News stories tagged with "outdoor"

(01/26/10) The skis and snowboards are back on the rack for a few days, while we suffer through a January thaw. But it's been a pretty great season in the North Country so far, with good snow conditions on the slopes. While there's no shortage of eager skiers and snow-boarders this winter, a debate continues about the safety gear they wear. Helmets used to be rare, used mostly by downhill racers. But head protection is growing more popular. And some advocates say helmets should be mandatory at least for children. Brian Mann has our story.

(01/21/09) Brian Mann sends a quick audio snapshot from one of the funnest plummets on the Jackrabbit ski trail.

(01/19/09) The cold snap that swept the North Country the last couple of weeks has caused a lot of grumbling. But for organizers of "Mountainfest" in Keene, the frosty temperatures and deep snow made for perfect conditions. Now in its thirteenth year, the gathering offered workshops and introductory classes over the weekend in mountaineering and backcountry skiing. Brian Mann sent this audio postcard.

(06/19/08) Last November, Brian Mann reported on plans to dam and divert the massive Rupert River in northern Quebec. The project, developed by the provincial utility, Hydro-Quebec, will provide hydroelectricity to consumers in New York and Vermont. His story was recognized with an Edward R. Murrow Award. Last week, Brian returned to paddle the Rupert again. He made the trip as part of a documentary project called "Encounters." Here's his reporter's notebook.

(03/17/08) The Adirondack Park Agency has set a new limit on snowmobile trails that will affect "wild forest" land in the Park. The 848-mile ceiling, approved on Friday, drew fierce criticism from snowmobile riders. The reaction among pro-environment groups was more mixed, with some arguing that the limit leaves too much wiggle room. Brian Mann has details.

(11/07/06) Adirondack Bureau Chief Brian Mann has been out on the campaign trail the last few weeks. He'll be out again today covering elections across the region. But he took some time to get out on a real trail -- sneaking off for a late fall ramble on the Northville Placid Trail. He sent this audio postcard.

(05/29/06) Ottawa's biggest race weekend of the year saw thousands of walkers, in-line skaters, joggers and world-class runners on the streets for various distances on Saturday and Sunday. The big event was the marathon, which was somewhat marred by a course mix up that changed the outcome for the front runners. Other races went off more smoothly, except perhaps for the heat. Lucy Martin decided to tackle Saturday's 10K event. She sent in this audio postcard.

(05/05/06) It's the eternal struggle of every homeowner in the North Country. How to keep the fast-growing thicket of weeds and brush from taking over the yard? Burn bans have made the task especially daunting this spring. The ban's been lifted, for now. People are burning grass and clearing brush. Here's today's Heard Up North.

(11/15/02) The Adirondack Park Agency commission got a first look at a new plan for the Bog River and Lowe's Lake on Thursday. The plan -- for an area near Tupper Lake -- includes a restriction on commercial floatplane use. As Brian Mann reports, the Agency won't vote on the proposal until January.

(10/18/02) A conversation with Julie Silverman from the Echo Center for Lake Champlain, in Burtlington, Vt. The Center is working to find ways that regular people can help clean up the lake.