The pandemic may be keeping Canadian tourists away, but the Adirondacks are still drawing large crowds this summer. Lake George is experiencing a vacation boom with many visitors coming to take advantage of the outdoors and activities that allow them to be socially distant. They’re packing campgrounds, hotels, and heading out on the water. Marina owners on Lake George say they’re having a hard time keeping up with the demand for boat rentals this summer. And hikers, looking to escape COVID-19 restrictions and cancelled vacations elsewhere, are heading to the Adirondacks.
Producer Michael Hansen talks with the Adirondack Mountain Club about the impact from this summer’s crowds. This week, The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is out with a report recommending New York State take steps to safeguard the Adirondack Park’s most popular destinations as the number of visitors continues to grow. They include expanded education and outreach, and the use of permits and reservations to limit crowds at some of the busiest locations, a move applauded by the Adirondack Council. Read the full report here: https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Adirondack-Park-Assessment-Leave-No-Trace.pdf