HELLO FELLOW 46ERS AND ASPIRING MEMBERS! I hope you are enjoying the annual rebirth of our beautiful forests and the mountain streams that have been recharged from the winter snowmelt. Adirondacks provide a truly magical focal point for so many of us. Decades before I started hiking, I found myself frequently driving through the Adirondacks to get to college or for my work assignments, and the mountains always seemed to calm and soothe me. That serenity has only increased over the years. For many people that read this magazine, their association with the Adirondack Park centers on the beautiful mountains, lakes and trails. That is still the first thing that enters my mind, but we also share in the responsibility to ensure the Park’s protection and conservation. You are probably aware that in April 2026, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation released a report entitled “High Peaks Project Area Visitor Use Management Pilot Project, Final Recommendations Report and Monitoring Plan.” While the deadline for submitting any comments has expired, it is still wise to familiarize yourself with some of the key recommendations in that report. What else can you do to ensure the protection and conservation of the Adirondack Park? Glad you asked! You can volunteer for activities that have the same objective. The Forty-Sixers have several programs that need volunteers, like Trail Crew, Trailhead Stewarding, Adopt a Highway and Outdoor Skills Workshop. You may also have a particular skill that could help with administrative responsibilities of the Forty-Sixers. For more information about these opportunities, go to the Volunteer With Us tab of our website (ADK46er.org). There are also many other organizations that are involved in the protection and conservation of the Adirondack Park, and I encourage you to learn about volunteer opportunities with those organizations. Volunteering is more than an act of kindness, it is an act of giving that extends well beyond the immediate impact of the activity. Volunteering is a commitment that not only brings change and assistance to those in need, it offers opportunities for personal enrichment and connection. Studies show that volunteering is also good for your well-being. Participating in volunteer activities has been consistently linked to improved mental and emotional health. Volunteers often report a sense of fulfillment, happiness, and a reduction in stress levels. The act of helping others provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, contributing significantly to overall life satisfaction and well-being. To be a volunteer goes beyond the immediate task at hand—it ignites a chain reaction of goodwill and impacts lives in profound ways. You’re not just giving your time; you’re making a difference across communities. If your personal situation does not allow you to participate in the volunteer activities mentioned above, there are always opportunities in your local communities, and it could be as simple as calling someone to say hello or shopping assistance for someone with limited mobility. Local support agencies can help identify some of those opportunities. Every volunteer journey starts with a single step: one volunteer, one act of kindness, one worthy cause at a time. How you will you start or reignite your journey? Have a safe and enjoyable summer! PRESIDENT’S REPORT Dave Pawlick, #12803 Portraits by Pete Sucheski #155000 president@adk46er.org 2 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS
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