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Town of Chesterfield
Essex County
Evidence Search and Recovery: On March 20 at 9:45 a.m., New York State Police (NYSP) requested Forest Ranger assistance in an evidence search connected to a homicide investigation at Ausable Chasm. When Rangers arrived, they were asked to recover the body of a homicide victim thrown more than 100 feet down the chasm. Rangers rappelled down, found the victim, packaged the body, and used a technical rope system to return the victim back above the cliff.
Almanack Contributor NYS DEC
Information attributed to NYSDEC is taken from press releases and news announcements from New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation.
Rangers assist NYSP with Ausable Chasm murder investigation
Observing the Annual Spring Burn Ban through May 14
The NYS DEC is once again enforcing the annual burn ban from March 16 through May 14. During this time, NYS is especially vulnerable to wildfires, with nearly half of all serious wildfires happening in the spring. As the snow melts to reveal fall’s dry leaves and downed branches, warm temperatures, and low humidity increase the risk of fires spreading. The annual burn ban temporarily prohibits burning residential brush to reduce the risk of wildfires across the state.
Outdoor Conditions (3/24): Spring conditions, variable weather this weekend
The following are only the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry webpages for a full list of notices, including seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information
NEW THIS WEEK
High Peaks Wilderness:
- Snow Report (03/23): The following report describes conditions as of Thursday, 03/23. Changing weather may affect conditions. There is 50.4 inches (4.2 feet) of snow at the Colden Caretaker Cabin and as much as 7 feet at higher elevations. There is considerable unconsolidated snow, especially off trail in wind deposited areas. Snowshoes or skis are required to be worn throughout the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness, beginning immediately at trailheads. Snowshoes are recommended everywhere in the High Peaks region for safe and efficient travel. Bring microspikes and crampons for traction on ice. Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are frozen but use caution in areas of moving water such as inlets, outlets, and streams. Be prepared to turn around if conditions prove too difficult to complete your hike.
Lake Champlain Management Cooperative Announces Further Stocking Reduction for Lake Trout
On March 15, the Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative – a working group of fisheries professionals from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – announced the decision to further reduce the number of stocked lake trout released annually. This decision was prompted by the continued increase in natural reproduction and the documentation of multiple age classes of wild fish.
A stocking program was established in the 1950s to restore lake trout in Lake Champlain following the loss of native populations due to water quality and habitat changes. Although the lake was stocked with 82,000 fin clipped fish annually, there is little evidence of successful natural reproduction during the first 60 years of this program.
Rangers locate missing snowmobilers in Inlet, Westport
Town of Inlet
Hamilton County
Wilderness Search: On March 17 at 1:25 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance in the search for a missing snowmobiler last seen the previous night in the Moose River Plains. Ten Forest Rangers started clearing trails from Cedar River Flow toward Inlet, and from Long Lake and Newcomb toward Indian Lake.
After clearing these trails, Rangers moved on to the Seventh Lake Mountain Trail, working with Inlet and Webb Police. Approximately two and a half miles from the Seventh Lake boat launch, Ranger Miller found footprints and spots in the snow where the subject had sat down.
DEC announces same-day reservations for all NYS campgrounds
On March 16, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced changes to reservations at DEC campgrounds for the upcoming season, including new same-day reservations to help add flexibility and ease to last-minute bookings.
“DEC is excited to make some changes and updates to this year’s reservation window for DEC campgrounds,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “While many campers book weeks or months in advance, there continues to be a high demand for last-minute bookings. Adding same-day reservations will allow our customers to check availability and book a reservation on their way to a campground. An additional 17 hours to book a camping stay will ensure sites are available before arriving and prevent anyone from arriving to a full campground.”
Outdoor Conditions (3/17): High Peaks hikers should prepare to break trail, especially in the Colden area
The following are only the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry webpages for a full list of notices, including seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information
NEW THIS WEEK
High Peaks Wilderness:
- Snow Report (03/16): The following report describes conditions as of Thursday, 03/16. Changing weather may affect conditions. There is 56.7 inches (4.7 feet) of snow at the Colden Caretaker Cabin and as much as 7 feet at higher elevations. There is considerable unconsolidated snow, especially off trail in wind deposited areas. Snowshoes or skis are required to be worn throughout the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness, beginning immediately at trailheads. Snowshoes are recommended everywhere in the High Peaks region for safe and efficient travel. Many trails, especially in the Colden area, are not broken out – be prepared to break trail and account for the additional time and energy that will require. Bring microspikes and crampons for traction on ice. Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are frozen but use caution in areas of moving water such as inlets, outlets, and streams. Be prepared to turn around if conditions prove too difficult to complete your hike.
Rangers assist injured cross-country skier in Lake Placid
Village of Lake Placid
Essex County
Skier Rescue: On March 7 at 11:05 a.m., Forest Ranger Evans heard about a cross country skier who hit a tree near the Penny Glades in Lake Placid. Fifteen minutes later, Ranger Evans reached the 67-year-old from Lake Placid, helped him to his home, and performed a medical evaluation. After noticing a large contusion on the subject’s hip and a laceration and swelling on his face, Ranger Evans called for an ambulance. Lake Placid Ambulance took the subject to the hospital at 11:47 a.m.
Outdoor Conditions (3/10): Clear, calm weather predicted for Adirondacks this weekend
The following are only the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry webpages for a full list of notices, including seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information.
NEW THIS WEEK
High Peaks Wilderness:
- Snow Report (03/09): The following report describes conditions as of Thursday, 03/09. Changing weather may affect conditions. There is 46.5 inches (3.9 feet) of snow at the Colden Caretaker Cabin and likely deeper accumulations at higher elevations. Snowshoes are required to be worn in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness when snow accumulations reach 8 inches. Microspikes and crampons are needed for traction on ice. Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are frozen but use caution in areas of moving water such as inlets, outlets, and streams.
DEC hiring for summer, job fairs set for March 16
On March 6, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the availability of employment opportunities for the summer recreational season. Individuals looking for seasonal summer employment and who enjoy the outdoors are encouraged to learn more about opportunities to work at DEC facilities at upcoming on-site job fairs on Thursday, March 16, 2023.
Missing person searches lead to recovery of two bodies in Lewis, Essex counties
Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Feb. 27 at 3:15 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance with a lost hiker in the vicinity of Mount Marcy, the 51-year-old from New Jersey lost the trail due to snow cover. Coordinates placed the hiker near the Hopkins Junction. Rangers Evans and O’Connor made phone contact with the hiker and guided him back towards the Van Hoevenberg trail. Ranger Evans reached the hiker near Marcy Dam. The subject was approaching hypothermic conditions. Ranger Evans brought the subject back to his vehicle and no further medical care was required. Resources were clear at 8 p.m.
Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog Handler Exams Set for April 14
Examinations for individuals seeking a license to practice the sport of falconry, become a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator, or use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded or injured big game animals are scheduled for Friday, April 14, 2023. The registration deadline for these free exams is Wednesday, April 12, 2023. To provide broad access to these examinations, DEC is offering them exclusively online.
Free study guides, the link to the registration website, and directions on how to register are provided on each of the individual license webpages. An email acknowledgment of registration will be sent to applicants along with an additional one-time link to access the website on the day of the exam.
For questions or assistance, please contact the Special Licenses Unit by mail at NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752; by phone at 518-402-8985; or email us.
Photo at top courtesy of USFWS, provided by the NYS DEC.
DEC: Be Coyote Conscious
Have you heard or seen coyotes around recently? New York is currently in the midst of coyote breeding season, which generally runs from January-March. During this time of year, coyotes are especially active as they mate and begin to set up dens for pups that will arrive this spring. They also tend to be more territorial, which can increase the risk of conflicts with people and pets.
To minimize this risk, DEC recommends that everyone follow the tips outlined below.
- Never feed coyotes.
- Feed pets indoors.
- Appreciate coyotes from a distance. If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior: stand tall and hold your arms up or out to look as large as possible. If a coyote lingers for too long, make loud noises, wave your arms, and throw sticks and stones.
- Do not allow pets to run free. Small dogs and cats are especially vulnerable.
If a coyote is exhibiting bold behaviors and shows little or no fear of people, contact your Regional Wildlife Office or, in emergency situations, the local police department. Visit the DEC website for more information on coyotes and preventing conflicts with coyotes.
Photo at top: NYS DEC photo.
Outdoor Conditions (3/3): Long Lake ice conditions variable, unreliable; use caution
The following are only the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry webpages for a full list of notices, including seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information.
NEW THIS WEEK
High Peaks Wilderness:
- Snow Report (03/02): The following report describes conditions as of Thursday, 03/02. Changing weather may affect conditions. There is 45.3 inches (3.8 feet) of snow at the Colden Caretaker Cabin and likely deeper accumulations at higher elevations. Snowshoes are required to be worn in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness when snow accumulations reach 8 inches. Microspikes and crampons are needed for traction on ice. Avalanche Pass ski trail is in good condition. The trail to Indian Falls is skiable with some sections affected by drainages. Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are frozen but use caution in areas of moving water such as inlets, outlets, and streams–they are not as frozen over as you may expect.
DEC: 2022 Hunting Season Ties Record for Safest-Ever Year
On February 27, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the 2022 hunting seasons tied 2021 for the safest-ever year, with the lowest number of hunting-related shooting incidents since record-keeping began. DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) investigated nine hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs) in 2022, including one fatality.
“It’s clear from these findings that the vast majority of New York hunters follow the State’s stringent safety guidelines and do their part to ensure a safe and enjoyable season,” Commissioner Seggos said. “This record year for safety is a testament to the DEC expert staff, volunteers, and local hunting clubs that work collaboratively to teach safety to hunters of all ages. I commend their efforts and for all hunters who safely and responsibly contributed to our conservation efforts this season.”
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Latest News Headlines
- 20-megawatt battery installation proposed in Raquette Lake
- What are PFAS and are they in Adirondack waters?
- Aurora displays light up the night
- What’s the deal with gas appliances?
- All-season access to a former fire tower mountain
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- Lake George village hall pays homage to past leaders
- Urging a solution to Jackrabbit Trail access
- Appreciating kinship on a trip to Great Camp Santanoni
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