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It can be confusing to navigate all of the information out there about recycling. New York’s Recycle Right NY campaign is here to help debunk two myths about the recycling symbol to help you recycle right!
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.
Recycle Right NY: Debunk Recycling Symbol Myth
Boy Scouts to come aid of 80-year-old ill hiker
Recent NYS DEC Forest Ranger actions:
Town of Newcomb
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 18 at 7:25 p.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received radio contact from retired Forest Ranger Dell Jeffrey about a lost hunter in the Goodnow Flow. Forest Ranger Sabo responded to that location and located the 62-year-old hunter from Connecticut at 8:45 p.m. Ranger Sabo escorted the subject back out to the road by 9:30 p.m.
Recreation Highlight: Fall Foliage by Bike
Camp Santanoni Historic Area, Newcomb, NY
Did you know that the five-mile gravel road that leads to the Historic Camp Santanoni is perfect for a family bike ride?
The Newcomb Lake Road Trail is a 5-mile gravel former carriage road that extends from the trailhead at the Gate Lodge to Newcomb Lake. Bring a blanket and snacks and enjoy a picnic by the lake before exploring the camp.
Fall green living tips
Hop on a hayride, stuff a scarecrow, or pick a pumpkin. It is the time of year for pumpkin spice, apple cider, and all that the fall season brings. Autumn is here and what better time to prepare lawns and outdoor areas for the seasons ahead. Before you grab a rake, check out these fall lawn care and composting tips:
Try an organic-based mulch. Adding 2 to 3 inches of wood chips, shredded bark, shredded leaves, or straw can provide nutrients and shade out weeds in plant beds.
Important – do not allow mulch to touch tree trunks – this can affect root and overall tree health.
Safely manage weeds in non-toxic ways:
- pour boiling water over weeds and repeating to increase effectiveness;
- pull weeds by hand; or
- tame weeds between cracks and stone areas with vinegar (a high acid spray) to kill the above ground portion. Repeat to increase effectiveness.
Help Protect New York’s Bat Populations During Bat Week
Bat Week is a an internationally recognized weeklong focus to raise awareness about the important role bats play in our environment and is a great time to appreciate New York’s nine bat species. Bat Week is observed October 24 through 31 and is organized by representatives from conservation groups and government agencies in the United States and Canada.
Outdoor conditions (10/22): Elk Lake off limits to hikers
The following are the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry Information web pages for comprehensive and up-to-date information on seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information.
Rangers respond to lost, injured hikers and hunters
Recent NYS DEC Forest Ranger actions:
Town of Lyonsdale
Lewis County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 11 at 3:13 p.m., Forest Ranger Hanno overheard radio traffic about an injured hiker along the Moose River. Ranger Hanno responded to the location and assisted the Port Leyden Fire Department and Lewis County Search and Rescue with packaging the 65-year-old woman from Port Lyden into a litter. The subject fell and injured her right wrist, ankle, and head while hiking. At 4:31 p.m., the injured hiker and rescue personnel were out of the woods and a Port Leyden Ambulance transported the hiker to a local hospital for treatment.
Outdoor conditions: Check the weather before you go out
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.
High Peaks Wilderness:
- The bridge at the start of the Klondike Trail is currently unsafe. A reroute has been marked that starts on the South Meadows Trail, goes to the Mr. Van Ski Trail, and then reconnects with the Klondike Trail. The reroute will add approximately a half mile each way.
- Per the conservation easement agreement with Elk Lake Lodge, from the evening of October 22 until the morning of December 6, no hikers may enter the Elk Lake Conservation Easement.
Independence River Wild Forest (Stillwater Reservoir, Big Moose & Three Lakes Conservation Easement Tracts): The Stillwater Mountain Fire Tower Trail is closed until December 20. This closure is due to terms of the conservation easement on which the fire tower is located.
Help Track Spotted Lanternfly – Claim a Grid Square to Survey
Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive pest from Asia that feeds on a variety of plants including grapes, hops, and maple trees, posing a severe threat to New York’s forests and agriculture. SLF has been found in several locations in NY but has not yet spread to much of the state. One potential pathway for the spread of SLF is its preferred host plant, tree-of-heaven (TOH), which is already found in many locations across NY.
Volunteers like you are needed to look for SLF and TOH in your area. You can help protect NY’s agriculture and forests by knowing what to look for and how to report it to NY’s official invasive species database, iMapInvasives. Visit iMap’s website to learn about the project and sign up for a grid square on the map to look for these species out in the field.
Join iMapInvasives and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets for some tips on how to find these invasive species (particularly adults and egg masses), and for a recap of the incredible monitoring efforts made by volunteers across the state this year:
- Monday October 27, 1 p.m. – Virtual Event: Identifying & Reporting Spotted Lanternfly and Tree-of-heaven with NY iMapInvasives – Register online.
Photo: An adult spotted lanternfly, photo from NYS AGM
Outdoor conditions (10/15): Water levels remain high throughout the region
Recent notices:
Grass River Wild Forest: The Pleasant Lake Access Road on the Grass River Conservation Easement closed for the season on October 10.
Essex Chain of Lakes Complex: Camp Six Road, a seasonal access road, is now open.
Rangers assist sick kayaker on Cranberry Lake
Recent NYS DEC Forest Ranger actions:
Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 6 at 10:11 p.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker who reporter another hiker with an ankle injury on Giant Mountain in the Giant Mountain Wilderness Area. The caller stated that the injured hiker was less than a half-mile up the trail. Forest Rangers Lewis, Curcio, Martin, and Sabo responded to assist. Ranger Lewis made contact with New York State Police Trooper Mendelsohn, who was flagged down and was with the 54-year-old hiker from Saratoga Springs about three-tenths of a mile in on the trail. While Ranger Lewis hiked in, Rangers Martin and Sabo retrieved a litter and backpack carriers from the Keene Valley Fire Department and brought them to the injured hiker’s location. Rangers stabilized the injury and packaged her in the litter for carry out. Once out of the woods, the hiker declined additional medical treatment. Resources were clear of the scene at 12:11 a.m.
Report Invasive Jumping Worms
Attention, fall gardeners! While earthworms are usually a welcome sight in your garden, not all earthworms are alike. Jumping worms, sometimes known as “crazy worms,” are an invasive species native to Asia that are being found increasingly in many parts of New York State.
Jumping worms primarily stay in the top layer of soil, leaching nutrients and turning topsoil into a texture similar to coffee grounds. This makes it difficult for many plants to grow, including garden plants, trees, and lawns. You can tell the difference between a jumping worm and a less destructive European earthworm by examining the worm’s collar (clitellum). Jumping worms have a collar that is milky-white, relatively close to the head and flush with their bodies.
Here’s how you can help prevent the spread of jumping worms:
DEC Announces Oct. 16 Opening of State’s New Catch-and-Release Trout Season
New Season Expands Opportunities for Trout Stream Fishing Year-Round
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded anglers that the State’s new catch-and-release trout stream season begins on Oct. 16, expanding recreational opportunities.
The new catch-and-release trout stream season is a product of DEC’s Statewide Trout Stream Management Plan, developed to improve and modernize the State’s management of its trout stream fishing resources. The new season, which runs from Oct. 1 – March 31, requires anglers to use only artificial lures and immediately release trout they catch. The catch-and-release season applies to trout streams only. Fishing for trout in lakes and ponds is prohibited after Oct. 15, unless these waters are managed under a special regulation that allows for angling. Anglers should consult DEC’s regulations guide for regulations associated with lakes and ponds that harbor trout before fishing.
NYS Birding Trail Takes Flight
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the launch of the new NYS Birding Trail to highlight world-class birding opportunities across the state. Birding or birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing recreation and tourism activities and requires little to no experience or equipment to get started.
The New York State Birding Trail provides information on places anyone can go to find birds amid beautiful natural settings across the state. The trail is not a physically connected or built trail but a network of promoted birding locations that can be accessed by car or public transportation and provides an inclusive experience for all.
Outdoor conditions (10/8): Camp Six Road open
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.
Essex Chain of Lakes Complex: Camp Six Road, a seasonal access road, is now open.
Latest News Headlines
- North Country interests call for restored funding for northernmost visitor center
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- Lake Placid vacation rental lawsuit dismissed
- Stefanik reflects on 2021
- Replicating nature, saving salmon
- APA director Terry Martino to retire
- APA approves White Lake quarry project=
- Adirondack harper offers blessings and reflections for live audiences
- Adirondack Park Agency recruits Adirondack Council leader for key post
- AdkAction's first executive director departs Jan. 31
Latest News Headlines
- North Country interests call for restored funding for northernmost visitor center
- A Saranac Inn guitarist's post-op musical breakthrough
- Lake Placid vacation rental lawsuit dismissed
- Stefanik reflects on 2021
- Replicating nature, saving salmon
- APA director Terry Martino to retire
- APA approves White Lake quarry project=
- Adirondack harper offers blessings and reflections for live audiences
- Adirondack Park Agency recruits Adirondack Council leader for key post
- AdkAction's first executive director departs Jan. 31
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.
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