The Village of Speculator will soon erect the newly reconstructed Makomis fire tower near the entrance to the Sacandaga Pathway. It is anticipated to be in place by July 4. According to Village of Speculator Mayor Jeanette Barrett, this project was solidified after a great deal of planning and hard work. “The idea of having a fire tower in Speculator has been a long time coming for many people in the area,” said Mayor Barrett. Preserving the structure and recording its history presents an opportunity to educate people about the history of Adirondack fire towers. Once the fire tower is in place, a kiosk located nearby will highlight the fire tower’s role in the region so that visitors can learn about this important piece of Adirondack history. Mayor Barrett also hopes the fire tower will draw tourists to the area. The Makomis fire tower was originally a wooden structure, built near the town of North Hudson in 1911. In 1916, the wooden tower was replaced by a steel structure, making it one of the first 11 steel fire towers built in New York state. The fire tower was eventually closed by the NYS Department of Conservation in 1970. It was dismantled and removed from the mountain top in 1978 by Bruce Vowles and stored for over 30 years at the home of George Barber, a retired surveyor. Mayor Barrett explained the subsequent change in ownership and restoration plans. “In the mid-1990s, Dean Lane obtained the Hooker Hill fire tower from Marty Podskoch, author of several books on fire towers. Lane hoped to restore and put up the fire tower in town, but it needed a lot of repairs, so the project never materialized. Lane has since passed away, but his son Jonathan wanted to make the fire tower project a reality to honor his father,” she said. Mike Vilegi, owner of Excelsior fire towers, purchased the tower in 2019 and began the reconstruction project. Once the tower is erected in Speculator, it will be part of both the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge and the Hamilton County Fire Tower Challenge, a series of hikes that visitors and local residents can complete. Organizers are also hoping to submit a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The fire tower project is being funded through both public and private investment. A $100,000 Community Smart Growth grant from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and another $10,000 in funding from the Adirondack Foundation kickstarted the project. The Village of Speculator plans to contribute $55,000, of which $47,6500 has already been raised through generous donations, said Mayor Barrett. Anyone interested in donating to the project should contact the Village of Speculator at 518-548-7354 or via email makomistower@gmail.com. ### Contact: Sydney Aveson, communications coordinatorRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism 518.523.2445 sydney@roostadk.com

Stewart’s Shops and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism are continuing their partnership to educate visitors about the importance of being prepared before beginning their Adirondack adventure. The campaign encourages people to visit a Stewart’s Shop to help prepare for their outing. The “Go Before You Go” campaign comprises videos, along with audio messages and print materials. Video and audio will be seen and heard by those who visit Stewart’s Shops throughout the Adirondacks. Campaign videos explain the importance of being prepared, encouraging people to stock up with supplies and to visit the restrooms at trailheads or other public spaces before accessing the trails. Audio recordings, played on the Stewart’s Shops outdoor speaker system, share similar messages for those filling their tanks at the gas pumps. According to Jane Hooper, communications manager at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, the partnership between Stewart’s Shops and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is a natural fit. “The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and Stewart’s Shops share a common goal, to ensure that people are well-prepared with food, water and other essentials to support their day,” she said. “Stewart’s Shops are located throughout the region, offering a convenient “pit stop” as people head out for their Adirondack adventure. This offers the perfect opportunity to share information about being prepared, obtaining supplies, and caring for the environment during their outing.” The campaign also includes print materials and digital content for social media. The Waste 101 page on the Love Your ADK website features a map that indicates the locations of Stewart’s Shops, public restrooms, trailheads with temporary restroom facilities, and visitor centers. Rack cards that include information and a QR code, directing users to the online map, are available at the region’s visitor centers and other high-traffic locations. According to Savannah Doviak, paid media coordinator at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, the “Go Before You Go” campaign is part of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism’s Love Your ADK initiative, through which the organization works to educate both residents and visitors about environmental sustainability. “In addition to tourism promotion and community support initiatives, we always encourage careful use of the natural environment,” she said. “This is of particular importance, to ensure that visitors and local residents can continue to enjoy the Adirondacks for generations to come. We are excited to align our efforts with Stewart’s Shops to educate outdoor enthusiasts about preparedness, waste in the backcountry, and where restroom facilities are located.” Erica Komoroske, director of public affairs at Stewart’s Shops, echoed Doviak’s comments and encouraged outdoor enthusiasts to visit their local shop before heading out to ensure that they are as prepared as possible. “Stop at Stewart’s Shops on your next hiking trip to stock up on snacks and drinks and don’t forget to take that bathroom break before you hit the trails. We make your life easier and encourage everyone to do their part and ‘Go Before You Go’ to preserve the beauty of the Adirondack Park.” Backcountry preparedness is the main focus of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism’s Love Your ADK campaign. Love Your ADK was launched in April of 2020 in partnership with the Adirondack Mountain Club, Adirondack Council, New York Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism. Its goal is to create unified and up-to-date information that will help travelers and recreationists learn how to best prepare for their outdoor adventures. The “Go Before You Go” campaign will continue from July 1 through October 15. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York State. ROOST is also a Community Member of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Stewart’s Shops is an employee- and family-owned and operated convenience store chain with more than 350 locations in New York and Vermont. ### Contact: Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662 | jane@auroraroostadk-com https://youtu.be/Tef6gV0xeKo

Lake Placid, NY - The 23rd running of Ironman Lake Placid will take place Sunday, July 24, 2022. Temporary road closures will begin at 5 a.m. The following are all estimated times based on New York State Police traffic control. Please use caution and expect delays. Road Closures Road closures (Route 86) Southbound to Lake Placid from Wilmington beginning at 7 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.Bobrun Lane will be closed in both directions from 7a-3p.Route 86 westbound from Jay to Wilmington will close from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.Route 9N will close Northbound from Keene to Jay at 6 a.m until 5 p.m.Haselton Road will be closed in both directions from Bilhuber Road to the Black Brook town line from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Haselton Road from Route 86 to Bilhuber Road will be open only Northbound from 8 a.m - 5 p.m.Road closures (Route 73) south/eastbound from Lake Placid to Keene beginning at 5 a.m. until 4 p.m.River Road will be restricted to local traffic only. Notice to residents and businesses along the Wilmington Road from the traffic light to the Alpine Cellar: The route for cyclists will travel out and back on Wilmington Road/Route 86 from Northwood Road to the traffic light on Main Street at the Route 73 intersection. Thank you for your understanding and please use caution when exiting your residence as there will be bikes in both directions and they will be traveling in the opposite lane of traffic. Alternate Routes LAKE PLACID TO JAY From Saranac Avenue/Route 86, go left at Main Street at the High Peaks Resort to Mirror Lake Drive. Left on Northwood Road. Left on Cobble Hill Road. Left on Route 86 to Wilmington. Right on Route 86 to Jay. Expect delays in the Village of Lake Placid, in Wilmington, and in Jay from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. AUSABLE FORKS TO WILMINGTON North on Main Street at Stewart’s to stop sign. Left on Guideboard Road. Bear left at the fork to Silver Lake Road. Left on Bonnieview Road to Wilmington. Expect delays at intersection in Wilmington. AUSABLE FORKS TO SARANAC LAKE/LAKE PLACID North on Main Street at Stewart’s to stop sign. Left on Guideboard Road. Bear left at fork to Silver Lake Road. Left on Union Falls Road to Route 3. Left on Route 3 to Saranac Lake. In Saranac Lake take Route 86 East to Lake Placid. AUSABLE FORKS TO KEENE Route 86 West, crossing Jersey Bridge to Sheldrake Road. Right on North Jay Road. (County Route 64). Left on Valley Road (County Route 58). Right on Trumbulls Corner Road. Left on Route 9N South to Keene. Expect delays in Ausable Forks and at Route 9N intersection. SARANAC LAKE TO I-87 SOUTHBOUND Route 3 West to Tupper Lake. Route 30 South to Long Lake. Route 28N to Newcomb. Route 2 East to Exit 29 on Route I-87 or Route 28N to Warrensburg. POINTS SOUTH ON ROUTE I-87 : From Northbound Route I-87 take exit 29 to Route 2 West to Route 28N. Turn right on Route 28N to Newcomb. Route 28N to Long Lake. Right on Route 30 to Tupper Lake. Right on Route 3 East to Saranac Lake. Take exit 30 for travel to Keene Valley, Keene or Lake Placid. Expect delays at Keene. POINTS NORTH ON ROUTE I-87 TO LAKE PLACID From Southbound on Route I-87 take exit 31 to Route 9N North. Route 9N North to Elizabethtown. Route 9N North to Route 73. Right on Route 73 to Keene. Expect delays at the intersection in Keene. KEENE TO LAKE PLACID Route 73 Westbound lane open. Expect Delays at River Road/Ski Jumps intersection. Access Village of Lake Placid via Old Military Road. LAKE PLACID TO WILMINGTON/AUSABLE FORKS/I-87 NORTHBOUND From Saranac Avenue/Route 86, go left at Main Street at the High Peaks Resort to Mirror Lake Drive. Left on Northwood Road. Left on Cobble Hill Road. Left on Route 86 to Wilmington. Straight through the intersection on Bonnieview Road (County Route 19). Right on Silver Lake Road and follow detour arrows to Ausable Forks. Expect delays in the Village of Lake Placid and in Wilmington from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. IRONMAN COMMUNITY HOTLINE Ironman Lake Placid has established a community relations coordinator and hotline to assist with training and race-related issues. The community relations coordinator is able to assist with quickly mitigating challenges for community members and businesses as they arise. Businesses and community members should use this if someone has a question about getting to work, is in need of an escort because they live on the race course, an issue presents itself, etc. Community Line: 615-669-0022 Community Email: community.cgi@ironman.com

Recommendations made by the Ironman task force committee have been embraced and implemented by Ironman race organizers ahead of the July 24 race in Lake Placid. Many of the committee’s recommendations have been implemented by Ironman organizers including improved communication with athletes and their supporters, enhanced expectations of its athlete participants and fans, sharing information about communities along the Ironman route for participants, mitigation of training and race day issues, and improved logistics. New for 2022 is the development of an athlete code of conduct. Entitled “Train Like A Champion, Act Like A Champion,” it encourages Ironman participants to remain conscious of their role as ambassadors for the sport and the Ironman organization while respecting the Adirondacks by reducing their personal impact on the region. It also shares expectations regarding athletes’ adherence to professional conduct before, during and after their participation in the event. The code of conduct is available on the Ironman Lake Placid website; it has been shared with athletes ahead of the race through multiple email and social media posts; it will also be communicated during the athlete briefings during the week leading up to the event. Currently this code of conduct is exclusive to the Lake Placid Ironman event. Ironman has enhanced its pre-race communication with athletes, their family members and supporters through ongoing email communication, on its social media channels and on the Ironman Lake Placid web page. These messages communicate expectations of Ironman athletes, the responsibility they have for helping to care for the local environment and the importance of being an ambassador for their sport. Ironman officials have shared a great deal of information with athletes training in the Lake Placid region ahead of the event, and triathlon clubs with members who participate in Ironman. According to Jodi Plante, who has competed in a number of Ironman events across the US, athletes are appreciative of the effort undertaken by the Lake Placid region and Ironman to enhance community support for this event. “Athletes love the Lake Placid event. In fact, this is my third time competing here because I love the course, the region, the volunteers, and the Lake Placid Ironfans” she said. “I have received a great deal of information about the upcoming race from Ironman and from discussions with my local tri club. We have been having ongoing conversations about safety, following the rules of the road and being respectful of the environment and local communities. I’m glad that Ironman officials are reinforcing these concepts with race participants.” The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism has also offered its support to ensure that important messages are communicated to athletes and their supporters. Ironman worked with the local organization to develop the Athlete Guide to Lake Placid; a printed and folded document that provides a map, the code of conduct, QR codes for emergency resources and background information about communities along the Ironman Lake Placid route. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism also developed informational rack cards for distribution throughout the region that refer to the importance of sharing the road - targeted to those on bikes and in cars. Enhanced communication from the Ironman organization to athletes has also included information about communities and local attractions within the region, showcasing it as a travel destination, apart from the Ironman event. Local towns and attractions have also been invited to become an exhibitor in the Ironman village, where race participants pick up their information packets, purchase Ironman gear, visit race sponsors, meet with their triathlon club members and shop for last-minute items. According to Mary Jane Lawrence, COO at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and Ironman task force committee member, these efforts will provide a more positive experience for local residents and athletes. “Ironman Lake Placid is an event that benefits the region through positive economic impact and exposure of our region on a national and international level,” she said. “We are pleased that Ironman appreciates our region’s concerns and has worked hard to implement meaningful changes. Ironman has involved our local communities in the planning and the information shared.” Ironman Lake Placid has established a community relations coordinator to assist with training and race related issues. The community relations coordinator is able to assist with quickly mitigating challenges for community members and businesses as they arise - both ahead of the event and on race day. A race day hotline has been established and there is a dedicated email address that businesses and local residents can use if issues present (615-669-0022; community.cgi@ironman.com). Plante encourages her fellow competitors to enjoy the day and be “good guests and representatives” in the Adirondacks. She also hopes that drivers know that the vast majority of athletes are obeying the rules of the road, while also asking for a bit of patience from drivers. “I firmly believe that Lake Placid Ironman participants need to be respectful sportsmen, responsible with our care of this beautiful environment and safe when occupying the roads. I also hope that drivers understand that if I am not riding at the shoulder of the road while on my bike, it is most likely because I am avoiding an obstacle. There are some places along the route that I am also going 50 miles per hour, without the protection that an automobile offers. I always do my best to obey the rules of the road, and I will encourage my fellow athletes to do the same, since state law states that motorists and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities. My wish is that drivers and cyclists can both be safe, understanding, and kind to each other. Athletes love competing in Lake Placid and we really hope that local residents don't mind having us share their roads for a little while.” The Ironman task force committee was established in 2020 to assess community sentiment, determine the event’s viability and make recommendations to help ensure that the event is more favorable for locals and regional residents. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism established the Ironman task force committee; and was responsible for conducting a survey of businesses and residents to gather information about positive impacts, along with challenges associated with hosting the Ironman event. According to Lawrence, the Ironman task force committee and Ironman officials will review and assess the impact of this year’s changes. “Improvement is a continual process of assessment and refinement,” she said. “We may consider additional recommendations, or altering some of the changes made this year as we have additional information from athletes, volunteers, businesses and community officials.” The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state. ROOST is also a Community Member of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Full survey results and information about the Ironman task force committee can be found on the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism’s website. ### Contact: Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is promoting the growing network of mountain bike trails in the region by arranging for travel writers and video content producers to visit the area. YouTube personalities Mo and Hannah, along with a writer from Singletracks, visited the region at the end of June. Mo Assoum and Hannah Binder, also known as Awesome MTB, produce travel-related mountain biking and paddling videos that they share on their YouTube channel, blog and social media accounts. They visited the region from June 27 - July 2 to ride trails in Lake Placid, Wilmington and Elizabethtown. They also spent time paddling, exploring the communities and speaking with local residents to learn what makes this area special. The mountain bike duo rode the Hardy trails in Wilmington with a group of local mountain bikers and the Blueberry Trail System in Elizabethtown a few days later with riders from that community. "I think the Blueberry trails are our favorite in this part of the Adirondacks," Mo said. "But the Hardy trails were incredible, too. The entire mountain bike community here is pretty special." Mo and Hannah are seasoned mountain bikers with a significant social media presence. Their YouTube videos have been viewed more than 8.9 million times and they boast thousands of Instagram followers. Their audience comprises mountain biking, paddling and travel enthusiasts that are engaged and keenly interested in the information they share. Matt Miller, features editor from Singletracks, also visited the trail systems in Lake Placid and Wilmington at the end of June. Singletracks is a digital media and news outlet with a significant online presence comprising social media, podcasts, and a website. The site is referenced by mountain bike enthusiasts when learning about local trails, travel, gear and news. With over 17,000 subscribers and 3.5 million views, Singletracks is one of the most popular sources of mountain bike information. Miller also spent time exploring the villages of Lake Placid and Wilmington, along with local restaurants and natural attractions, so that he can share in-depth information about the local region with Singletracks readership. According to Jane Hooper, communications manager at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, the organization works with reporters, travel writers, and those with a significant social media presence to develop travel-focused stories about the Adirondacks to assist with promotion of the region, its activities and its prominence as a desired travel destination. “The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is excited to partner with Singletracks, along with Mo and Hannah, to share information about mountain biking throughout the Adirondacks,” she said. “Their YouTube and social media followers are the type of outdoor enthusiasts we hope to attract. Mountain biking is such a niche sport, but many of their passions overlap with other activities that the Adirondacks offer such as paddling, skiing and hiking - these influencers speak directly to that group.” Marketing the Adirondacks is an important aspect of ROOST’s work, along with its support of community-based initiatives. “The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism works to create a tourism economy that sustains itself over time,” Hooper commented. “Mountain bike groups in our area have worked very hard to build trails in their local communities. Our research indicates that mountain bike enthusiasts are willing to travel to mountain bike destinations throughout the nation, so we are happy to share information about our local community initiatives.” The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York State. ROOST is also a Community Member of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. ## Contact: Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662 | jane@roostadk.com