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.


Friday, October 9, 2020

Outdoor Conditions (10/9): Recreate smart this Columbus Day weekend

This bulletin provides only the most recent notices. Check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for more detailed information on access, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and conditions.

Emergency Situations: If you get lost or injured; keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service, call 911 or the DEC Forest Ranger Emergency Dispatch, 518-891-0235.

DEC anticipates high use in the Adirondacks this Columbus Day weekend. If you plan to visit the Adirondack region this weekend to hike, camp, or participate in other outdoor recreation activities, please be aware of the following:

» Continue Reading.


Thursday, October 8, 2020

DEC forms partnership to bolster invasives efforts

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Hemlock with HWA egg masses_Connecticut Agricultural Experiment StationAgreement Targets Invasive Species Research, Control, and Mitigation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced new partnerships with the New York Invasive Species Research Institute (NYISRI) and Cornell University to develop and support projects and research to help limit the spread of invasive species.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Lost hikers in Bolton, Schroon, Arietta

forest ranger reportsRecent DEC Forest Ranger Actions:

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 1 at 5:42 p.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a 65-year-old hiker from Long Meadow, Massachusetts, reporting he had injured his ankle near MacIntyre Falls. The hiker said his hiking party braced his injury and he would hobble down the trail with them. Forest Ranger LaPierre responded, hiking up the trail to the man’s location while Forest Rangers Evans, Burns, Gliddi, and Booth came in with a six-wheel ATV. Once on scene, Ranger LaPierre splinted the injury and assisted the hiking party to the Whales Tail Junction where they were met by the secondary group of Rangers and driven out to the trailhead to their vehicle.

» Continue Reading.


Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Youth Big Game Hunt coming up this weekend

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New York’s annual Youth Big Game Hunt is scheduled for Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 10-12.

During this special opportunity, licensed 14 and 15-year-olds may use a firearm to hunt big game while accompanied by an experienced, licensed adult hunter. All eligible junior hunters may take one deer (either sex) and one bear. During the youth hunt, antlerless deer taken with a firearm may be tagged with a regular season tag, DMP, or Deer Management Assistance Program tag. Antlered deer may only be tagged with the regular season tag. Though junior hunters may have multiple deer tags, they may only take one deer with a firearm during the Youth Big Game Hunt.

» Continue Reading.


Sunday, October 4, 2020

Boat stewards report successful season and other invasives updates

The boating season may have unofficially ended Labor Day weekend, but New York State’s Watercraft Inspection Steward program continues at select locations. To date, this year’s boat stewards have inspected more than 330,000 boats, talked with hundreds of thousands of water recreationists, and intercepted more than 18,000 aquatic plant and animal hitchhikers (including one very important finding of the infamous invasive plant hydrilla!).

When you’re enjoying the water this fall, please continue to support our stewards’ good work and protect NY’s waters by remembering to clean, drain, and dry your watercraft.

» Continue Reading.


Saturday, October 3, 2020

DEC reminds campers to follow firewood rules

emerald ash borer photo courtesy DECThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) marked the beginning of fall camping season by reminding New Yorkers and visitors to prevent the spread of damaging invasive species by following state firewood requirements when obtaining wood for campfires.

In recognition of October as National Firewood Awareness Month, DEC is releasing new PSA across the state to help raise awareness about firewood movement and its role in spreading invasive species.

» Continue Reading.


Friday, October 2, 2020

Outdoor Conditions (10/1): Hunting seasons under way

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This bulletin provides only the most recent notices. Check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for more detailed information on access, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and conditions.

Emergency Situations: If you get lost or injured; keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service, call 911 or the DEC Forest Ranger Emergency Dispatch, 518-891-0235.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Serious backcountry injuries result in multiple carryouts

forest ranger logoRecent NYS DEC Forest Ranger actions:

Town of St. Armand
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Sept. 22 at 12:10 p.m., Franklin County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch reporting an injured 64-year-old hiker from Dyer, Indiana, on Baker Mountain. The hiker went off the trail, fell, and injured his right leg. Forest Rangers Evans and Sabo responded to assist. Once on scene, Forest Ranger Evans provided first aid for the subject’s unstable knee and ankle. Due to the extent of the injury, New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation was requested along with backup rescuers including members of Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks in case of a possible carry-out involving a high-angle rope technique on steep terrain. NYSP Aviation, with Forest Ranger Benzel as hoist operator, completed the hoist rescue off the mountain at 4:18 p.m. The hiker was transported to a local hospital for further medical treatment.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, September 30, 2020

DEC Announces Sentencing of Saranac Man for Illegal Taking of Moose

Adirondack moose (DEC Photo)The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the sentencing of a Saranac man for illegally poaching a moose in October 2019. On Sept. 3, 2020, DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement investigation into the moose poaching concluded when Zachary Vaughan, 26, of Saranac, NY, was sentenced in the Town of Franklin Criminal Court to 60 days in county jail and $5,525 in fines and surcharges. DEC also revoked Vaughan’s hunting privileges for five years.

DEC’s investigation began on Oct. 31, 2019, when ECO Favreau received a call from a camp member in the Chateaugay Highlands Easement reporting a dead cow moose on the property.

» Continue Reading.


Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Vandals take down Blue Ridge Road sign

High Peaks Wilderness: The sign on the Blue Ridge Road (aka Boreas Road) identifying the turn onto Tahawus Road and the southern entrances into the High Peaks Wilderness has been stolen.

  • If accessing the Blue Ridge Road from the west (Route 28N) watch for Tahawus Road on the left a short distance after the rail crossing.
  • If accessing the Blue Ridge Road from the east (I87) watch for Tahawus Road on the right a short distance after the rail crossing warning sign.

Photo by Mike Lynch/Adirondack Explorer


Monday, September 28, 2020

DEC and Partners Announce Effort to Prevent Spread of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation DEC Announced that they, along with Cornell University’s NYS Hemlock Initiative, The Adirondack Invasive Plant Program, Lake George Land Conservancy, and The Fund for Lake George, are developing a plan to mitigate the spread of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid HWA on Forest Preserve Lands in the towns of Dresden and Fort Ann, in Washington County. The DEC confirmed the HWA infestation August of 2020, in infected hemlock trees at the Glen Island Campground on the shore of Lake George. This marks the second infestation of HWA in the Adirondacks.

» Continue Reading.


Sunday, September 27, 2020

Small Game Hunting Season begins Oct. 1

thomas houghton turkeySmall game hunting season starts Oct. 1 across New York State. Special youth hunts and new opportunities for active-duty military members and veterans are also available this hunting season.

There are several youth-only hunting seasons for pheasants and waterfowl prior to the start of the regular season. Dates, bag limits, and other regulations for small game can be viewed in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations guide, which can be obtained from a license-issuing agent or on the DEC’s website.

Hunting seasons for ducks, geese, and brant (waterfowl) begin early October in several parts of New York State, but young hunters can get the jump on the season opener with the following youth waterfowl days and locations:

» Continue Reading.


Saturday, September 26, 2020

Increasing ways for recycling food scraps

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large scale drum composter at North Country School Camp Treetops in Lake Placid

Home Composting takes some care, as well as greens, browns, water and air. Fall is a great season to start home composting, as an abundance of leaves, and the waste from fresh fruits and vegetables can become an excellent resource for a compost pile. Compost supplies our soils with organic matter and nutrients which help capture and retain water, providing an environment for beneficial microorganisms to enliven plant roots. To learn more about home composting options click here. You can also tune into composting specialist Gary Feinland talk about common problems people encounter while creating a backyard composting pile and how to remedy them.

» Continue Reading.


Friday, September 25, 2020

Outdoor Conditions (9/25): Cooling temps, shorter days

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This bulletin provides only the most recent notices. Check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for more detailed information on access, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and conditions.

Emergency Situations: If you get lost or injured; keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service, call 911 or the DEC Forest Ranger Emergency Dispatch, 518-891-0235.

Hike Smart by packing the proper gear. See our recommended packing list and safety tips.

Welcome to the Adirondacks. The Welcome to the Adirondacks webpage is the place to go if you are interested in learning more about the Adirondacks. It provides information about the Forest Preserve, conservation easement lands, outdoor recreation, and Leave No Trace. » Continue Reading.


Thursday, September 24, 2020

Free Fishing Day on Sept. 26

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Woman on a boat holding a fishNew York residents can fish for free on Saturday, September 26, which is National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated each year to promote outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and target shooting.

On free fishing days, New York residents and non-residents may fish for free without a fishing license. Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that, although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. The final free fishing day for 2020 will take place on Veterans Day, November 11. When not participating in Free Fishing Days, anyone 16 years of age and older must have a current State fishing license to fish in New York. Fishing licenses are now valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. For more information on purchasing a fishing license, visit DEC’s website.

DEC’s Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source for those ready to plan their next fishing trip. You can find many destinations across the state. For beginning anglers interested in getting started, the I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod to identifying your catch and understanding fishing regulations.



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