Sep 04, 2008 — For years, environmentalists, along with some canoers and kayakers, have urged state officials to limit motorboats in the Adirondacks. The so-called "Quiet Waters" campaign would affect a dozen lakes and rivers from Weller Pond near Saranac Lake, to Eighth Lake near Old Forge. This summer, New York's Department of Environmental Conservation announced that it would create an inter-agency task force to review the proposal. In a statement, DEC commissioner Peter Grannis said there are "too few places in the Adirondacks where paddlers can experience the tranquility of a motorless water body." Local leaders and NYS Senator Betty Little quickly condemned the plan, arguing that paddlers already enjoy plenty of options. Brian Mann sat down this week to talk in-depth with Dick Beamish, the man who launched the Quiet Waters campaign eight years ago. Beamish, who lives in Saranac Lake, is the founder of the Adirondack Explorer magazine and a long-time environmentalist.  Go to full article

Jun 19, 2008 — 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.  Go to full article

Aug 01, 2007 — This week, we've been focusing some extra attention on Lake George. For novice and even intermediate paddlers, Lake George can be an intimidating place. The lake is big and mid-summer it buzzes with motorboats. But up in the corner of Northwest Bay lies a narrow channel of flat water, where canoers and kayakers can find a quieter view of America's Queen of Lakes. Brian Mann went for an early-morning outing last weekend and sent this audio postcard.  Go to full article

Jun 26, 2007 — For ten years, St. Lawrence University has been sending students north into the James Bay region of Quebec and Ontario. The James Bay Canoe Expedition is led by Phil Royce. He's a veteran whitewater guide and heads the school's outdoor program. This year, Royce led a team of eight paddlers down the Wakwayowkastic River. His audio diary from the trip was produced by Brian Mann. We also heard from students Jon Angus and Barrett Miles, who graduated from SLU this year. In ten years of the James Bay Canoe Expedition, there has never been a serious injury.  Go to full article

May 18, 2007 — The paddling season is officially underway in the North Country. In the coming weeks, paddlers will gather for more than a dozen races and boat exhibitions. One of the lead organizers is Brian McDonnell, a competitive paddler and outdoor guide based in Lake Clear. He told Brian Mann that the next big race starts Saturday in Saranac Lake.  Go to full article

Sep 12, 2006 — The teen champion of Interpretive Freestyle Canoeing did it again last weekend. 14-year-old Jonathan Hammond of Clayton edged out Marc Orstein to win the men's national championship Saturday in Peninsula, Ohio. The tiny sport is like figure skating or synchronized swimming in a canoe. David Sommerstein caught up with Hammond yesterday by cell phone.  Go to full article

May 23, 2006 — A construction project now underway in the southern Adirondacks will reshape a stretch of the Sacandaga River, creating a new whitewater paddling park. Using bulldozers and backhoes, the developers are moving more than 1500 tons of rock from a nearby quarry into the river. Supporters say the new paddling park will enhance the river and draw tourists to the Adirondacks. Critics say the Sacandaga River should have been left alone. Brian Mann has our story.  Go to full article

Aug 29, 2005 — This winter, state and local road crews will dump thousands of metric tons of salt on north country roads. The salt helps keep highways safe, preventing ice build-up and accidents. But environmentalists say the chemical is washing down into formerly pristine lakes and river. A research team from Clarkson University is studying the amount and the impact of salt collecting in the Cascade Lakes near Keene. Brian Mann spent a day with the scientists and sends this report.  Go to full article

Aug 01, 2005 — The Osgood River flows through some of the wildest country in the northern Adirondacks. For decades, New York state has considered including it on a list of scenic and wild rivers that receive extra environmental protection. The legislature has never taken action. Brian Mann spent a day on the Osgood River this summer and has our story.  Go to full article

Jun 24, 2005 — One of northern New York's top canoe racers is traveling west today. Brian McDonnell will compete in the Yukon River Quest, a 400-mile paddle race in northern Canada. McDonnell is 47 years old and runs a guide service in Lake Clear. He also organizes the annual 90-mile canoe race between Old Forge and Saranac Lake. He told Brian Mann that the Yukon race passes through some of the wildest country in North America. The Yukon River Quest begins next Wednesday.  Go to full article