Forever Wild: How to manage record crowds in the Adirondacks

The Adirondack Mountains are becoming an increasingly popular destination. We examine how this impacts the forest preserve, which the state Constitution requires to be kept “forever wild.” Guest host Julie Philipp sits down with officials from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club to find out what is being done to manage the influx of visitors and how we can help protect this natural resource. Our guests also talk about hiking safety and the Love Our New York Lands campaign. Our guests: Katie Petronas, deputy commissioner for natural resources for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Josh Clague, forester and forest preserve and conservation chief for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Cortney Koenig Worrall, executive director of the Adirondack Mountain Club Sarah Mastro, outdoor expo chair of the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club Mark Brand, forest ranger for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.