Dec 08, 2005 — This week the Adirondack Park Agency is expected to approve a new management plan for the Shaker Mountain Wild Forest. The area is in the southern tip of the park near Great Sacandaga Lake. One pro-environment group says the plan expands the length of snowmobile routes in the Park. But as Brian Mann reports, snowmobile enthusiasts say their sport is still being short-changed.  Go to full article

Nov 29, 2005 — A 4 year-old Watertown boy is recovering from a snowmobile accident in western New York. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Nov 01, 2005 — A long-awaited snowmobile trail is getting North Country sledders excited for winter. The Alice Brook trail connects extensive networks in St. Lawrence and Lewis Counties. As David Sommerstein reports, supporters hope it will draw more winter tourism to southern St. Lawrence County.  Go to full article

Oct 25, 2005 — Gregory Warner spoke with Environmental Advocates of New York, the watchdog agency which released a report on DEC staff shortages. He asked Tim Sweeney whether the shortages at the DEC might have an impact in the Adirondacks.  Go to full article

Jun 01, 2005 — In the North Country, the debate over motorized recreation - ATVs, snowmobiles, motorboats and jetskis - has hardened. The issue marks a bitter dividing line between environmentalists and riders who want more access to wild lands. ATV use has grown dramatically, but this spring state officials unveiled a draft plan that would effectively ban the machines on New York's forest preserve. 4-wheel clubs and local government groups are fighting back. They're better-organized and more vocal than ever before. At heated public hearings held by the Adirondack Park Agency and the Department of Environmental Conservation, ATV and snowmobile fans far outnumbered their opponents. One of the leaders of the motor sport movement is Judy Wendt. Wendt grew up in Star Lake and lives now south of Potsdam. She represents the Adirondack Citizens Council, the Black River-St. Lawrence Resource Conservation and Development Council and the New York State Off Road Vehicle Association. Wendt sat down with Brian Mann to talk about the future of motorized recreation and the cultural divide that's formed over the machines.  Go to full article

Mar 08, 2005 — Assemblyman Joseph Morelle from Rochester has proposed a snowmobile speed limit for New York. Police support the idea but think it might be tough to enforce. Greg Warner reports.  Go to full article

Jan 05, 2005 — Environmentalists and state officials have unveiled the third largest land conservation deal in New York's history. More than a hundred thousand acres of Adirondack timberland, owned by Domtar, will be protected from development in Clinton and Franklin counties. The 23-million dollar deal was brokered by the Adirondack Nature Conservancy. As Brian Mann reports, the Domtar lands have topped environmental groups' wish lists for more than a decade.  Go to full article

Apr 09, 2004 — Snowmobilers and local leaders praised Wednesday's announcement of $250,000 in state funding for a new snowmobile trail in the Five Ponds Wilderness Area. The Alice Brook trail will connect networks in St. Lawrence County and the Tug Hill Plateau. As David Sommerstein reports, environmentalists are most worried about what happens off the trail.  Go to full article

Feb 18, 2004 — State officials say New York's constitution could block development of some new snowmobile connector trails in the Adirondacks. The trails are part of a proposed new system, designed to boost the region's appeal as a tourism destination. As Brian Mann reports, the constitution's limit on tree cutting in the Park could block snowmobile routes to some communities.  Go to full article

Feb 10, 2004 — Conservation groups are condemning a new snowmobile plan proposed for the Adirondack Park. At a hearing last night in Albany, environmentalists argued that the proposed corridor system would mean construction of new 12-foot-wide roads in the Park -- a violation the "forever wild" provision of the state constitution.
As Brian Mann reports, snowmobile advocates say this opposition from "green" groups reflects a growing bias against motorized recreation.  Go to full article