How Mt. Pisgah Sparks Climate Resilience: The Impact of Small Places on Our Environment

By Kelly Brunette, Village Trustee, Saranac Lake

I was thrilled to join a case study about small ski areas, organized by the Northern Forest Center and students from Yale’s School of the Environment. Why? Because Mt. Pisgah, our local ski hill, is far more than just a few slopes. It symbolizes the strength of rural communities and how even small places can have a big impact.

The study looked into how community-driven ski areas like Pisgah are surviving and even flourishing amidst rising costs and climate change. The findings showed what many of us already believe: places like Pisgah do more than provide recreation. They serve as community hubs, boost local economies in winter, and increasingly act as sites for climate adaptation.

As a Village Trustee, addressing climate resilience is not just a topic for discussion—it’s vital. We are focused on making our infrastructure sturdy against flooding, improving energy efficiency in public buildings, and expanding access to nature throughout the year. Our municipality must lead in these efforts.

Mt. Pisgah is already a great example of this leadership. With improvements like better snowmaking, new summer activities, and partnerships that keep programs affordable and accessible, Pisgah shows us what sustainability looks like in action. It’s local, adaptable, and meaningful.

At the Village level, we’re applying this philosophy. Through our Capital Improvement Plan, we’re considering how every investment—like new sidewalks and parks—can strengthen Saranac Lake’s resilience. While it’s not always glamorous, it’s essential work that lays the foundation for our future.

We may not change global climate patterns from our village boardroom, but we can protect what we love—our trails, ice rinks, community spaces, and ski hills—for future generations. That’s resilience in action. That’s why I’m passionate about this work, and why Mt. Pisgah is so important to us.

### Recent Insights on Climate Resilience

A 2022 study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) highlighted that rural areas are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts, making small community initiatives critical. This data supports our work in Saranac Lake and shows the importance of local solutions.

Moreover, a survey indicated that 78% of small-town residents believe local outdoor recreational facilities enhance community well-being. It’s clear that places like Mt. Pisgah play an essential role in our quality of life.

With winter sports on the rise, communities across the U.S. are taking notice of the value in investing in their local landscapes. As we move forward, supporting facilities like Mt. Pisgah becomes an integral part of ensuring that future generations can enjoy the outdoors, just as we do today.



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climate resilience,Mt. Pisgah,Northern Forest Center,Saranac Lake