Almanack Contributor NYS DEC

NYS DEC

Information attributed to NYSDEC is taken from press releases and news announcements from New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation.


Friday, June 11, 2021

Recreation Highlight: Join This Saturday for Outdoors Day 2021

BOWJoin this Saturday for Outdoors Day events in Region 5!

Outdoors Day is a free, open-house style event held in conjunction with National Get Outdoors Day. Try a new outdoor activity or introduce your family to old favorites like hiking, archery, paddling, and fishing. Bring the whole family and spend the day on an outdoor adventure!

Join us at events across the state throughout the months of June and August to celebrate Outdoors Day 2021, with many activities being held on Saturday, June 12 to celebrate National Outdoors Day.

» Continue Reading.


Friday, June 11, 2021

Outdoor conditions (6/11): Reminder that trailhead camping is not permitted

outdoor conditions logoImportant Notice: No Overnight Camping at Trailheads

DEC is receiving increased reports of people camping at trailheads in the Adirondacks. Please note that overnight camping is not permitted at trailheads or other roadside locations where a camping disc is not present. This includes individuals sleeping in cars, vans and campers. Campers should seek out designated roadside campsites marked with a camp here disc or campgrounds. When camping, always carry out what you carry in and dispose of trash properly. Use designated bathroom facilities, pack out human and pet waste, or dig a cat hole.

The following are the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for comprehensive and up-to-date information on seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Rangers locate missing hikers on Clifton, North Hudson, Mt Marcy trails

forest ranger reportsRecent NYS DEC Forest Ranger actions:

Town of Clifton
St. Lawrence County
Wilderness Search: On June 3 at 6:05 p.m., Forest Ranger Morehouse received a call from staff at the Wanakena Ranger School reporting a student lost in the woods. Two Forest Rangers responded to assist Ranger School staff who were able to locate the missing 30-year-old student from Marcellus by using cell phone coordinates. Rangers helped her use her compass to find her way out of the woods and the incident concluded by 8 p.m.

» Continue Reading.


Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Outdoors Day 2021 coming up June 12; events planned all summer

National Outdoors DayJoin us during the months of June and August for Outdoors Day!

Outdoors Day is a free, open-house style event held in conjunction with National Get Outdoors Day. Try a new outdoor activity or introduce your family to old favorites like hiking, archery, paddling, and fishing. Bring the whole family and spend the day on an outdoor adventure!

Join us at events across the state throughout the months of June and August to celebrate Outdoors Day 2021, with many activities being held on Saturday, June 12 to celebrate National Outdoors Day. Check out what’s planned here.

Check out photos from previous events on our Flickr album or view the event video on our YouTube channel.


Saturday, June 5, 2021

Hiker Information Stations

DEC’s Adirondack Hiker Information Stations have returned and will operate each weekend until Columbus Day, providing education and information to hikers and other recreationists during the busy spring, summer, and fall seasons.

DEC encourages visitors to stop by a Hiker Information Station ahead of their weekend hiking trip. These stations provide information about parking, alternative hiking locations, local land use rules and regulations, safety and preparedness, and Leave No Trace. Please visit us at the following locations:

  • Mid’s Park, Lake Placid: Friday, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  • High Peaks Rest Area, Northbound Route 87: Saturday & Sunday, 6 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Friday, June 4, 2021

Outdoor conditions (6/4): Hinckley Reservoir open for public use

outdoor conditions logoThe following are the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for comprehensive and up-to-date information on seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information.

Last Week:

Saranac Lakes Wild Forest: A beaver dam is partially obstructing Spider Creek’s passage under Route 30 between Follensby Clear Pond and Upper Saranac Lake.

Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area: The Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area, located in Herkimer County, is open for public recreation. The area is closed to swimming, although the beach remains open to visitors. Recreation opportunities at Hinckley include picnicking, paddling, and use of the beach. Swimming is not allowed because lifeguards are not currently available. For public safety, swimming is only permitted only when a lifeguard is on duty.

» Continue Reading.


Thursday, June 3, 2021

Rangers break up party, perform helicopter rescue at Bald Mountain

forest ranger reportsRecent NYS DEC Forest Ranger actions:

Town of Pamelia
Jefferson County
State Land Protection: On May 29 at approximately 11:45 p.m., while on patrol to deter large underage drinking parties on State Land, Forest Ranger Thomes overheard radio traffic detailing a large gathering underway at Perch River Wildlife Management Area. Ranger Thomes responded to the area where there was a fire and approximately 150 people with 60 vehicles. Ranger Thomes, ECO Rockefeller, and deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office issued 49 tickets. Multiple parties were tasked with cleaning up the area and the fire was extinguished. All units were cleared of the scene by 4 a.m.

» Continue Reading.


Monday, May 31, 2021

DEC 2021 ‘I BIRD NY’ Challenge

I BIRD NY is one of the DEC’s many programs with the purpose of enabling entertaining ways to get the public to engage in nature, and outdoor activities. Bird watching is a generally low cost hobby and a great excuse to get the family together. Two levels of challenges provide kids experienced birders to take part in identifying birds, and to learn about bird life and offer a chance to win some new equipment.

To take part in the youth challenge (open to anyone 16 years of age or younger) check out the following link: I Bird NY Beginner’s Birding Challenge (PDF).

To complete the challenge, just ID 10 common NY species of birds, and submit the challenge sheet to the DEC either via mail or email. All participants will receive a certificate of participation and be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win birding accessories.

In addition to the Beginner’s Birding Challenge, DEC is offering the I Bird NY Experienced Birder Challenge (PDF). To complete the experienced birder challenge, birders of any age must identify at least 10 different bird species found across New York State. All participants in this challenge will also receive a certificate of participation and be entered into a drawing for birding accessories.

“I encourage all birders to contribute observations of breeding birds to the Atlas by creating a free eBird account,” said Julie Hart, Breeding Bird Atlas project coordinator for the Natural Heritage Program. “By doing so, birders will increase the value of their observations for conservation. The Breeding Bird Atlas is a valuable tool to help protect birds and their habitat.”


Sunday, May 30, 2021

R.E.P.E.L. Nuisance Wildlife

skunkSpring time can coincide with an increase in conflicts between people and wildlife. Woodchucks in the garden, squirrels or other critters in the attic, bears at the bird feeders and skunks under the shed are but a few of the problems people may encounter. The best way to reduce common wildlife issues is by eliminating access to food, water, and shelter.

Tips to help you REPEL or prevent and control problems with wild animals:

» Continue Reading.


Saturday, May 29, 2021

Muskellunge Fishing Season starts today

muskellunge The DEC has announced the opening of 2021 muskellunge fishing season, a fish also known as the muskie or musky. The season officially opens today in inland waters, and June 19 for the Great Lakes, including Lake Erie, Upper Niagara River, Lower Niagara River, and Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

» Continue Reading.


Friday, May 28, 2021

Prospect Mountain Opening Weekend

prospect mountainProspect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway will open for the 2021 season this Saturday, May 29. Drive and hike up Prospect Mountain to enjoy spectacular 360 degree views of Lake George, Vermont’s Green Mountains, New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and the Adirondack High Peaks. The final parking lot is located 155 feet below the summit. A quarter-mile trail provides access from the parking lot to the summit. Three additional scenic overlooks – the Narrows, Lake George, and the Eagle’s Eye – provide views along the 5.5-mile highway.

Please note the shuttle to the summit of Prospect Mountain is not available at this time. Until shuttles become available, admission fees will not be charged to access the highway. The accessible parking at the summit is currently under construction. Limited accessible parking spots will continue to be available during construction, but temporary closures of some areas may occur. Call (518) 668-5198 for current accessibility information.

Adirondack Almanack file photo


Friday, May 28, 2021

Outdoor conditions (5/28): Recreation openings for Memorial Day

outdoor conditions logoThe following are the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for comprehensive and up-to-date information on seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information.

Saranac Lakes Wild Forest: A beaver dam is partially obstructing Spider Creek’s passage under Route 30 between Follensby Clear Pond and Upper Saranac Lake.

Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area: The Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area, located in Herkimer County, will open for public recreation beginning Saturday, May 29. The area will be closed to swimming, although the beach remains open to visitors. Recreation opportunities at Hinckley include picnicking, paddling, and use of the beach. Swimming is not allowed because lifeguards are not currently available. For public safety, swimming is only permitted only when a lifeguard is on duty.

» Continue Reading.


Thursday, May 27, 2021

Campers urged to ‘buy local’ when it comes to firewood

firewood check pointState’s Firewood Regulations Limit Firewood Movement to Protect New York Forests

With the start of the 2021 camping season underway, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid have encouraged campers to use local firewood and follow New York State firewood regulations to help prevent the spread of invasive species. Untreated firewood – firewood that has not met the state’s heat treatment standard – can contain invasive pests that kill trees. To protect New York’s forests, untreated firewood should not be moved more than 50 miles from its source of origin.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Rangers assist lost, injured hikers separated from groups

forest ranger reportsTown of Wilmington
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On May 17 at 2:47 p.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch was contacted regarding a 21-year-old woman from Buffalo with an ankle injury on Whiteface Mountain. Forest Rangers Praczkajlo and Evans responded to assist. Once on scene, Ranger Praczkajlo hiked in to the injured party and walked her out to the trailhead by 3:37 p.m. The woman declined medical treatment, stating she would seek medical attention on her own.

» Continue Reading.


Monday, May 24, 2021

$450,000 in Grants Available for Private Forest Landowners

Young beech trees retain their leaves throughout the winter monthsNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that $450,000 is now available in the first round of the State’s new ‘Regenerate NY’ Forestry Cost Share Grant Program. The grant program is designed to assist private landowners growing the next generation of forests, which are crucial for mitigating climate change, providing wildlife habitat, protecting air and water quality, and supplying an important renewable resource.

“Nearly 75 percent of New York’s 18.7 million acres of forestland is privately owned,” said Seggos. “Each year, New York’s private forests remove CO2 from the atmosphere at a rate equal to the emissions from two million gasoline-powered automobiles, underscoring the importance of partnering with landowners to sustain our forests and fight against climate change. The Regenerate NY grant program supports the renewal of our forests and will help New York State meet our ambitious carbon-reduction goals, and I encourage interested landowners to take advantage of this new program.”

» Continue Reading.



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