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Backcountry Stewardship Programs Working on a lean-to

ADK is committed to providing opportunities and support for those who want to give back to the places they love with their time and labor. All of the programs described below supported by an Adopt-a-Natural Resource (AANR) agreement with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

 

 

Adopt a Lean-to

The Adopt a Lean-to Program, created in 1985, continues to be a great success, with more than 170 people involved in adopting 150 lean-tos for 2008. Adopters visit their respective lean-tos at least twice a season to perform basic maintenance and clean-up duties, maintain registers, and note major repairs needed. Many adopters also assist DEC staff in completing more intensive projects such as roof replacement, privy relocation, and structural work.

More about the duties of Lean-to Adopters can be found here. Lean-tos up for adoption are listed in the March-April issue of Adirondac magazine. For the 2008 list of adopted Lean-tos click here. For more information, contact John Schneider, Lean-to Adoption Coordinator, 6 Nonchalant Drive, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. e-mail

Trail steward removing blowdown

Trail Stewards

The Trail Steward Program currently involves 55 sections of adopted trail and approximately 60 adopters. Since 1988, trail stewards have been doing the critical routine maintenance to keep trails sustainable. With the massive backlog of work needed on trails throughout the Forest Preserve, trail stewards are of great benefit to our wild areas. In addition to keeping the trails open by clearing brush and cutting blowdown, stewards also work to offset erosion by keeping drainages clear. Their annual reports and regular observations are passed along to the regional DEC foresters to assist them in determining where more intensive trail projects are required.

For more information and to become involved, contact Herbert Coles, Trail Steward Coordinator, 136 Beach 117th St Ocean Grande Unit 201 (2A), Rockaway Park, NY 11694. e-mail

Adopt a Wildland

With 3 million acres of public land within the “Blue Line” there are a lot of special spots that don’t always get the attention they need. Wildland adopters are folks that can take time to visit some of these potentially less traveled areas and report back on their condition.

Eastern Great Range

Wildland adopters are the eyes on the ground where DEC staff seldom gets to visit. Several Chapters have adopted large areas and make regular visits to note their condition. The one “work” aspect of Wildland adoption has been the successful location and removal of dumpsites, and other littered areas. For more information and to become involved, please contact Bill Ingersoll, Adopt-a-Wildland Coordinator. e-mail