To the editor:

I’ve spent over 60 years exploring the Adirondacks, and my love for this unique landscape only grew stronger with time. From hiking and camping to fishing and hunting, I’ve experienced the beauty of this ecosystem in all its forms. My journey in the High Peaks began when I was 13 as a Boy Scout of America, and I was hooked.

As I delved deeper into the Adirondacks, I soaked up every bit of knowledge I could find about its geology, biology, philosophy and history. I hiked hundreds of miles, spent countless nights under the stars and battled the elements. I read novels and histories, collected specimens and felt a deep connection to this special place.

Recently, I’ve noticed a shift in the way people approach the Adirondacks. Many are drawn to the idea of earning the 46 peak badge, which is awarded to those who climb the 46 tallest peaks in the region. At first, I was excited to see new faces and hoped that they would share my passion for the area. However, as I joined some childhood friends (who teased me about the time I spent in the woods when we were young) on their hiking trips, I realized that their focus was solely on reaching the summit, taking a selfie and moving on.

I asked them questions about the park’s environmental significance, its history, and the plants and animals that call it home. Unfortunately, many of them didn’t know the answers. They were more concerned with checking off the peaks on their list than with truly experiencing and understanding the Adirondacks.

My concern is that these individuals may not be the best stewards of the park. If they treat it as just a checklist of peaks to conquer rather than a delicate ecosystem that requires care and respect, how can we trust them to protect it for future generations?

I hope that we can find ways to shift the focus away from awards like the 46 peak badge and towards a more meaningful and intimate connection with the Adirondacks. By educating people about the importance of this ecosystem and encouraging them to slow down and appreciate its beauty, we can work towards protecting it for years to come. Social media platforms and collectivist ideologies can be powerful tools in this effort, but only if we use them to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

Gerhardt Storsberg

Remsen