ADK Applauds NYS Use of Visitor Use Management Process, Urges Additional Data Collection

April 3, 2026 – Heart Lake Program Center – 1002 Adirondack Loj Rd – Lake Placid, NY: ADK applauds the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) initiating a Visitor Use Management (VUM) process in contracting DJ&A to study the social elements of trail use in the popular High Peaks Wilderness. This is a first step in a VUM plan for the area.  

We are pleased to see that DEC plans to complete the VUM process by incorporating existing trail condition reports and ecological assessments from the area. The comment period on how to move to next steps, as well as the opportunity to recommend collecting additional information on vehicle numbers from existing lots, to refine the report’s analyses, and make recommendations for accuracy are major positives. 

“ADK appreciates the time, effort, and resources that DEC and its consultants have invested in developing their report on Visitor Use Management for the High Peaks Wilderness Project Area. This project is a significant step forward,” said Cortney Koenig Worrall, ADK’s Executive Director. “The report serves as an important component for creating a comprehensive VUM plan.” 

ADK is pleased with the Department’s acknowledgement of the importance of its partners in helping visitors prepare for their Wilderness experiences in its Desired Conditions statement. As one of DEC’s primary partners for High Peaks recreation, ADK’s facilities and staff support critical visitor preparation, which is essential and must be wholly integrated into any visitor use management actions.  

ADK is responsible for information services, recreation education, and frontcountry infrastructure—services and infrastructure that happen nowhere else. Therefore, we welcome continued collaboration with the DEC in strengthening support systems and infrastructure to reduce stress on the High Peaks region, focusing on solutions that preserve access while promoting stewardship and enhancing the visitor experience. 

The trailhead at the end of Adirondack Loj Road at Heart Lake is the busiest backcountry trailhead in the state of New York, seeing over 100,000 visitors annually. ADK has managed the High Peaks Information Center (HPIC) for over 50 years at this very popular site to orient and help keep recreators safe and to protect the Forest Preserve. We partner with DEC in this effort, and the New York State Senate and Assembly have recently established funding lines in the state budget to help staff the HPIC, as well as to provide support for frontcountry educators at other trailheads along Route 73, and in the backcountry through the Adirondack High Peaks Summit Stewardship Program. Governor Hochul has also supported this critical stewardship funding. Because of ADK, visitors receive essential services, including bathroom facilities, gear, maps, and trip planning guidance as well as Preventative Search and Rescue education, and Leave No Trace outreach.   

“ADK remains committed to ensuring access to the High Peaks Wilderness for all people. Although the report recommends permits as an option for the High Peaks Wilderness, permits are the management tool of last resort. Education, infrastructure, and staffing are the only first management tools, and these elements have not been fully implemented to date,” said Cortney Koenig Worrall, ADK’s Executive Director. “Protecting the wilderness character of the High Peaks must involve looking at all attributes and access points holistically, with a strong eye to equity that looks carefully at who exactly is adversely affected by potential changes. ADK is looking forward to and is committed to continuing to work with DEC through next steps while providing additional input and recommendations during the comment period.”

Visit DEC’s website to learn more and view the Recommendation Reports.

About ADK

Based out of the Adirondack Park in New York State, ADK is a leader in providing outdoor education, promoting responsible recreation, and organizing stewardship experiences. Since 1922, the organization has worked to increase access to the backcountry by building trails, conserving natural areas, and developing a stewardship community that supports the ethical and safe use of New York’s outdoor spaces. A member, donor, and volunteer-supported organization, ADK reaches across New York through its 25 chapters to inspire people to enjoy the outdoors ethically.