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.


Monday, November 14, 2022

Recreation Highlight: Low Elevation Hikes for the Shoulder Season

It’s stick season in the Adirondacks. As with any season change, variable conditions can heavily impact the state of the trails. Consider choosing a low-elevation hike or interpretive trail over the next couple weekends to avoid inclement weather and trail conditions.

The Adirondack Day Hikes webpage has plenty of great low-elevation options. Here are a few to consider this coming weekend:

Rock Lake Trail – Just 1.6 miles roundtrip, the shores of Rock Lake provide gorgeous scenery at a very approachable distance and low elevation. This would be a safe hike to fit in before the rain shows up for the weekend.

» Continue Reading.


Saturday, November 12, 2022

DEC: Fall for Nest Boxes

Birdhouses are a simple addition to your yard that can provide nesting places for many kinds of birds and weeks of wildlife-watching opportunities. Cavity-nesters, like tree swallows, house wrens, blackcapped chickadees, Eastern bluebirds, wood ducks, and American kestrels, all use nest boxes. The type of birds you might attract depends on the size of the box and the nearby habitat; some birds prefer open fields while others prefer forests or wetlands.

» Continue Reading.


Friday, November 11, 2022

Outdoor Conditions (11/11): Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway to close for the 2022 season this evening

outdoor conditions logoThe following are only the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for a full list of notices, including seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information

NEW THIS WEEK

Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway: The parkway will close for the 2022 season at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11. Please note the shuttle to the summit of Prospect Mountain is not available at this time. Admission fees to access the highway are temporarily waived. For more information about visiting the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway Day Use Area, go to DEC’s website.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Missing Person Search Concludes with Indian Lake House Fire, Rescue, Arson & Burglary Charges

forest ranger reportTown of Indian Lake
Hamilton County
Search Turns to House Fire and Rescue: On Oct 31 at 9:40 p.m., New York State Police (NYSP) requested Forest Ranger assistance in locating a subject originally reported as an overdue hunter. The family of the 25-year-old from Hudson had reported the individual missing and indicated he might be despondent and suicidal. Ranger Lieutenant Kerr and Rangers Miller, Nally, and Scott responded to the Blue Mountain trailhead where NYSP found the subject’s car. Rangers searched the Blue Mountain and Tirrell Pond areas through the night.

At 2:50 p.m. the following day, a passerby alerted Rangers to a house fire approximately one-half mile away from their command post. Rangers and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputies pushed through the door and found the subject of the search unconscious on the floor.

» Continue Reading.


Monday, November 7, 2022

Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Parkway Will Remain Open with Free Access through Nov. 11

dec logo

On November 4, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Parkway in Lake George will remain open through Veterans Day with free access. The parkway will close for the 2022 season at 4 p.m. on Friday, November 11.

Please note: The shuttle to the summit of Prospect Mountain is not available at this time. Admission fees to access the highway are temporarily waived.

For more information about visiting the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway Day Use Area, go to DEC’s website.

Photo at top courtesy of the NYS DEC.


Sunday, November 6, 2022

DEC: Final Free Fishing Day of Year is set for November 11

Friday, November 11th marks the sixth and final Free Fishing Day of the year. Selected to coincide with Veterans Day, it’s a nice way to pay tribute to America’s veterans. Through their service and sacrifice, we continue to have the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy our state’s great fisheries. So, honor that special veteran in your life and head to your favorite local fishing hole to cast a line on November 11.

Not sure where to go? Visit our Places to Fish webpages or download the HuntFishNY app and tap on the new “Tackle Box” feature to plan your fishing trip.

» Continue Reading.


Friday, November 4, 2022

Outdoor Conditions (11/4): First phase of Adirondack Rail Trail construction has begun, will pause in early December

outdoor conditions logoThe following are only the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for a full list of notices, including seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information

NEW THIS WEEK

Adirondack Rail Trail: Construction has begun on the first phase of the future Adirondack Rail Trail. The first segment of the trail between Station Street in Lake Placid and the intersection of Cedar Street and Route 86 in Saranac Lake will be closed to public access during active construction. Construction will pause in early December, allowing for winter recreation. Details will be provided on the rail trail webpage as they become available. Please respect posted signage and barricades in work areas and email Info.R5@dec.ny.gov with questions.

High Peaks Wilderness: Significant ice has accumulated on some high-elevation trails. Be prepared with appropriate traction devices, including micro spikes for use on thin ice over flat trails and crampons for thick ice and ice on steeper slopes.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Two hikers suffer leg injuries due to icy conditions on Mt. Marcy, Saddleback Cliffs

forest ranger reportTown of Arietta
Hamilton County
Public Service: On Oct. 27, with the help of New York State Police Aviation, Forest Rangers Kerr, Nally, Thompson, and DEC Forester Desantis conducted sling load missions into the West Canada Lake Wilderness. Rangers were dropped off at West Lake and South Lake and received four sling loads of lean-to supplies at each site to replace aging structures.

» Continue Reading.


Monday, October 31, 2022

Winter is Coming: What are Bears Up To?

Black bear

Late in the fall months, black bears are in the final stretch of hyperphagia (excessive eating) to ensure they have enough fat stored for the fast-approaching winter months. Some bears will search for food up to 20 hours a day! In years where food sources are less abundant, bears have been known to den-up as early as late October. During especially mild winters, bears may not formally den and will remain active throughout the winter if food sources like acorns or beechnuts are available. Typically bears will begin denning starting in November and through December.

Bear dens can be as simple as a depression on the forest floor, but typically are small cavities in trees or under brush piles. In New York, bears have been known to den under residential porches or other outbuildings. Den sites are typically dry and afford protection from the elements during the long winter season.

Photo at top by Pete Patrick. Photo provided by the DEC.


Friday, October 28, 2022

Outdoor Conditions (10/28): Little Moose Lake Outlet crossing difficult to navigate due to beaver activity

outdoor conditions logoThe following are only the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for a full list of notices, including seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information

NEW THIS WEEK

Moose River Plains Wild Forest:

  • Wilson Ridge Trail – The Little Moose Lake Outlet crossing is difficult to cross due to beaver activity.
  • Otter Brook Trail – Fording the Otter Brook may be difficult during periods of high water. The trail east of Otter Brook is overgrown and blown down trees may impede travel.

» Continue Reading.


Thursday, October 27, 2022

ADK Park: Recent Environmental Conservation Police News

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement enforces the 71 chapters of New York State’s Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York. In 1880, the first eight Game Protectors proudly began serving to protect the natural resources and people of New York State.

In 2021, 282 Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators across the state responded to 26,207 calls and worked on cases that resulted in 11,562 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal mining, the black market pet trade, and excessive emissions violations.

Plane Crash – Fulton County
On Oct. 9, ECO Pasciak responded along with first responders to a small plane crash on the Great Sacandaga Lake in the town of Northampton. Fortunately, the pilot and two passengers survived the crash, and only one passenger required medical attention. The pilot advised that a crosswind caused the plane to crash and flip upside down, just slightly above water during an attempted takeoff from a sandbar.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Rangers locate missing hunter in Arietta, assist Algonquin Peak hiker after 15-ft fall

forest ranger reportTown of Arietta
Hamilton County
Wilderness Search: On Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m., Forest Rangers Kerr, Nally, Scott, and Thompson responded to a call for a missing hunter at the Otter Lake campsite. The 68-year-old from Bellmore was last seen at 11 a.m. and was expected back by 1 p.m. The subject did not have any navigation tools, lights, or proper clothing for the weather.

Rangers and a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy searched through the night with no success. The following morning, 11 Rangers and five Sheriff’s Deputies searched trails, streams, and drainages.

» Continue Reading.


Monday, October 24, 2022

Help Protect New York’s Bat Populations During Bat Week, Oct. 24 – 31

 

 

Bat Week is an internationally recognized celebration of the important role bats play in our environment. It is a great time to appreciate New York’s nine bat species. Bat Week is observed October 24 through 31.

Unfortunately, many species of bats, including little brown bats, have faced severe population declines due to White-nose Syndrome, a fungus that has killed more than 90 percent of bats at hibernation sites in the state.

» Continue Reading.


Sunday, October 23, 2022

DEC Announces 13 Additions to New York State Birding Trail

 

On October 21, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the addition of 13 new locations to the New York State Birding Trail. These new locations bring the total number of birding trail locations across the state to 325, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy.

“Fall is one of the most beautiful and scenic times to experience the outdoors in New York and it’s a prime time to visit the new State Birding Trail sites,” said Commissioner Seggos. “Birdwatching is one of New York’s fastest-growing recreation and tourism activities and these areas are open for visitors of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels to enjoy. I encourage New Yorkers and visitors to take the opportunity to explore these new locations and experience the state’s world-class birding opportunities.”

» Continue Reading.


Friday, October 21, 2022

Outdoor Conditions (10/21): Cascade Pond outlet bridge damaged and unstable

outdoor conditions logoThe following are only the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for a full list of notices, including seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information

NEW THIS WEEK

Boreas Ponds Tract: A temporary bridge was installed over the LaBier Flow Dam on Gulf Brook Road in the Boreas Ponds Tract, restoring access to the Four Corners Parking Area at the terminus of Gulf Brook Road for pedestrians and motorists.

» Continue Reading.



Conditions
Conditions

The Adirondack Almanack

The Adirondack Almanack is a public forum dedicated to promoting and discussing current events, history, arts, nature and outdoor recreation and other topics of interest to the Adirondacks and its communities

We publish commentary and opinion pieces from voluntary contributors, as well as news updates and event notices from area organizations. Contributors include veteran local writers, historians, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the Adirondack region. The information, views and opinions expressed by these various authors are not necessarily those of the Adirondack Almanack or its publisher, the Adirondack Explorer.

General inquiries about the Adirondack Almanack should be directed to editor Melissa Hart. To advertise on the Adirondack Almanack, or to receive information on rates and design, please click here.
Web Services & Search Engine Optimization By: Suloff Designs

Wait! Before you go:

Catch up on all your Adirondack
news, delivered weekly to your inbox