Protect the Park W

elcome to New York state’s Adirondack Park. At first glance, this place of immense beauty seems perfect Yet, with climate change and other environmental threats, the natural resources in this mountain region the highest peaks, the waterways and the deepest forests are fragile and need our protection.

The park is under constant pressure from the outside world from development to pollution to invasive species. As we enjoy all the natural wonders here, there are a number of ways you can keep this place protected

You can start by taking the Love Your ADK pledge (page 32) The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism in partnership with the Adirondack Mountain Club, Adirondack Council and the state Department of Environmental Conservation set up the “Love the Adirondacks” website, where you can pledge to protect the park as you enjoy it After all, it’s everyone’s responsibility

If you are boating here, you should know about t h e s t a t e ’ s “ C l e a n , D r a i n , D r y ” l a w , w h i c h requires anyone using a motorboat inside the Adirondack Park, and within 10 miles of its boundary, to carry a certificate showing their watercraft has been cleaned, drained and dried for every trip (page 51). Certificates are not needed for canoes or kayaks, but paddlers are required to “clean, drain, dry” their vessels and equipment

Enjoying the Park isn’t just about getting outdoors, even though that’s a huge part of the Adirondack experience There are so many other things to do while you are here

Have fun shopping or by visiting local food producers and drink establishments, whether it’s a trip to the farmers market, enjoying a beer at one of our craft breweries or ending your day at a favorite ice cream stand

E x p l o r e t h e n a t u r a l w o n d e r s s u c h a s Ausable Chasm, Natural Stone Bridge & Caves and High Falls Gorge

Learn about the heritage of this unique place at local museums or where history was made such as Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Placid’s Olympic venues or John Brown Farm

Enjoy the arts at galleries, concerts, special events and performing arts centers

In between your activities, you can find a wide variety of dining experiences for breakfast, lunch and dinner, snacks and late-night drinks

Go out and discover the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park a place the size of Vermont With all of us working together, we can ensure that residents and visitors will be able to enjoy this magical place for generations.

Whatever this summer brings, we hope you stay healthy and happy and come back to the Adirondacks often spring, summer, fall and winter It is truly a year-round paradise for those who love the great outdoors