If you are planning a trip to the Adirondacks, there is a chance that you could see a moose. DEC requests that any moose observations be reported through the Moose Sighting Report Form on DEC’s website. DEC uses this information to monitor the relative abundance and distribution of New York’s moose population and identify areas where additional population assessments may be warranted.
New Yorkers encouraged to report harmful algal blooms through online notification system
On May 26, the New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) reminded New Yorkers to learn about and be aware of harmful algal blooms, or “HABs,” as the 2023 HABs notification season starts. DEC’s New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) is now active and allows the public and trained citizens to send reports of HABs to DEC electronically via a simple, user- and mobile phone-friendly form.
“As summer begins, we encourage New Yorkers to be on the lookout for HABs, which can impact New York’s lakes and waterways and pose a potential public health risk,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Working closely with DOH and local partners in communities statewide, DEC continues to make significant investments to prevent excess nutrients and other contaminants from contributing to these potentially toxic blooms and is actively working to help New Yorkers understand how to identify and report HABs, as well as keep themselves, their families, and pets out of harm’s way.”
Outdoor Conditions (5/26): Hikers encouraged to arrive at trailheads early, prepare for crowded trails this weekend
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
High Peaks Wilderness
- Per the conservation easement agreement with Elk Lake Lodge, the Gate at Clear Pond is now open to Public Motor Vehicles and will remain open until the start of Big Game season (in October). Parking at the Elk Lake Parking Lot Trailhead is limited and NO PARKING is allowed along the roadway. When the trailhead parking fills up, hikers will need to park at the Upper Elk Lake Road Parking Lot on the west side of the Elk Lake Road approximately 2.3 miles south of the Elk Lake Parking Lot Trailhead. While driving on Elk Lake Road, please respect posted lower speed limits. Please help ensure the Conservation Easement is respected and all users have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Snow/rain complicate 16-hour Phelps Trail rescue, hikers treated for mild hypothermia
Town of Black Brook
Clinton County
Wildland Fire: On May 15 at 6:45 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance with a wildland fire in Black Brook near the intersection of Turnpike and Goodrich Mills roads. Ausable Forks and Saranac Lake fire departments also responded to the 30-acre fire. Rangers and other firefighters sustained fire suppression efforts for several days. On May 17 at 6:45 p.m., the fire was declared 100 percent contained. The fire remains in patrol status.
Give Turtles a Brake in recognition of World Turtle Day
In recognition of World Turtle Day® on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos reminded New Yorkers that turtles are nesting in May and June, and asked motorists to “give turtles a brake.” In New York, thousands of turtles are killed each year by unsuspecting drivers when turtles cross roads to find nesting areas.
“While a turtle’s shell provides protection from predators, it does not protect against being struck by vehicles while crossing roadways,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Vehicle strikes are a major cause of mortality among turtles and New York’s native turtles are more susceptible at this time of year as they seek sandy areas or loose soil in which to lay their eggs. Especially in these coming weeks, DEC urges drivers to be on the lookout for turtles and slow down, particularly on roads near rivers and marshy areas.”
Outdoor Conditions (5/19): Fourth Lake Boat Launch in Inlet opens May 20
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
Adirondack Rail Trail
- The section of trail between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake is currently closed for construction. Use of this corridor during the construction period is prohibited.
Missing 3-year-old found safe following multi-agency search in Otter Lake
Town of Wilmington
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On May 13 at 8:55 a.m., a hiker called Essex County 911 about an angler with a possible broken leg off the Flume Trail System. Forest Rangers DiCintio, O’Connor, and Praczkajlo responded along with Wilmington Fire and Wilmington EMS. The 39-year-old from Canada said he had dragged himself from the water to the riverbank and waited for two hours hoping someone would find him.
The angler indicated his foot became trapped in the rapids and he had injured himself trying to get out from under a rock. When Rangers and Wilmington Fire reached the subject, they packaged him into a litter and carried him to the ambulance. Resources were clear at 9:30 a.m.
ADK Park: Environmental Conservation Police News
Routine Patrol Results in Multi-Agency Arrest – Washington County
On April 12, while patrolling a public parking area commonly used by anglers to access the Champlain Canal, ECO Thibodeau observed two individuals acting suspiciously in a vehicle. He began a preliminary investigation and then contacted the Washington County Sherriff’s Department for assistance.
Officers later arrested the subjects for outstanding warrants and searched the vehicle where they found drugs and drug paraphernalia.
A lock box inside the car also contained more controlled substances. Both subjects are facing drug possession charges and one of the individuals, wanted on a federal warrant, was turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation after being processed on the state charges.
Recreation Highlight: Protect the Peregrines, Rock Climbing Closures in the ADKs
The elusive and endangered Peregrine Falcon calls the craggy cliffs and mountainsides of the Adirondacks its home. Peregrines dive at incredible speeds and can be seen sailing along the sides of high rock faces throughout the early summer. The fascinating birds are monogamous, have long lifespans, and often return to the same nests year after year with their chosen partner.
Outdoor Conditions (5/12): Hikers encouraged to pack essentials for tricky Spring weather
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
Lake George Wild Forest
- Dacy Clearing gate in Shelving Rock is open.
- Jabe Pond Road and Lily Pond Road mud gates are open.
Body of Potsdam college student found below dam in Norwood Lake
Town of Lake George
Warren County
Wilderness Rescue: On May 2 at 6:50 p.m., Forest Rangers Carabetta and Donegan responded to a call for an injured hiker on the trail to Prospect Mountain. Rangers reached the pair of hikers by 7:30 p.m. and stabilized the ankle of the injured 23-year-old from Latham. Rangers assisted the hikers back to the trailhead and then to their vehicle. The injured subject chose to seek further medical attention on her own. Resources were clear at 8:10 p.m.
ADK Park: Environmental Conservation Police News
Moose Recovery – Adirondacks
On April 6, ECOs Favreau and Fadden assisted DEC Wildlife employees with the extraction of a dead yearling moose from a heavily forested area in the Adirondacks. DEC had fitted the moose with a GPS collar in 2022. The collar recently gave off a signal indicating the animal was no longer alive. The Officers and Wildlife employees managed to get within 500 yards of the moose carcass by snowmobile and UTV before hiking the remaining distance through two to three feet of snow. Once they reached the moose, the group loaded the animal onto a sled and pulled it back to the snowmobiles. The recovered animal was sent to DEC‘s wildlife pathology laboratory in Delmar for a full necropsy.
Outdoor Conditions (5/5): Muddy trails advisory still in effect for higher elevations as snowpack melts
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
Saranac Lakes Wild Forest:
- Little Clear Pond Road is now open.
Independence River Wild Forest:
- All mud gates will be closed the week of March 3rd and will reopen when conditions allow.
I Love My Park Day event set for May 6
All are welcome to participate in the 12th annual I Love My Park Day event on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), in partnership with the NYS DEC and State Parks, hosts the annual event and invites volunteers from across the state in cleanup, improvement, and beautification events at New York State parks, historic sites, and public lands.
Rangers assist cold, wet, unprepared hikers at Lake Colden Outpost
Town of Lake Luzerne
Warren County
Public Outreach: On April 25, Forest Ranger Lieutenant LaPierre and Ranger Temple spoke at the 2023 Wilderness Medicine Conference at the Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne. Rangers provided doctors and other medical professionals with a real-world perspective on the complex nature of medicine in a wilderness environment.
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