Ep. 30 - ADK Ranger - Scott van Laer

<p>When you want to learn about safety in the backcountry there is no one better to talk to than a forest ranger. In this episode, we sit down with Adirondack Forest Ranger Scott van Laer about the Adirondack High Peaks, search and rescues and how you can be safer in the mountains. Scott has been a ranger for 20+ years so he has seen a lot of changes in the traffic to the mountains and the increased demand on the rangers.  We talk about how people can help advocate for more rangers to match the increased traffic the park is seeing. Plus you get to hear about why peeing on each other isn’t a good way to stay warm in the cold.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Show Notes:</p> <p>Follow Scott van Laer at <a href='https://twitter.com/ScottvanLaer'>ADK Ranger on Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.instagram.com/adkranger/'>ADK Ranger on Instagram</a> or on the <a href='https://www.adirondackalmanack.com/author/scott'>Adirondack Almanack</a></p> <p><a href='https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/9164.html'>NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) - High Peaks Wilderness  </a></p> <p><a href='https://www.adirondackalmanack.com/'>Adirondack Almanack</a></p> <p><a href='http://www.adk46er.org/'>Adirondack 46ers</a></p> <p>Epic Search & Rescues:</p> <ul><li>Feb 2018 Saddleback Rescue: <a href='https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/stories/saddleback-rescue'>Adirondack Explorer - How 34 rangers and 12 volunteers saved a hiker’s life</a></li> <li>Dec 2016 Algonquin Rescue: <a href='https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/33096/20161219/a-life-or-death-rescue-on-algonquin-we-had-to-get-them-that-day'>NCPR – A Life or Death Rescue on Algonquin – We Had To Get Them That Day</a> and <a href='https://www.newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/2016/12/watch_adirondack_mountain_rescue_schenectady_couple_airlifted_off_algonquin_vide.html'>Dramatic Helicopter Rescue</a></li> <li><a href='https://www.newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/2017/02/memorable_hair-raising_nys_forest_ranger_rescues_during_the_past_80_years.html'>Memorable, Hair-