Hudson River
Special Management Area
The 5,550-acre Hudson River Special Management Area, also known as the Hudson River Recreation Area, or sometimes simply Buttermilk, is located on the eastern shore of the Hudson River in the Lake George Wild Forest. The unit had hiking trails and hand launches.
Flora and Fauna
Large and medium‑sized mammals known to occur in the central and southern Adirondacks are also believed to be common inhabitants of the LGWF and the Hudson River Recreation Area including the white‑tailed deer, moose, black bear, coyote, raccoon, red fox, gray fox, bobcat, fisher, river otter, mink, striped skunk, long‑tailed weasel, short‑tailed weasel, beaver, muskrat, porcupine, and snowshoe hare (Saunders, 1988).
Several amphibians and reptiles can be found in Lake George Wild Forest including 9 species of salamanders, 9 species of frogs and toads, 5 species of turtles, 1 species of lizard, and 10 species of snakes.
Several groups of birds can be found in the area as well, filling different niches throughout the Hudson River Recreation Area. A variety of waterfowl are associated with marshes, ponds, lakes, and streams including great blue heron, green‑backed heron, American bittern, and many common ducks including the mallard, American black duck, wood duck, hooded merganser, and common merganser.
Songbirds in the area include the ovenbird, red‑eyed vireo, yellow‑bellied sapsucker, black‑capped chickadee, blue jay, pileated woodpecker, and black and white warbler. Birds of prey common to the area include the barred owl, eastern screech‑owl, bald eagles and several hawk species.
The forest community in this area is a mixed wood and species include eastern hemlock, white pine, balsam fir, American beech, as well as a variety of spruces and maples. You will also find red pine and larch trees that were planted to help rehabilitate areas of overuse.
The flora and fauna are abundant in the Hudson River Recreation area and none of these lists are exhaustive. This area is made up of different vegetative communities, offering exemplary habitat for several species.
History
In August 1992, the Adirondack Mountain Club hosted an Open House at the Hudson River Recreation Area. Held at the gatehouse information booth on River Road north of Lake Luzerne, the event introduced visitors to the area's history, recreational opportunities, trail systems, conservation goals, and stewardship efforts. River Stewards presented introductory talks and answered questions about the newly opened recreation area. The event helped establish the educational mission that would later become one of the defining features of the River Stewards Program.
Building on the success of the first season, the River Stewards Program expanded significantly in 1993. Four River Stewards, Laura Greeno, Dean Moore, Laura Nowicki, and Jennie Lobb, were hired to assist with recreation management, environmental education, trail inventories, and natural resource documentation. All four were graduates of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF).
The River Stewards registered visitors at the gatehouse, provided public information, patrolled the recreation area, collected litter, and presented educational programs throughout the summer. They also conducted extensive inventories of the area's natural resources, documenting approximately 40 species of trees, 62 species of other plants, and numerous birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Information gathered by the stewards contributed to future management planning and educational materials for visitors.
One of the River Stewards' most important projects during the 1993 season was the mapping, inventory, and documentation of trails throughout the Hudson River Recreation Area. The stewards surveyed existing hiking trails, former logging roads, and recreational corridors throughout the approximately 4,800 acres of recreation area and adjacent state lands. Their goal was to create a better understanding of the area's trail network and identify opportunities for future recreational development.
A major focus was the development of an alternate hiking and mountain biking route along Gay Pond Road. Working with local residents and individuals familiar with the area's history, the River Stewards located and mapped several previously undocumented logging roads and trail corridors. These routes were plotted on management maps and evaluated for potential public use. The trail inventory provided valuable information for future management planning and helped establish a more organized trail system within the recreation area.
The trail mapping project was one of the first comprehensive efforts to document recreational access throughout the Hudson River Recreation Area. Information gathered by the River Stewards helped support hiking, mountain biking, environmental education, and long term recreation management throughout the park.
The popularity of the recreation area increased dramatically during 1993. Records documented 9,393 visitors, compared to 4,124 visitors in 1992. Managers estimated actual visitation may have been closer to 10,332 visitors. A total of 3,104 vehicles entered the park, averaging 3.3 people per vehicle.
Visitor records showed that the recreation area attracted people from across New York State and neighboring states. The largest number of visitors came from Glens Falls, accounting for 5,550 visitors, making it the most represented community in the visitor records. Additional visitors came from Albany, Queens, Brooklyn, Hicksville, Poughkeepsie, Plattsburgh, Syracuse, Utica, Watertown, Binghamton, Buffalo, Rochester, and Elmira. Approximately 88.4 percent of all visitors were New York residents, while others traveled from neighboring states. July was the busiest month of the season, with 4,231 visitors.
Picnicking remained the most popular recreational activity during the 1993 season. Families and individuals used the recreation area's many picnic sites to enjoy scenic views of the Hudson River. River Stewards noted that heavy use at Picnic Site A resulted in vegetation loss, litter, and occasional unauthorized fire rings, reinforcing the need for stewardship and visitor education.
Bear Slide continued to be one of the recreation area's most popular attractions and was identified as the second most popular destination in the park. Visitors were drawn to the site for its scenic beauty and natural rock waterslide. River Stewards noted that many visitors continued to slide down the smooth rock surface despite concerns about slippery conditions and the potential for accidents.
Tubing became one of the most popular activities along the recreation area's stretch of the Hudson River. During the summer months, families and groups regularly floated the river on tubes and rafts between access points within the park. River Stewards observed that tubing was especially popular because water levels later in the season often became too shallow for easy canoe travel. Swimming and wading in the Hudson River were also common recreational activities.
A 1993 Post Star newspaper article described the River Stewards as pioneers exploring and documenting the natural resources of the Hudson River Recreation Area. Their work helped visitors understand the area's flora, fauna, geology, ecology, and history while fostering a greater appreciation for conservation and stewardship. County officials noted that the educational programs added a unique dimension to the recreation area and helped distinguish it from many other parks.
In 1996, the recreation area experienced a major setback when the gatehouse was destroyed by a fire that authorities suspected was intentionally set. The gatehouse had served as the visitor information center, registration station, and headquarters for River Stewards and seasonal staff since the area's opening. The fire destroyed the structure and educational materials used by staff. County officials estimated the loss at approximately $3,500. Despite the loss, the recreation area continued to operate and remained a popular destination for recreation and environmental education.
In 1997, Warren County moved its environmental education program to Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center. As a result, the River Stewards Program came to an end. The program had provided on site visitor education, resource protection, trail monitoring, public outreach, and a consistent staff presence since 1992. Later management documents noted that after the program ended, visitor tracking declined, official oversight became more limited, and misuse of the area increased. These observations highlighted the important role River Stewards had played in educating visitors, protecting resources, and maintaining a positive recreational environment.
Between 1992 and 1997, the River Stewards Program helped transform the Hudson River Recreation Area into one of Warren County's premier outdoor recreation destinations. Through conservation, environmental education, trail development, visitor services, and public outreach, the program fostered a greater appreciation for the Hudson River corridor while helping protect its natural resources for future generations.
Environmental Conservation Challenges
The Hudson River Special Management Area (HRSMA) was designated as a Special Management Area because it receives a high number of visitors each year and requires additional management to protect its natural resources while providing recreational opportunities. Popular activities such as hiking, camping, swimming, tubing, fishing, paddling, and mountain biking place increased pressure on the environment.
As a result of this heavy recreational use, the area faces several environmental challenges. Frequent foot traffic causes soil erosion, trail widening, and damage to vegetation as visitors leave designated trails and create unofficial paths. Walking over exposed tree roots weakens trees, while repeated use of river access points contributes to riverbank erosion and habitat disturbance.
Another major challenge is littering. Trash left behind, including food wrappers, plastic bottles, fishing line, and other waste, can pollute the environment, harm wildlife, and reduce the natural beauty of the area. Unauthorized camping outside designated campsites can compact soil, damage vegetation, and increase erosion. In addition, driving off designated roads destroys plants, damages tree roots, disturbs sensitive habitats, and creates additional soil disturbance.
The Morgan Duke Conservation Society helps protect the Hudson River Special Management Area by participating in conservation projects throughout the area. Volunteers help plant native trees, pick up litter, and remove trash that has become trapped in the ground vegetation, helping restore natural habitats and keep the forest and riverbanks clean. These efforts support the protection of wildlife, improve the area's appearance, and help preserve the natural environment for future visitors.
To help protect these natural resources, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) manages the area through trail improvements, restoration of damaged sites, designated campsites, barriers that prevent unauthorized vehicle access, and visitor education that encourages responsible recreation. These conservation efforts, along with the work of volunteers, help preserve the Hudson River Special Management Area for future generations.
Source: Draft Lake George Wild Forest Unit Management Plan (2023), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Information about the Morgan Duke Conservation Society is based on the organization's volunteer conservation activities.
What We Do
Since 2013, the Morgan Duke Conservation Society, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation organization, has worked to protect and improve the Hudson River Special Management Area, formerly known as the Hudson River Recreation Area, through volunteer stewardship, conservation projects, environmental education, and community involvement. Through New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Volunteer Stewardship Agreements, Morgan Duke Conservation Society is authorized to assist with projects that help preserve the area's natural resources and recreational facilities.
One of the organization's primary responsibilities is removing litter and debris from trails, campsites, picnic areas, parking lots, and other public use areas throughout the Hudson River Special Management Area. These efforts help protect wildlife habitat, maintain healthy ecosystems, and improve the experience for visitors. Garbage left behind in natural areas can damage ground vegetation, pollute waterways, and create hazards for wildlife. Animals can become entangled in discarded fishing line, plastic, and other debris, making litter removal an important conservation activity.
Morgan Duke Conservation Society also participates in tree planting and habitat restoration projects throughout the Hudson River corridor. Trees planted along the river help stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion, and create a natural buffer that prevents soil and sediment from washing into the Hudson River. By reducing erosion, these projects help improve water quality and protect aquatic habitats while enhancing the scenic beauty of the area.
Volunteers assist with maintaining public recreation facilities, including painting picnic tables, trail structures, kiosks, and other public use facilities. These projects help preserve recreation infrastructure and ensure that visitors continue to enjoy safe and attractive public spaces.
Community involvement is an important part of the organization's mission. Volunteer Steward James Sullivan regularly organizes community cleanup events and tree planting projects within the Hudson River Special Management Area. Many of these events attract between 30 and 40 volunteers who donate their time to improve the area. Participants not only contribute to conservation projects but also learn about environmental stewardship, proper tree planting techniques, and Leave No Trace principles that help protect public lands.
When community events are not taking place, Morgan Duke Conservation Society volunteers continue their stewardship efforts independently. Many volunteers are local residents who visit the area several times each month on their own time to remove litter, monitor conditions, and assist with conservation projects throughout the recreation area.
The organization's goal is to protect the ecosystem, wildlife habitat, and ground vegetation within the Hudson River Special Management Area. By reducing litter, restoring habitat, planting trees, maintaining facilities, and educating the public, Morgan Duke Conservation Society helps ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities found along the Hudson River corridor.
Through stewardship, conservation, education, and volunteer service, Morgan Duke Conservation Society remains committed to preserving one of Warren County's most important natural and recreational resources while promoting responsible outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship throughout the region.
Strategic Approach
Since 2013, Morgan Duke Conservation Society has witnessed significant changes within the Hudson River Special Management Area, formerly known as the Hudson River Recreation Area, in Lake Luzerne. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, visitation to the area increased dramatically as more people sought outdoor recreation opportunities. While increased visitation allows more people to experience the beauty of the Hudson River corridor, it also creates additional challenges for protecting natural resources, wildlife habitat, and public recreation facilities.
Morgan Duke Conservation Society's strategic approach focuses on education, stewardship, and community involvement. Through social media outreach, public education, volunteer projects, and community engagement, the organization works to teach visitors the importance of protecting this unique natural area for future generations.
A major focus of the organization's educational efforts is promoting responsible outdoor recreation and Leave No Trace principles. Through online outreach and public education campaigns, Morgan Duke Conservation Society encourages visitors to properly dispose of trash, respect wildlife, stay on designated trails, and minimize impacts to vegetation and natural habitats.
The organization also works to educate visitors about responsible camping practices. When campsites are full, visitors are encouraged to return another day rather than create unauthorized campsites. Morgan Duke Conservation Society promotes the protection of native vegetation by discouraging visitors from setting up tents on areas where young trees, plants, and ground vegetation are growing. Protecting these sensitive areas helps maintain healthy forests, reduces erosion, and preserves wildlife habitat.
Wildlife protection is another important component of the organization's mission. The Hudson River Special Management Area provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species, and litter left behind by visitors can create serious hazards for animals. Through cleanup efforts, educational outreach, and stewardship activities, Morgan Duke Conservation Society works to reduce these impacts and promote a culture of respect for the natural environment.
By combining conservation, education, volunteer stewardship, and community involvement, Morgan Duke Conservation Society strives to ensure that the Hudson River Special Management Area remains a clean, healthy, and enjoyable destination for future generations while protecting the ecosystems, wildlife habitat, and scenic beauty that make the area special.
Volunteering
Conservation Volunteer
Everyone is welcome including individuals, families, middle school students, high school students, college students, scout groups, school clubs, community organizations, civic groups, and volunteer groups.
Volunteers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
