Advocacy Efforts
ADK advocates for responsible outdoor recreation, outdoor recreation education, stewardship of public lands, and recreation infrastructure, including sustainable trail construction and maintenance. Through these efforts, we are growing an inclusive stewardship community that supports the safe and ethical use and conservation of New York’s wild lands and waters.
Below are some issues and initiatives we are involved in right now. Tell your legislators to support these important measures now.
Safeguard Public Lands
Across the nation, and right here in New York, public lands face an uncertain future.
On the federal level, short-sighted policies will continue to push to sell off our shared natural heritage and diminish the very agencies tasked with protecting it. At the same time, federal cuts can weaken essential environmental and stewardship funding in New York State, putting our parks, forests, and waters at risk.
At ADK, we believe public lands are for everyone, and they must be protected for generations to come.
Your support is key to protection and preservation.
This is why, with your support, we advocate passionately for public land acquisition, stewardship programs, and environmental funding in New York State.
From trail crews and summit stewards to visitor centers and conservation easements, our work ensures these lands remain protected, accessible, managed for future generations, for all people.
But we cannot do this alone. Now more than ever, we need your voice and your support.
Tell federal lawmakers: Public lands are not for sale.
Tell New York State leaders: Stewardship and environmental funding must remain a priority.
You can help us deliver the message, support these initiatives and act today. Together, we can safeguard the wild places we all love.
Please support ADK today with a donation that helps us continue this critical work.
Protect New York’s Forest Preserve Parks
The Catskill and Adirondack Forest Preserve Parks collectively represent over 6.5 million acres, which is nearly a quarter of New York State.
ADK advocates for support and funding for the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve Parks and serves on the Strategic Planning Advisory Groups for high recreational use for the Adirondacks and Catskills.
The Forest Preserve Parks:
- Serve as home and recreation lands to over a million residents in Forest Preserve counties
- Host more than 25 million visitors to the Adirondacks and Catskills each year
- Bring $3 billion to regional economies annually
- Are a great force to combat climate change as its forests provide oxygen and sequester carbon
- Protect critical habitat
- Provide fresh drinking water to more than 25 million people in two countries, including the residents of New York City.
Learn More & Get Involved
Follow the links below to learn more about ADK’s advocacy work and get involved.
- WATCH: Our testimony on the 2025–26 New York State budget
- READ: Our 2025–26 budget letter to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul
Additional Resources
Invasive Species: Stop The Spread!
Did you know that invasive species are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity? Because people are primarily responsible for the introduction and spread of invasive species, we can have a huge impact if we take small, simple steps to protect native species.
ADK partners with the DEC and the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) to run citizen science “early-detection” projects to search for and report invasive species in lakes and forests.
Learn More and Get Involved
Environmental Protection Fund
Established in 1993, the Fund is New York State’s dedicated source of funding for critical environmental programs that protect what we love about New York – our clean drinking water, our magnificent parks, and our family farms.
Adirondack Conservation Organizations Urge Park Agency to Drop Controversial Motor-Vehicle Plan
February 17, 2025 — Ray Brook, NY — Adirondack conservation organizations today said they were […]
ADK Advocates for the EPF
February 10, 2025—Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) staff spent the day at the Albany Capitol during […]
Continued Investment in Visitor Centers is Great for the Adirondack Park
ADK applauds the New York State legislature and Governor Hochul for negotiating and finalizing the state budget, which includes $250,000 for Adirondack Mountain Club’s Visitor Centers.
Benefits of Visitor Use Management
Since the creation of some of the first parks and protected areas in the United […]