Almanack Contributor NYS DEC

avoid recreating near and in streams and rivers due to fast-moving currents and floating debris.
avoid high-elevation trails to protect the thin soils and fragile habitats until things dry out and harden.

This bulletin provides only the most recent notices. Check the Adirondack Backcountry 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, 833-NYS-RANGERS.

Welcome to the Adirondacks. The Welcome to the Adirondacks webpage provides information about the Forest Preserve, conservation easement lands, outdoor recreation, and Leave No Trace™.

Love Our New York Lands: All New Yorkers and visitors should be able to access, enjoy, and feel welcome on state lands. While enjoying these shared spaces, be respectful of other visitors. Share trails, treat people with kindness, and leave things as you found them for others to enjoy. All of us have a responsibility to protect state lands for future generations. Learn more about how you can Love Our New York Lands.

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Cranberry Lake campers charged with illegal tree cutting

by NYS DEC

Recent NYS DEC Forest Ranger actions:

Town of Clifton
St. Lawrence County
Campground Eviction: On July 18 at 2:30 p.m., Cranberry Lake Campground staff called Ray Brook dispatch to request Forest Ranger assistance with a group of campers who cut down a maple tree and did not register their site. Rangers Baldwin and Jansen informed the group of campground regulations and issued a ticket for illegally cutting down a tree.

Monday, July 24, 2023

DEC Seeks Public Comment on Draft Adirondack Foothills UMP

by NYS DEC

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is encouraging public comment on the draft Adirondack Foothills Unit Management Plan (UMP). The draft UMP includes six State forests — Hogsback, Popple Pond, Woodhull, Punkeyville, Black Creek, and Hinckley — as well as 24 separate parcels of detached Forest Preserve in Oneida and Herkimer counties and will guide management of these properties over the next 10 years. DEC is accepting comments on the draft plan until Sept. 15, 2023.

Saturday, July 22, 2023

Volunteers welcome to join the 8th Annual Invasive Species Mapping Challenge

by NYS DEC

Through the month of July, the NY Natural Heritage Program is hosting the 8th Annual Invasive Species Mapping Challenge. Volunteers and professionals are joining forces to gather data on invasive species, providing conservation managers with the information they need to protect our natural resources. This year, the target species are Beech Leaf Disease, tree-of-heaven, jumping worm, and three aquatic invasive plants – water chestnut, European frogbit, and watercress.

Friday, July 21, 2023

Outdoor conditions: Muddy trail advisory still in effect

by NYS DEC

avoid recreating near and in streams and rivers due to fast-moving currents and floating debris.
avoid high-elevation trails to protect the thin soils and fragile habitats until things dry out and harden.

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

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Shoulder injury on Stevens Mountain in Horicon

by NYS DEC

Recent NYS DEC Forest Ranger actions:

Town of Horicon
Warren County
Wilderness Rescue: On July 11 at 11:22 a.m., Forest Rangers Donegan and Perryman responded to a call for an injured hiker on Stevens Mountain. Rangers reached the 53-year-old from Cortlandt Manor, treated their shoulder injury, and helped them out of the woods. The Rangers and hiker reached Camp Reed at 2:44 p.m.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on state lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.

Monday, July 17, 2023

State postpones North Country listening session for Environmental Bond Act

by NYS DEC

Following extensive flood damage to North Country communities earlier this week, the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act listening session scheduled for July 14 in Saranac Lake at North Country Community College has been postponed. As many community leaders across the region continue to focus on restoring critical roads, infrastructure, homes, and businesses, New York State will work to reschedule the session later this summer.

Friday, July 14, 2023

Outdoor Conditions (7/14): High-water and muddy trails advisory in effect in ADKs

by NYS DEC

The 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

A high-water and muddy trails advisory is in effect until further notice: Recent heavy rains have washed out numerous roads, bridges, and trails. The extent of damage is still being assessed. More thunderstorms bringing potential heavy rain are forecast throughout the remainder of the week. Users are advised to avoid recreating near and in streams and rivers due to fast moving currents and floating debris. Users are advised to avoid high elevation trails to protect the thin soils and fragile habitats until things dry out and harden.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

DEC: Give Trout a Break This Summer

by NYS DEC

You know who isn’t a huge fan of summer? Trout! Summer heat waves impose serious stress and can even cause death. Trout and salmon that are already heat-stressed may not recover after being caught and released.

You can help these fish survive the summer by following a few simple tips (PDF).

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Body of possible drowning victim found in Cedar River Flow, 12-year-old injured by boat propeller on Raquette Lake

by NYS DEC

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On July 4 at 2:35 p.m., the Johns Brook Lodge caretaker contacted Ray Brook dispatch about a sick hiker on Yard Mountain. As Forest Rangers responded, the caretaker reached the hiker and reported the subject was experiencing persistent vomiting, weakness, and could not hold down water. Due to the subject’s significant heat stroke and location, Rangers requested New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation. Rangers on the ground packaged the subject and at 5:50 p.m., NYSP Pilot Kotronis and Ranger Lewis successfully hoisted the hiker to be flown to the hospital. Rangers on the ground walked the subject’s hiking partner nearly two miles back to his vehicle. Resources were clear at 9 p.m. Rangers checked on the subject the following day and he made a complete recovery.

Monday, July 10, 2023

DEC: Do Wildfires Affect Birds?

by NYS DEC

Recently, New York State experienced the harsh effects of raging wildfires in the Canadian Province of Ontario. For several days, air quality indexes spiked to concerning and unhealthy levels, as noticeable smoke covered most of the state in a haze. Here in New York, multiple smaller wildland fires have burned in locations across the state due to dry spring conditions. In addition to causing potential human health and safety concerns, wildfires also may affect local bird and wildlife populations.

Friday, July 7, 2023

Outdoor Conditions (7/7): Knowing signs of heat stroke, exhaustion

by NYS DEC

NEW THIS WEEK

Sable Highlands Conservation Easement and Cobble Hill Public Use Area – The bridge across Ouleout Creek is CLOSED TO ALL, including pedestrians.

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog Handler Exams Set for Aug.

by NYS DEC

Examinations for individuals seeking a license to practice the sport of falconry, become a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator, or use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded or injured big game animals are scheduled for Friday, August 11, 2023. The registration deadline for these free online exams is August 9, 2023.

Free study guides, the link to the registration website, and directions on how to register is provided on each of the individual license webpages. An email acknowledgment of registration will be sent to applicants, and later, an additional one-time link to access the website on the day of the exam.

For questions or assistance, please email us.

Photo at top courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS.)

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

12 year old separated from party in High Peaks Wilderness

by NYS DEC

2 Comments

Recent NYC DEC Forest Ranger actions:

Town of Santa Clara
Franklin County
Wilderness Rescue: On June 27 at 8:10 a.m., Forest Ranger Lieutenant Lapierre called Ranger Adams about a camper at Clamshell Pond reporting severe leg cramps while camping and canoeing. Assistant Forest Ranger (AFR) Colucci and Ranger Adams responded with an ATV, six-wheeler, and a canoe while Rangers Bronson and Corey followed in another six-wheeler. Ranger Adams reached the 45-year-old from Connecticut at 10:46 a.m. Rangers provided the subject with water and electrolytes and evacuated them on an ATV to another area of the campground where EMS was waiting. The subject’s son, who has a medical condition that prevents him from walking on his own, was safely transported to his father. The subject refused further medical care from EMS. Resources were clear at 11:53 a.m.

Pictured above: Rescue at Clamshell Pond

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Volunteer for NY’s first Campgrounds Day on July 8

by NYS DEC