Snow has remained a rare commodity in the woods this season, and I expect it will have a negative impact on the overall Northern Zone harvest. The Northern Zone season is set to conclude on Dec. 3, but will continue for another week in the Southern Zone.

With the benefit of fresh snow, the nordic ski season will get underway at the local ski centers, but it will be a while before backcountry skiers can take to the woods.

Although many of the local lakes and ponds are already sporting a cover of ice, it is far too early to even consider ice fishing. There are many days ahead, and fish will still be feeding well into March or even April.

I have always been a proponent of life skills education, which was developed to provide individuals with a variety of lifelong, positive recreational outlets. Traditionally, the focus of sports and recreational activities provided by public school systems has leaned decidedly toward competitive endeavors with a focus on team sports.

The Bog River Ski Trail in Tupper Lake is covered in snow Monday. (Photo provided — Matt Abrams)

It is a process that’s been ingrained in our society for decades. Generations of kids learned how to conduct themselves on the Little League baseball field, just as Pee Wee hockey players learned the same lessons at the local rink or while playing Pop Warner football or summer soccer.

The expected crossover from the playing field to industry was originally a prime tenet of organized recreation. If companies could teach their workers to play together on a recreation team when they were young, they would

surely be more productive in their work. It is a concept that was originally developed by the military.

In fact, the term “infantry” was used to describe soldiers who would follow orders without question, like an infant.

Adirondack residents are fortunate to have a wealth of recreational opportunities within close proximity. Although the region may be short on baseball parks or football stadiums, there is no admission fee at the “Adirondack Dome.” It is a natural recreational facility that remains available and accessible all year ’round, with unlimited potential.

A dead Queen Anne’s lace wildflower holds snowflakes Monday in Saranac Lake. (Enterprise photo — Peter Crowley)