We have two milestones to report in the May/June issue of the Adirondack Explorer. The first is evident from the front cover: the state has purchased the spectacular Boreas Ponds, completing the acquisition of 65,000 acres of former Finch, Pruyn lands from the Nature Conservancy.

We broke the story of the Boreas Ponds sale on Adirondack Almanack more than a week ago. It was later picked up by the Associated Press and other news outlets. In the Explorer, we expand on our initial story and discuss the major controversies regarding the management of the 20,760-acre tract. The magazine also includes a Viewpoint by Joe Martens, the state’s former environmental conservation commissioner, reflecting on the importance of Finch, Pruyn deal.

The second milestone also is evident from the cover — if you are holding a physical copy in your hands. The Explorer has switched to a higher-quality paper that better shows off the many beautiful photographs and other illustrations that appear in every issue. In addition, we have slightly reduced the page dimensions, making the newsmagazine more convenient to read, and improved our overall page design.

The new look is the first major change in the Explorer’s appearance since we went to full color in 2007.

Our office received advance copies of the May/June issue on Thursday from Kenyon Press, our printer. We hope that our readers are as impressed with the improvements as we are. Subscribers should get their copies in the mail around May 1.

As usual, the Explorer is full of stories on outdoor recreation, wildlife, environmental issues, and other subjects. Some will appear on Adirondack Almanack, but most are available only in the magazine.

Staff writer Mike Lynch wraps up his six-part series on climate change with a look at how the Adirondack Park is adapting to a warmer world. In an accompanying story, Paul Smith’s Professor Curt Stager writes a blistering critique of Why Scientists Disagree about Global Warming, a book by deniers of climate change.

Lynch also writes a detailed account of the death of Hua Davis, who froze while hiking alone on MacNaughton Mountain in early March. A chart shows her pace and elevation changes during the fatal outing.

The new Explorer contains three accounts of recreational outings:

• A bike to and hike up Lows Ridge, followed by a swim in Hitchins Pond.
• An exploration of Split Rock Mountain overlooking Lake Champlain.
• hike through the wilderness to the isolated hamlet of Beaver River on Stillwater Reservoir.

As for harder news, we offer pieces on the Adirondack Park Agency’s controversial decision to open up the Essex Chain Lakes region to mountain bikes; the Explorer’s paddling-rights case, which was recently argued in the state Court of Appeals; the Jefferson Project’s efforts to monitor and reduce pollution in Lake George; and Adirondack Scenic Railroad’s fight to save the rails between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid.

On the lighter side, we offer a portrait of Bobcat Ranney, a mostly forgotten hermit who once rivaled Noah John Rondeau in regional fame.

In addition to our regular natural-history columns, we have a story about a bold initiative to establish a hiking trail from the Adirondack Park to Algonquin Park in Ontario. Organizers hope the trail will draw attention to the need for a wildlife corridor between the two parks.

Other features include book reviews by Ed Kanze, Philip Terrie, Tony Goodwin, and R.L. Stolz; an interview with Patti Littlefield, the supervisor of Tupper Lake; and tips on how to protect yourself from the sun.

Finally, our question for “It’s Debatable” this time around: “Is a canoe like a bicycle?” Read the issue and make up your own mind.

You can subscribe to Adirondack Explorer here.