Conservation

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Conservation

Advocacy Efforts

ADK advocates for responsible outdoor recreation, outdoor recreation education, stewardship of public lands, and recreation infrastructure, including sustainable trail construction and maintenance. Through these efforts, we are growing an inclusive stewardship community that supports the safe and ethical use and conservation of New York’s wild lands and waters.

For more visit https://adk.org/advocacy/

New York Needs the Environmental Bond Act

Vote Yes for Clean Water, Clean Air, Green Jobs Bond Act.

On November 8th, 2022, New York voters will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect clean water, update infrastructure, build parks, and improve quality of life in every county of the state.

This past spring, New York State lawmakers passed the 4.2 Billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act, a historic piece of legislation that will fund critical environmental protection and restoration projects throughout the state.

Learn More and Get Involved.

Leave No Trace

ADK is a proud partner of Leave No Trace an organization devoted to teaching people how to minimize their impacts. ADK is one of eleven national providers of Leave No Trace Master Educator courses and our Three Seasons at Heart Lake school program is accredited by Leave No Trace. We also incorporate Leave No Trace principles into all guided trips, workshops, and volunteer programs.

The 7 Leave No Trace Principles are not rules, but rather a set of tools to empower each of us to become stewards of public lands through our actions. Read below to learn more about them and their importance to low-impact recreation in the Adirondack Park.

For more visit https://lnt.org/

The 7 Leave No Trace Principles

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know the regulations and special considerations for the area you’ll be visiting.
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
Always leave your itinerary with someone at home.
Travel in small groups to minimize impacts.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Hike in the middle of the trail; walk through (not around) puddles/mud.
Stay off of vegetation; walk on rocks where possible.
Camp in designated sites where possible.
In other areas, don’t camp within 150 feet of water, trail, or a road.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack out all trash (including toilet paper), leftover food, and litter.
Use existing privies or dig a 6-8 inch deep cathole at least 150 feet from water.
Wash yourself and dishes at least 150 feet from water. If needed, use only small amounts of biodegradable soap.

4. Leave What You Find

Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
Let photos, drawings, or journals help capture your memories.
Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

Use a portable stove to avoid the lasting impact of a fire.
Where fires are permitted, use existing fire rings and collect only downed wood.
Burn all fires to ash, put out campfires completely, and hide traces of fire.

6. Respect Wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance.
Avoid wildlife during mating, nesting, and other sensitive times.
Control pets at all times, and clean up after them.

7. Be Considerate of Others

Respect others and protect the quality of their experience.
Let natural sounds prevail; avoid loud sounds and voices.
Be courteous and yield to other users; take breaks to one side of the trail.

Membership

Membership at the Adirondack Mountain Club

ADK members are vital to the success of our mission. As direct supporters, members are connected with opportunities to engage with the ADK community and to give back to the public lands and waters we all love.