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.


Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Rangers respond to snowmobile accident on Stillwater Reservoir

forest ranger reportRecent NYS DEC Forest Ranger actions:

Village of Tupper Lake
Franklin County
Flat Ice Rescue Training:
 On Feb. 18, Forest Rangers Adams and Milano led flat ice rescue training for the Long Lake Fire Department. Training first responders is a great way to ensure people who fall through the ice have the best chance of survival. Rangers provided instruction in techniques for self-rescue, reach, and throw and go.

» Continue Reading.


Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Bolton’s Up Yonda Farm added to NYS Birding Trail

up yonda farm snowshoe hike

New Locations Bring Total Number of Sites Statewide to 332

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the addition of seven new locations to the New York State Birding Trail. These new locations bring the total number of birding trail locations across the state to 332, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy.

Birdwatching has become one of New York’s fastest-growing recreation and tourism activities. DEC manages the New York State Birding Trail in collaboration with partners that include the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The statewide trail network includes promoted birding locations that can be accessed by car or public transportation, providing an inclusive experience for all visitors to enjoy birds amid beautiful natural settings with little or no cost or investment in equipment.

The newly added locations are located on public and private lands across the state:

» Continue Reading.


Saturday, February 25, 2023

Recreation Highlight: Use Caution on Avalanche Terrain

Winter landscape

DEC is advising backcountry downhill skiers, snowboarders, and all outdoor adventurers who may traverse slides or steep, open terrain in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks to be aware of and prepared for avalanche conditions.

Avalanche danger increases during and immediately after major snowfalls and during thaws. Recent warm weather brought significant melting and settling of snow before a winter storm Wednesday night into Thursday brought several inches of fresh snow to the High Peaks region, with new accumulations close to a foot in some places. Snow may be deeper on leeward slopes or areas of snow deposits, such as gullies. As snow accumulates over time it develops distinct layers formed by rain and melt/freeze cycles. When new snow falls onto previous snowpack, it adds weight and downward pressure. Lower snow layers may be reactive to the added stresses of recent snows, creating conditions conducive to avalanches.

» Continue Reading.


Saturday, February 25, 2023

DEC: Free Seedlings Available to Qualified Landowners for Streamside Plantings

dec logoOn February 13, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that the application period for the Trees for Tribs’ “Buffer in a Bag” program is now open. Qualifying private and public landowners may apply for a free bag of 25 tree and shrub seedlings for planting near streams, rivers, or lakes to help stabilize banks, protect water quality, combat climate change, and improve wildlife habitat.

» Continue Reading.


Friday, February 24, 2023

Outdoor Conditions (2/24): Headlamps for Hiking: Two is one and one is none

outdoor conditions logoThe 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 (02/23): The following report describes conditions as of Thursday, 02/23. Changing weather may affect conditions. There is 34.6 inches (2.9 feet) of snow at the Colden Caretaker Cabin and 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. The Marcy Dam Truck Trail from South Meadows is skiable. Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are frozen, but always exercise caution on or near ice, especially near outlets.

» Continue Reading.


Thursday, February 23, 2023

Navigating Grant Funding: Municipal Success Stories Webinar set for March 1

dec logoThe NYS DEC and the NYS Association of Regional Councils are hosting a webinar on Wednesday, March 1 at 1 p.m. to highlight strategies used by municipalities of various sizes across New York State to secure grant funding. Municipalities will share information, such as how they access grant funds, what barriers they’ve had to overcome, lessons learned, the skill sets needed, and the key players necessary to access grant funding. Register to attend.

Webinar speakers:

  • Donald Tesoriero, Village of Northport
  • Ruth Ann Devitt-Frank and Natalie Kikel, City of Kingston
  • Beth Gilles, Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board
  • Anna Reynolds, Essex County
  • Cassandra Pinkoski, Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District

Photo at top courtesy of the NYS DEC. 


Thursday, February 23, 2023

Raquette Lake man dies in snowmobile accident

forest ranger reportRecent NYS DEC Forest Ranger actions:

Hamlet of Raquette Lake
Hamilton County
Recovery Mission:
 On Feb. 13 at 6 p.m., the father of a missing 31-year-old called Forest Ranger Miller explaining that his son had not been seen since February 12. The 31-year-old from Raquette Lake had taken his snowmobile for a ride. Ranger Lieutenant Kerr joined Rangers Miller and Temple in the search. Ray Brook dispatch pinged the subject’s phone and Ranger Miller located the subject deceased next to the snowmobile. The snowmobile hit an embankment and a tree resulting in the death. The body was turned over to the coroner at 9:45 p.m.

» Continue Reading.


Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Watchable Wildlife: Great Horned Owl

Juvenile great horned owl

Now may be a good time to see great horned owls (Bubo virginianus). They are year-round residents, but start sitting in their nests as early as January or February. Great horned owls are large birds (adults can be 18-25 inches in length) and have large ear tufts on their head and large yellow eyes. Their feathers are usually a mix of colors: white, reddish-brown, gray, and black, with a white patch on their throat.

Great horned owls can be found throughout New York state in a variety of habitats, such as forests or fields, near cliffs, and even around suburban or urban areas. They are most active at night, especially dusk and dawn, but sometimes hunt during the day. Listen for their distinctive “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” call.

Photo at top: Juvenile great horned owl. Photo by D. Arlene Bonnett. Photo provided by the NYS DEC.


Monday, February 20, 2023

ADK Park: Environmental Conservation Officer News

Little Bear Gets a Second Chance – Herkimer County
On Jan. 31, ECO Howe responded to a complaint of a black bear cub lingering around a residence in the town of Salisbury. The resident reported the young bear had been in the area for five days with no signs of its mother. The cub appeared malnourished and unlikely to survive on its own. Officer Howe safely captured the bear and transported it to Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center in Hunter, a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center, where it will receive care and treatment until it can be released back into the wild.

» Continue Reading.


Friday, February 17, 2023

Outdoor Conditions (2/17): Fluctuating temps lead to variable ice conditions on Adirondack waters

outdoor conditions logoThe 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 (02/16): The following report describes conditions as of Thursday, 02/16. Changing weather may affect conditions. There is 27.6 inches (2.3 feet) of snow at the Colden Caretaker Cabin and 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. The Marcy Dam Truck Trail is skiable. Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden have variable ice conditions and crossings near inlets/outlets are dangerous – always exercise caution on or near ice. Camping adjacent to the Opalescent River at the south end of Lake Colden is discouraged due to recent flooding.

» Continue Reading.


Thursday, February 16, 2023

Great Backyard Bird Count slated for Feb. 17-20

northern cardinal

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a fun event for bird watchers of all ages and abilities, from beginners to experts. The GBBC will be held Friday, February 17, through Monday, February 20, 2023. To help, you will need to count the birds you see or hear for at least 15 minutes (or longer if you wish) for one or more days of the four-day event. You can participate from your backyard, or anywhere in the world. For more information visit the GBBC website.

Photo at top: Northern cardinal. Photo by John Mack. Photo courtesy of the NYS DEC.


Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Rangers participate in wildfire prevention presentation at Keene Central School

forest ranger reportTown of Keene
Essex County
Public Outreach:
 On Feb. 10, Forest Rangers DuChene and Foutch participated in a wildfire prevention presentation at Keene Central School. Charlie, the student of the week, requested a visit from Smokey Bear for his third grade class. Smokey, the Rangers, and DEC Forester Barber gave a presentation about the history of Smokey Bear and wildfire prevention. After the classroom visit, Forester Barber and Ranger DuChene showed the class how to safely build a campfire and enjoyed some s’mores.

» Continue Reading.


Tuesday, February 14, 2023

DEC is Hiring Staff for the 2023 Summer Camps Program

DEC summer camps

The NYS DEC is actively recruiting Directors, Assistant Directors, Waterfront Directors, Cooks, Nurses, EMTs, Counselors, and Camp Aides for the 2023 Summer Camps Program. All positions offer competitive salaries, plus room and board for the summer.

Locations of DEC Summer Camps:

  • Camp Colby in Saranac Lake;
  • Camp Pack Forest in Warrensburg;
  • Camp Rushford in Caneadea; and
  • Camp DeBruce, near Livingston Manor.

» Continue Reading.


Monday, February 13, 2023

Recreation Highlight: Leave No Trace on State Lands this Winter

Leave no trace graphic

Everyone who recreates on New York’s State lands has a responsibility to adequately prepare themselves and protect natural resources for future generations. Following the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace™, set forth by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, is one-way visitors are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Proper planning is vital to a safe winter adventure. Know personal limits, set realistic goals, and choose an experience appropriate for everyone in the group. Research trails and routes before setting out and contact DEC or other knowledgeable parties with questions.

» Continue Reading.


Sunday, February 12, 2023

New York’s moose population steady, possibly growing

 

Moose in winter in NY

Moose have been present in the northern portion of New York since the Pleistocene (period of time spanning about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago). However, by as early as the 1860s overhunting and habitat degradation had eliminated moose from New York. In response, a handful of small-scale moose restoration efforts were undertaken between 1870 and 1902 by private landowners and the NYS Fish, Forest and Game Commission, but were not successful. Over the next eighty years there were periodic moose sightings, but it wasn’t until 1986 that DEC staff documented a small population of resident moose in the Adirondacks that may have immigrated from Vermont, Massachusetts, or Quebec. Around 2010, it was thought that the population that started with only 6-11 individuals had grown to many as 400.

» Continue Reading.



Wait! Before you go:

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