Journal of Science Policy & Governance | Volume 17, Issue 01 | September 30, 2020

Policy Analysis: ​Sustainable Trail Design, Not Hiker Permits, is Necessary for Environmental Preservation in New York State’s Adirondack Park High Peaks

Khang T. Huynh (1)*, Christopher M. Koudelka (2)*
  1. University of Rochester, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester, New York
  2. Finger Lakes Community College, Department of Environmental Conservation and Horticulture, Canandaigua, New York
*Authors contributed equally
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https://doi.org/10.38126/JSPG170111
Keywords: Adirondack Park, High Peaks, soils, sustainable trail design, erosion
Executive Summary: The High Peaks of the Adirondack Park in New York is home to many of the state’s precious natural resources and is a favorite destination for hikers. Severe erosion on trails threatens the region’s environmental health. Most conservation groups advocate for reducing the number of hikers as the primary solution to combatting erosion; however, the scientific literature indicates that reduction of foot traffic is ineffective at combatting already deteriorating trails. Instead, we recommend the state legislature and Department of Environmental Conservation pursue a plan to rebuild these trails using sustainable design principles, which more effectively ensures their longevity. We outline the research and expertise required to successfully rebuild these trails as well as a mechanism to fund this expensive endeavor.

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Khang T. Huynh is a Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rochester. He is currently developing and using techniques for two-photon adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy to study function and metabolism in the living retina at a cellular scale. Equally passionate about policy and communication, he is currently a Science Communication Training Fellow with the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology and a Deputy Director for the University of Rochester Science Policy Initiative. Combining his love for classical music and science, Khang founded and directs Science of Music, an outreach ensemble that presents interactive shows and demos throughout the Rochester community. Outside academia, Khang is over halfway through his journey to become an Adirondack 46er, which entails summitting all 46 Adirondacks peaks over 4,000 feet. He received a B.S from The University of Texas at Austin and a M.S. from the University of Rochester.
 
Christopher M. Koudelka graduated with an A.S. in Environmental Studies from Finger Lakes Community College and plans to attend SUNY ESF for a M.S. related to environmental science. After receiving a B.A. in Peace and Justice from Nazareth College, he attended American University for a certificate in International Peace and Conflict Resolution. He co-presented initial research at the New York State Wetlands Forum on GIS mapping and characterization of vernal pools near Naples N.Y. and mapped invasive plant species in Honeoye N.Y. as part of a management plan with Finger Lakes Partnership in Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM). His research interests include GIS, land-use change, historic preservation, science and policy, and conflict resolution. For the past four years, he has investigated the history of the former National Guard Float Bridge Rifle Range in Penfield, N.Y., and is currently finishing a book on the subject. In his spare time, Chris enjoys hiking in the High Peaks region.
 
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge John Koudelka, M.S., for his assistance on the map design.
 
Disclaimer
The authors are members of the Adirondack Mountain Club; however, the views expressed in this memo do not necessarily reflect those of the organization.
DISCLAIMER: The findings and conclusions published herein are solely attributed to the author and not necessarily endorsed or adopted by the Journal of Science Policy and Governance. Articles are distributed in compliance with copyright and trademark agreements.

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