffle. If you would like to sponsor or underwrite this event you can find more information on our website. 
 
Get Out This Spring
ADK has several great events planned for this spring. The annual Spring Outing is being hosted by the Laurentian Chapter this year. Events of all types are planned; including hiking, biking, paddling, and nature programs. The Spring Outing is based out of SUNY Potsdam and runs June 14-16, events will take place throughout the region.  

  

Looking to get out on the water? Join the Mid-Hudson Chapter for their 11th Annual Paddlefest. The event is in New Windsor, NY on Saturday, June 8th. Lessons in kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding will be offered. There will also be guided trips available. This event is free and open to the public. Get out there and enjoy the water with ADK's Mid-Hudson Chapter.

  

Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace trainings provide participants the opportunity to learn how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and pass on these skills and knowledge to others. These valuable trainings are recognized throughout the world by the outdoor industry, land management agencies, and the outdoor recreation community. You will benefit by joining these outdoor professionals and becoming a leader in lowering recreational impacts while advocating for our wild places.

  

Visit our website for a full listing of Leave No Trace programs.
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Today@ADK Blog 

Gearing Up For The Field Season
Summit Steward Coordinator, Julia Goren, discusses how Summit Stewards stay warm and dry in the harshest conditions.
 
A Southern Belle's First Winter
ADK Loj Crew member, Kayci Carlson, tells about her first experience with a north country winter.
 
Clean, Sharpen, Wax: Putting My Skis Away
Learn how to properly care for your skis at the end of the season. 
 
How much is knowledge worth?
Brendan Wiltse tells about the closure of a world renowned research station.
  
Related News
 
Debate Continues Over Motors On New State Lands - Adirondack Explorer editor, Phil Brown, discusses the various proposals for new state lands. 

State Buys OK Slip Falls, Hudson Riverfront - Neil Woodworth comments on the state's purchase of OK Slip Falls and Blue Ledges.

Expect Traffic Delays in Cascade Pass - Road work will delay traffic on Rt. 73 and limit access to Cascade and Pitchoff trailheads for most of May.

Muckety Muck - ADK staff comment on the fragility of trails during mud season.

Reaching Adirondack's highest peak is Marcy Madness - Writer Tim Jones tells about his experience hiking Marcy with ADK Guides.  
 
Relaxing retreat for vets - ADK provides programs during a retreat for veterans.
 
 
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