Rethink reservation system for access to Adirondacks

The article “Going hiking? Plan ahead,” March 30, touched on the primary purpose behind the reservation system: The Ausable Club wants to reduce the number of hikers using the public right of way across its property.

The Department of Environmental Conservation and Adirondack Mountain Reserve tout public safety and conservation as the issues the system is addressing, but the structure of the system shows its intent:

■ Daily reservations are limited to 70. What evidence is being used to decide this limit is necessary for conservation? How is limiting walkin hikers related to parking concerns?

■ The parking area will be accessible 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. How do these limits relate to safety or conservation? They arguably undermine public safety by encouraging hikers to rush back to meet the deadline, making injury more likely.

■ The lack of a day-of option for people to take an unused parking spot ensures the 70-reservation limit will be

underutilized.

Parking in the High Peaks absolutely needs improvement, but this system is not the way. The public right of way that will be limited is used to access hundreds of miles of trails and beloved Adirondack landmarks. Limiting access to public land must be based on something more than a sense that there are too many hikers, and it shouldn’t be guided by a desire to protect a small group’s private interests.

Amie Jamieson

Albany