News stories tagged with "outside"

(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.

(01/22/09) State officials have reopened the debate over the future of Lowes Lake in the central Adirondacks. The Department of Environmental Conservation says float planes should be allowed to use the lake for another four years. Some green groups say that would violate state law, which calls for Lowes Lake to be managed as a wilderness area. Brian Mann has this update.

(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.

(02/18/08) Wildlife researchers across the Northeast are scrambling to understand a mysterious ailment that is killing thousands of bats, including rare Indiana bats, which are on the endangered species list. "White-nose" syndrome has been found at sites in New York and Vermont. And on Friday, scientists identified a new, infected cave in Massachusetts. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is now urging people to stay out of caves across the region. Brian Mann has our story.

(01/23/07) Last weekend, winter finally arrived in the Adirondack Mountains. In the High Peaks, snow covered the trails and temperatures plunged to double-digits below zero. Brian Mann snuck away for a day with his friend Bob Martin, from Saranac Lake, to ski the trail to Avalanche Pass. They sent this audio postcard.

(04/28/03) Other parts of the U.S. have bigger rivers and higher mountains, but the Adirondacks offer some amazing country that you can reach on your lunch hour. Last week, Brian Mann snuck away from the office for a paddle on the West Branch of the Ausable River. He found some real, in-your-face wilderness just on the outskirts of town, and sends back this audio postcard.