The Fourth of July and Canada Day Weekend will bring many visitors to recreate on the lands and waters of the Adirondacks and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) advises that with few exceptions, DEC's facilities are ready.

"Visitors to the Adirondacks should know that despite historic flooding this spring, the vast majority of campgrounds, boat launches, roadways and trails in the Adirondacks are ready for recreation this holiday weekend," said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. "I am proud of the hard work DEC's staff and local partners to restore access to these special recreation areas."

All of DEC's forty three campgrounds in the Adirondacks are open except Ausable Point. The Ausable Point Campground and Day Use Area on the shores of Lake Champlain will remain closed until the middle of July while DEC completes the cleanup and repair of the damage caused by record high lake levels.

Most campgrounds are expected to be filled to capacity. For more information on available campsites and to make reservations visit www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8299.html. While many popular DEC campgrounds are already booked, campsites may be available at some of the less well known campgrounds.

All DEC boat launches are open for use.

While most access roads to the Adirondack Backcountry are open, in some cases repairs have not yet been completed.

A complete and current listing of Adirondack Forest Preserve road closures and warnings can be found on the DEC website at: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/65004.html.

Backcountry campers, hikers, paddlers and other recreationists should be aware of the following:

* Trailhead parking lots and interior campsites in the Eastern High Peaks typically fill to capacity by Friday evening on the holiday weekend.

* Trails are wet and muddy; be prepared by wearing waterproof footwear and gaiters, and remember to walk through - not around - mud and water to prevent eroding and widening trails.

* Blowdown – trees, limbs and branches – may be present on or over many trails. Blowdown is prevalent in off-trail areas; bushwacking or hiking on herd paths may be tough.

* Black Flies, Mosquitoes, Deer Flies and/or Midges (No-see-ums) are present. Minimized the nuisance of biting insects by wearing light colored clothing long sleeve shirts and long pants; tucking shirts into pants, pant legs into socks, and buttoning or rubber banding sleeves at your writs; wearing a head net and using an insect repellant with DEET.

* Water levels on many waters are higher than usual for this time of year.

* In the Hudson Recreation Area, the two designated campsites at Scofield Flats and the two designated campsites at Pikes Beach are restricted to day use only at this time.

Current information regarding trails and other backcountry facilities on the Adirondack Forest Preserve can be viewed at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html.