External conditions (6/24): Customizing a first aid kit –

The following are only the most recent notices regarding public lands in the Adirondacks. Please see the Adirondacks Backcountry Information web pages for a complete list of advisories, including seasonal road conditions, climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information. .

New this week:

High Peaks Wilderness: Expect muddy conditions above 3,000 feet in elevation. Expect poor traction and slow progression on steep sections of trail with wet rock. Due to recent rains, high altitude water sources are available to replenish the water supply – bring and use suitable filtration devices. Water crossings can be high and fast.

Silver Lake Wilderness: Working with our partners at the Adirondack Mtn Club, a team of volunteers recently helped close and relocate two primitive tent sites from the south shore of Woods Lake to the north shore. The goal of the project was to expand use and improve camping opportunities for NPT hikers. This project was part of a larger trail work effort organized by the ADK Mtn Club on June 4, National Trails Day.

Last week:

Ferris Lake Wilderness: Powley Road is open. All washes have been repaired.
Speculator Tree Farm and Perkins Clearing: All roads and campsites are now open to the public. The Old Military Road has been repaired and the Pillsbury Mountain Fire Tower car park is open.

Mount Flatrock Conservation Easement: The area south of Mount Flatrock, including the fenced logging road, will be temporarily closed to public access for landowner timber harvesting.

General notices

Visit the main Adirondacks backcountry information page for more trip planning resources.

Things to know before you go (23/06):

• Temperatures: Prepare for warmer temperatures this weekend. Daytime highs on Saturday and Sunday are forecast to reach the mid to upper 80s in places, with lows in the upper 60s to upper 50s. Temperatures on mountain tops will be significantly warmer than last week, but still up to 20 degrees cooler than at base elevations. Bring extra layers as well as rain and wind gear.
• Water crossings: Following recent rains, streams, rivers and other water crossings may be elevated.
• Biting insects: It’s black fly season! Carry insect repellent, insect nets and other methods of protection against bites.
• Thermal safety: Wear sunscreen and other sun protection. Bring plenty of water, take shade breaks, and eat salty foods to help with fluid retention and electrolyte balance. For their safety, leave pets at home.
• Sunrise: Sunrise = 5:12 a.m. Sunset = 8:42 p.m. Set a schedule and stick to it. Pack a headlamp even if you plan to finish your activity before sunset.
• Busy trails: Friday is a statutory holiday in Quebec, so the trails should be busy. Plan to arrive at your destination early and have several back-up plans in place in case parking at your desired location is full. Check @NYSDECAlerts on Twitter for real-time parking status updates.

Information posts for hikers: Stop at a hiker information station for information on parking, alternative hiking locations, local land use rules and regulations, safety and preparation, and Leave No Trace^MT. Please visit us at the following locations this weekend:

• Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday:
  • High Peaks Rest Area, northbound on Hwy 87, from 7 a.m.
  • Beekmantown rest area, heading south on Route 87, from 7 a.m.
• Additional stations this weekend:
  • Friday to Sunday at Garden Trailhead, Keene Valley, from 7 a.m.
  • Friday through Sunday at the Lake Placid Visitor Office, Lake Placid, starting at 7 a.m.

Check the weather: Check the forecast for your destination, pack your bags and plan accordingly. Check the National Weather Service Northern Adirondacks and Southern Adirondacks Mountain Point forecast for some peak forecasts. Check day and night temperatures and remember that temperatures will drop as you go up in altitude.

Fire hazard: As of 06/23, the fire danger is low. Consult the fire rating map.

Water condition: Water levels throughout the Adirondacks region range from average to well above average for this time of year. See current USGS water data for New York for the flow rate of selected waters. It is strongly recommended to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs or life jackets).

Hiking with dogs: Dogs that walk in hot temperatures are at risk of heat exhaustion and death. If your dog collapses, move quickly to create shade for the dog and cool his feet and stomach – this is the most effective way to help an overheated dog. The best way to protect your pet is to leave it at home.

Ticks: Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to easily spot ticks. Wear closed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck the pant legs into the socks or boots and the shirt into the pants. Frequently check clothing and any exposed skin for ticks when outdoors. Consider using insect repellent. Stay on clear, well traveled trails and walk in the center of the trails. Avoid dense woods and brushy areas. Additional tips for tick prevention.

Bear canisters required: NYSDEC requires the use of bear-resistant canisters by overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness between April 1 and November 30. NYSDEC encourages campers to use bear-resistant canisters throughout the Adirondack backcountry. Bear boxes should be used to store all food, food scraps, toiletries and other scented items. Canisters should be stored at least 100 feet from tents, lean-tos and cooking sites and kept closed when not accessible. Learn about bear canisters and how to avoid human-bear conflicts.

Adirondack Climbing Closures: DEC is closing some climbing routes in the Adirondacks to protect nesting peregrine falcons. For a complete list of closures, visit Adirondack Rock Climbing Route Closures. Once peregrine nesting sites have been determined, climbing routes that will not interfere with nesting will be reopened. Roads that remained closed will reopen after the fledglings have fledged. Thank you for your collaboration. For more information, please contact the Wildlife Office at (518) 623-1240.

Adirondack Mountain Preserve: Parking reservations will be required from May 1 through October 31 for day and night access to the parking lot, trailheads and trails located on the 7,000-acre private AMR property in the town of Keene in the High Peaks region. For a list of frequently asked questions and to register, visit the AMR website.

Lifeguard Job Fair in Lake George, today from 1 to 5 p.m.

On Friday, June 24, from 1 to 5 p.m., DEC is hosting a lifeguard recruitment event at the Lake George Beach day-use area, known as Million Dollar Beach. Interested candidates can learn more about the free training and certifications provided. More than 500 seasonal employees are hired annually by CED to provide a variety of services throughout the summer season. All applicants must be willing to work weekends and holidays throughout the summer. For staffing opportunities at DEC campgrounds and beaches, visit the DEC website, call (518) 457-2500 Ext. #1, or email [email protected].

Safety and Education

Summer is here! Whether you’re hiking, biking, paddling, or fishing, Hike Smart NY can help you prepare with a list of 10 essentials, tips on what to wear, and tips for planning your trip. thinking about safety and durability. .

Customize a first aid kit

Packing a first aid kit, especially one tailored to your personal needs, could be the difference between life and death if an emergency occurs in the wild. A prepackaged first aid kit will provide you with an excellent base. Create an even more efficient and personalized kit using the acronym “STARS”:

• S – Group Size: Consider the number of people in your party and make sure you have enough supplies for everyone.
• T – Travel time: This will also determine the amount of supplies you bring with you, as a longer trip (like a backpacking trip where you won’t have access to a pharmacy for several days) will require you to bring more supplies, just in case. where you would need to reapply a bandage or administer multiple doses of medication.
• A- Activity: The beauty of hiking is that every hike is different and can involve very different challenges. However, it is important that these challenges are acknowledged and considered with your child rescuer. For example, a Sam Splint is a good precaution for a longer hike.
• R-Risk: This category overlaps with activity but focuses more on the environmental factors of your hike, such as poison ivy and ticks.
• S – Special needs: Pack all personal medications for everyone in the group, whether for emergency use or daily medication (and it’s never a bad idea to bring extra).

As well as packing a quality first aid kit and manual, consider basic medical training so you are better prepared for any mishaps that may arise.

Leave no trace

Follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace to maintain minimal impact on the environment and natural resources of the Adirondacks. Use proper trail etiquette to ensure an enjoyable experience for yourself and others, and tread lightly!

A visitor in the wildlife house

Whether you’re hiking, camping, paddling, or any other outdoor activity that takes you into the backcountry, remember that you’re enjoying the wilderness. The sixth Leave No Trace™ principle, Respect Wildlife, helps us understand what it means and teaches us how to be a good visitor. Here are some key things to remember:

• Stay far enough away to not scare wildlife. They should not be forced to leave the area.
• Small groups cause less damage to wildlife habitat.
• Stay quiet around wild animals to avoid scaring or stressing them.
• Do not touch or feed wild animals. If animals get used to being fed, they will have a harder time surviving on their own. Be sure to properly store food and waste.

Next time you are in the wildlife house, pack a pair of binoculars and enjoy seeing the wonders of wildlife while respecting their space and their home.