To the editor:

I am writing to express my opinion with respect to the controversy surrounding Mt. Baker. I’ve been hearing and reading about this issue for some time now, but I had a chance to witness the absurdity of it all first hand a few weekends ago.

As I was getting ready to begin my Mt. Baker ascent, I observed a couple of local residents, who appeared to be hiding out in a nearby side street, spring into action. Waiting in the wings, they eagerly anticipated the moment when the hikers who had parked with their tires a quarter inch onto the roadway disappeared into the woods. Donning fluorescent vests, they giddily advanced to the cars, scribbling on their pads, in a frenzy of ticket writing. Then as quickly as they had closed in, they retreated into the shadows, making certain not to be caught in the act.

It’s a shame that these individuals have somehow lobbied for this authority and turned writing tickets to unsuspecting hikers into a hobby. Of all the things they could do with their time, they chose to spend a beautiful fall weekend ruining the day for others. They claim that there is a problem with traffic, parking and safety, but the main problem I see is residents who don’t want to share a public roadway and mountain.

If the real problem is traffic, parking and safety (which it’s not) then the solution is simple. Make the loop around Moody Pond one way with a dedicated walking lane. Reduce the speed limit to 15 mph and install speed bumps. Use the additional space created by the one way road to improve and increase parking at the Baker trailhead.

Unfortunately, the residents would likely not approve of this plan because the real issue is they don’t want to share “their road.” Reduced speed and a one-way would be an inconvenience for Moody Pond residents and most of us wouldn’t be a fan of increased vehicle activity, noise and strangers on our own road, so I can’t blame them for feeling this way. I just take issue with the fact that they’re disguising it as a safety concern and think that being aggressive and hostile towards the people using the area is accomplishing anything.

They can write their tickets, put up their signs, abolish/alter the 6er hiking challenge and complain all they want, but it won’t stop people from coming to hike Baker and walk the loop around Moody Pond. Baker is located in close proximity to town, is under a mile in length and offers some of the best views in the area. It will remain popular amongst tourists and locals regardless of its 6er status, as will a walk around beautiful Moody Pond.

The best course of action is to embrace the use of Baker and Moody Pond. Beautify the roadway and turn it into an iconic Adirondack stroll. Instead of writing unnecessary tickets, become trailhead stewards, educating hikers on trail etiquette. Be kind, polite and welcoming.

Sincerely,

Joe Belluscio

Saranac Lake 6er,

four-time ADK 46er

Jay