Adirondack 46ers

06/14/2026

Obviously there was a lot of discussion about crowds in the recent Visitor Use Management recommendation discussions. Leave no Trace has some thoughts on handing crowds if you should encounter them.

Leave No Trace Tips For Handling Crowds in Outdoor Spaces Crowds have seemingly become synonymous with many of our outdoor spaces, and with around 1.8 billion visits to our shared outdoor spaces annually, it’s no wonder why. Large amounts of visitors can also mean large amounts of impact and strai...

06/13/2026

We thank Rob for his many years of dedicated service and wish him all the best in his retirement!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York State Forest Ranger Robert Praczkajlo Retires After Distinguished Career, Joins Board of The Forest Ranger Foundation

Saranc Lake, NY – June 1 2026 – The Forest Ranger Foundation announces the retirement of DEC Forest Ranger Robert “Rob” Praczkajlo following a long and impactful career dedicated to protecting New York’s public lands, fighting wildfires, conducting search and rescue operations, and serving communities across the Adirondacks and beyond. 

Praczkajlo, a veteran Forest Ranger based in the High Peaks region, has spent decades enforcing environmental conservation laws, responding to emergencies, and leading efforts in wild land search and rescue as well as wildfire suppression. His service included notable deployments, such as leading a crew to assist with major wildfires in Canada in 2023, as well as numerous high-profile search and rescue missions in the Adirondacks. Known for his dedication, and tenacity, he has been a consistent leader in the field, often responding to multiple incidents in challenging conditions. He was a leader among leaders.

In his retirement, Praczkajlo will continue his commitment to the Forest Ranger community by joining the Board of Directors of The Forest Ranger Foundation. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing additional equipment, training, and support to New York State Forest Rangers to enhance their ability to protect lives, property, and natural resources. 

“I’ve dedicated my career to serving the public and stewarding New York’s forests and wildlands,” said Praczkajlo. “Retirement from active duty doesn’t mean stepping away, it’s an opportunity to support the next generation of Rangers through the Foundation’s important work in equipping and empowering them.”

The Forest Ranger Foundation expressed enthusiasm about his addition to the board. “Rob’s on-the-ground experience and leadership will be invaluable as we work to bridge gaps in resources for our Rangers,” said Executive Director Scott van Laer. “Rob was the toughest Ranger I ever worked with, we were an exceptional team together in uniform, and I am very excited he will be joining me at the foundation in his retirement. His transition highlights the ongoing dedication of our Rangers, even beyond their years of service.”

Praczkajlo’s retirement will be celebrated at a dedicated event organized by the Foundation, honoring his years of service Saturday June 13th in Ray Brook New York.

About The Forest Ranger Foundation
The Forest Ranger Foundation is a nonprofit organization supporting the mission of New York State Forest Rangers. By providing specialized gear, training opportunities, and other resources, the Foundation helps Rangers effectively respond to wildfires, conduct rescues, and protect the state’s natural heritage. For more information, visit www.forestrangerfoundation.org. 

06/12/2026

Just finished proof reading the upcoming issue of PEEKS – it should be out to members the end of the month or the first week of July. You should all hope for a rainy day or a lakeside seat to look through this issue! It is awesome!

06/10/2026

The ADK 46ers organization successfully completed a two-day roadside cleanup initiative on Monday and Tuesday, with 12 dedicated volunteers each day contributing to the Adopt a Highway program. During the course of the two days, the group cleaned 20.2 miles of roadside and collected 27 large bags of debris. We extend our gratitude to our volunteers for their exceptional work and dedication. Congratulations to everyone involved. The next two cleanups are scheduled for September, with the final two cleanups set for October. For those interested in participating and giving back to the community, please contact [email protected].

06/06/2026

In the June 4th Rangers Report there was an interview with Forest Ranger Gary Miller regarding a recent rescue and what the Rangers have to deal with to get a subject out safely. Ranger Miller is very humble about why he and others do what they do, “we help people” but these carry outs are difficult and impressive! Thank you NYS Forest Rangers! available to download (59 MB).

06/05/2026

Avalanche Pass – many have asked about the trail closure and subsequent plans for repairs. The process in place on State Lands is for a DEC created work plan to be approved at all levels, then planning for the actual work can take place. This link will take you to the work plan for Avalanche Pass and others. Simply click on the project you wish to look at and you can get all the details. https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/forest-preserve/project-work-plans

On July 24th through 26th the 46er Trail Crew is currently scheduled to lend a hand with this project if
you would like to assist. Be aware that dates are subject to change depending on how this project shapes up. https://adk46er.org/trail-crew/

Trail Crew Photos Pictures from 2025 Trail Crew The ADK 46er Trail Masters, on behalf of the ADK 46er Club welcome you to join a trail crew on an outing! You are sure to walk away feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride, and perhaps a newfound skill or two. Now, we can’t promise there won’t ...

06/03/2026

If everyone read to the end of the post on the bridge work at Elk Lake you would have read that the railings were going on the next day. For all to see, the finished product complete with railing. Well done!

06/02/2026

There is one more chance to join the Trailhead Steward program this year. On June 14th we will be holding our final training of the season at the Ray Brook DEC offices. See our website for more details.

To become a 46er Trailhead Steward, you must be a registered/completed 46er, complete a one-day training program, and be willing/able to volunteer at least two full days during the season. These days can be two consecutive days (a weekend, for example), or they can be single days on different weekends. And, of course, you can volunteer as many days as you like! An added bonus is that TSP volunteers receive 8 hours of Conservation Service Award credit for each day of training and each day of stewarding and one hour for taking the sexual harassment course (see below).

Interested in joining us? Please reach out at the email shown below.

[email protected]

06/01/2026

Had to share 46er volunteer Brian Sweeney's photos from Saturdays work at Elk Lake on the new 33 foot bridge. The all volunteer 46er trail crew spent 4 days working out there on both the bridge project and blowdown clearing on all of the trails around the property. In Brian's words: “Friday and Saturday at Elk Lake. Friday we did more prep work for the new bridge. Saturday it took about 16 of us to maneuver the 33' logs across the stream and position them properly. The bridge is useable but a little scarry. Tomorrow we'll add railings” Many thanks to all of the volunteers who took part in the long weekend of work and to Elk Lake for your hospitality.

05/31/2026