May 12, 2003 — State environmental officials hope to curb traffic in the eastern High Peaks, by cutting the number of campsites by a third. The scenic mountain range is the most popular hiking destination in the Adirondacks. But heavy use has damaged trails and forests. As Brian Mann reports, those who visit the area say new restrictions are unwelcome, but also necessary.  Go to full article

Oct 07, 2002 — This summer, visitors to the High Peaks found more rules and regulations than ever before. The new unit management plan bans campfires and limits the size of hiking groups. But compared with parks in Canada, the Adirondacks are still wide open.
At a conference this weekend, recreation users and pro-environment groups debated a future where that could change, with access to the backcountry limited by quotas and permits. Brian Mann has our story.  Go to full article

Jul 31, 2002 — With the Lake Placid Ironman grabbing headlines recently, the Adirondacks can feel like a place for hard-core athletes to test their strength and endurance. But the mountains are also home to a lot of people who want an outdoor experience, without the grueling pace. Brian Mann went for a leisurely road-bike trip in the Glenn, near Jay. He sends this audio postcard:  Go to full article

Jul 29, 2002 — Intense weather played a huge role in Sunday's Lake Placid Ironman. Top finishers Heather Fuhr and Ryan Bolton negotiated a slick bike course to win the event. As Brian Mann reports, the big obstacle for many racers was the muggy heat--and a powerful late-nite thunderstorm:

Locals Fare Well:

A total of fifty-five north country athletes competed in this year's Lake Placid Ironman. Jackie Hatherly, who moved to Lake Placid a year ago, took third place in the women's competition. Amy Farrell, from Ray Brook, finished fifth. The St. Lawrence graduate raced as an ironman pro for the first time. Nick Fitzsimmons, from Ausable Forks, finished in 29th place, with the region's top time--just under ten hours. Finally, Lake Placid's Charles Cowan won the 50-54 year old age group. Cowan--who's fifty--topped ninety other runners to finish in ten hours and seven minutes.  Go to full article

Jul 25, 2002 — New York's Department of Environmental Conservation will spend three hundred thousand dollars on "stewardship" projects in the Adirondack Park. Part of the money will go to rebuild trails in the High Peaks. But the new spending will also help state officials draft the blueprints that guide public use of the forest preserve. As Brian Mann reports, the push to create dozens of new plans has bogged down.  Go to full article

Jun 24, 2002 — Brian Mann talks with Ted Keizer, a speed climber who is attempting to scale the 46 Adirondack mountains higher than 4,000 feet - in less than 4 days and 18 hours. For most hikers, climbing the region's highest peaks can take years or even decades. But is faster better?
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May 17, 2002 — This spring's wet, cold weather means hiking trails in the High Peaks are still in soggy condition. The Department of Environmental Conservation is warning backpackers to stay off trails in higher elevations. Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

Mar 15, 2002 — The Adirondacks' High Peaks can be a hard place to find peace and quiet during the busy summer months. Many people choose the winter to get their fix for solitude among New York's tallest mountains. Winter camping offers unique pleasures and sometimes, unexpected perils. Brian Mann and David Sommerstein got plenty of both on a late winter expedition to Lake Colden and Algonquin Peak last weekend.  Go to full article

Jan 01, 2002 — When state officials announced that a new cabin was being built on Lake Colden, in the High Peaks, the decision was controversial. That part of the Adirondacks is a designated wilderness area. By law, that means human structures should be kept to a minimum. Supporters of the new cabin argued that it would be a vital tool for rangers and ski patrols who work in the backcountry. That claim was born out this winter. The Lake Colden outpost was used as a base of operations in two successful searches. Brian Mann visited Lake Colden in the fall of 2000, as construction was winding down.  Go to full article

Oct 12, 2001 — For many, time spent on the rock isn't just a battle against nature. It's also a form of personal expression. Brian Mann reports.  Go to full article