A Local Gem in Danger

New Paltz, NY: The Peekamoose Blue Hole has become an Internet celebrity. Now selected, as a 2017 Leave No Trace Hot Spot, the Blue Hole needs a new type of fame, one that recognizes its fragile ecology. This geologic formation is wild in nature and unfortunately; its fame has exponentially increased the number of visitors and the impacts, which follow them.

With anywhere from 600-2000 visitors in a weekend the ¾ acre footprint of the Blue Hole has seen its fair share of impacts. Soil erosion, trampled vegetation (including small plants, flowers, and primarily mosses), litter, food waste, human waste, pet waste, loud music, social trails, and wildlife impacts (bears), make up the primary impacts of concern for this area.

You can help protect wild gems like the Blue Hole by getting involved with Hot Spot efforts near you, participating in community cleanups, and educating yourself about Leave No Trace practices. Together, we can work hard to protect the places we love all across the country.

Take a look at more great information about the Peekamoose Blue Hole Hot Spot. If you would like to learn more about the Hot Spot program and to see if one is coming to your area in 2018, follow this link.

Enjoy your world & Leave No Trace,

Steph & Andy

Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Team East

Leave No Trace’s Stephanie Whatton and Andy Mossey are part of the 2017 Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Program that provides free, mobile education to communities across the country. Proud partners of this program include Subaru of America, REI, Eagles Nest Outfitters, Deuter, Thule, Klean Kanteen, Smartwool, and Taxa Outdoors.