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.


Tuesday, May 2, 2023

If You Care, Leave It There: Respecting Wildlife Reminder

Fawn in grass.

As the weather warms up, it’s common to encounter local wildlife while walking, hiking, or biking. When you see these critters, leave them be and do your best not to disturb their natural routine.

Fawns are a great example of animals that may appear around your lawn, garden, or local trails. Newly born whitetail deer spend many of their early days hidden and protected among tall grass, leaf litter, or other natural and man-made shelters. You may find them laying in a flower bed, alongside a trail, or even curled up in an open field. Mother deer will return to their fawns regularly to nurse but may delay their next visit if they detect human activity nearby.

» Continue Reading.


Saturday, April 29, 2023

DEC Announces Spring Turkey Season Opens May 1

Wild turkeys

On April 21, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that spring turkey season opens May 1, in all counties north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary and, new for 2023, in Suffolk County on Long Island (Wildlife Management Unit 1C).

“Opening a spring turkey season on Long Island is a success story for wildlife conservation,” Commissioner Seggos said. “After their translocation to Long Island in the 1990s, turkey numbers in Suffolk County increased to a level where these birds can now be responsibly and sustainably harvested through recreational hunting. DEC encourages turkey hunters throughout the state to act responsibly, follow regulations, and adhere to the cardinal rules of hunting safety for a safe and enjoyable season afield.”

» Continue Reading.


Friday, April 28, 2023

Outdoor Conditions (4/28): Upper locks on Saranac Lake closed to boat traffic May 2 – 4

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:

    • Mud Season: Hikers are advised to avoid trails above 2,500ft for the duration of the muddy trail advisory for several reasons:
      • sliding boots destroy trail tread, can damage surrounding vegetation, and erode thin soils causing washouts;
      • rotten snow and monorails are a safety hazard even with proper equipment; and
      • high elevation and alpine vegetation are extremely fragile in spring months as they start their regrowth after winter.
      • Until conditions improve, hikers are encouraged to responsibly explore low-elevation trails or enjoy other forms of recreation.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Adirondack Rail Trail construction underway between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake

The Adirondack Rail Trail as seen in the nine-mile segment between Floodwood and Tupper Lake.

On April 21, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of General Services (OGS) announced the start of 2023 construction on the Adirondack Rail Trail between Station Street in Lake Placid and Broadway in Saranac Lake. This trail segment is now closed to all users during construction.

The world-class Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile multi-use recreational path for outdoor adventurers between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid. OGS is leading the trail‘s design and construction with the intent to make it accessible to people of all abilities to the maximum extent practicable. Upon completion of construction, DEC will assume day-to-day management of the trail working closely with stakeholders and municipalities. Estimated timing to complete the Rail Trail is dependent on multiple factors including contract approvals, permits, and coordinating with State, Federal, and local entities. Construction of the compacted stone dust surfaced trail will be undertaken in stages. The work now underway is part of phase one of the Rail Trail project and is anticipated to be completed in the fall.

Read more about final construction of a segment of the Adirondack Rail Trail between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake by checking out Tim Rowland’s Adirondack Explorer story at this link: https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/stories/adirondack-rail-trail-work-resumes

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Rangers help Mount Marshall hikers descend summit

forest ranger reportVillage of Oriskany
Oneida County
Training: On April 18 and 19, Forest Rangers Kennedy, Martin, and Virkler attended a two-day Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) training in Oriskany. The training was held in conjunction with the Flood Incident Strike Team “FIST,” a multi-agency team equipped and trained to respond to a variety of swift water and flood events.

UAS pilots refreshed swift water skills and terminology before being embedded with FIST teams for a full-day exercise on the Moose and Black rivers. UAS pilots provided FIST teams with assistance locating subjects, scouting river conditions, and monitoring deployed resources. UAS pilots from New York State Police, New York State Fire, New York State Park Police, and DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement all participated.

» Continue Reading.


Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Temporary Boat Launch Site Closures at Lake Flower, Lake Placid

dec logoOn Tuesday, April 25, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced temporary closures of Lake Flower and Lake Placid boat launch sites over the next two weeks for routine maintenance and cleaning.

The Lake Flower boat launch will close from April 25 to 27 and the Lake Placid boat launch will close May 8 to 12. Boaters can access Saranac Lake at the Upper and Lower boat launches. For more boat launches nearby, go to DEC’s website.

 

Photo at top courtesy of the NYS DEC/Adirondack Almanack archive photo.


Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Firm to host public meetings around High Peaks use

people on cascade mountain

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that Otak, Inc., is facilitating the first round of public meetings in the Adirondack High Peaks and Catskills for the Visitor Use Management (VUM) project. Public and stakeholder input will play a key role in helping DEC and Otak develop appropriate sustainable management strategies for the High Peaks and Kaaterskill Clove areas.

“DEC’s sustainable use initiatives require public participation to be successful,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Listening to public and stakeholder perspectives about the High Peaks and Kaaterskill Clove project areas will provide DEC with the important data to support successful strategies for balancing conservation and public access in these popular Forest Preserve destinations.”

» Continue Reading.


Monday, April 24, 2023

Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, Tiger Muskellunge Season Opens May 1

Marty Pierce took 1st place in Pike with his 13.63lb 39 inch pike.

Historically found only in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, and Allegheny River watersheds in New York, walleye are now found in more than 140 waters from all the major watersheds of the state, primarily due to stocking and other DEC management efforts. Opportunities to catch lunker northern pike can also be found throughout much of the state, especially in the northeast and west. Visit DEC’s website for information on where to go fishing for walleye, pike and other coolwater sportfish.

Last year, DEC added a new feature to its official HuntFishNY app called The Tackle Box. Fishing regulations, boating access, and stocking information are all available in a map-based interface from the convenience of a smart phone. Other features include driving directions to state boat launch sites and an offline feature that allows a user to access information when cell coverage isn’t available. The HuntFishNY app, which includes the Tackle Box, is free of charge and available through the App store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) for anyone to download on their tablet or smart phone. For more information on the HuntFishNY app and new Tackle Box feature visit the DEC website.

A digital version of the 2023 Freshwater Fishing Regulations guide is available to download on the DEC website. Hard copies of the guide are available wherever sporting licenses are sold. For locations visit the DECALS website.

Photo at top: Marty Pierce took 1st place in Pike at this year’s Long Lake/Lake Eaton Ice Fishing Derby with his 13.63lb 39 inch pike. Photo provided by the Long Lake Fish & Game Club.


Saturday, April 22, 2023

Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, and Tiger Muskellunge Season Opens May 1

On April 21, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that the fishing season for walleye, northern pike, pickerel and tiger muskellunge begins on May 1.

“Early spring can be an exceptional time for fishing in New York, with species like walleye and northern pike becoming more active and aggressive as water temperatures rise,” said Commissioner Seggos. “I encourage all anglers to find the time to get out on the water this spring to enjoy, and share with others, the great fishing that can be found here in New York.”

» Continue Reading.


Friday, April 21, 2023

Outdoor Conditions (4/21): High Peaks hikers advised to avoid trails above 2,500 feet

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:

    • Mud Season: Hikers are advised to avoid trails above 2,500ft for the duration of the muddy trail advisory for several reasons:
      • sliding boots destroy trail tread, can damage surrounding vegetation, and erode thin soils causing washouts;
      • rotten snow and monorails are a safety hazard even with proper equipment; and
      • high elevation and alpine vegetation are extremely fragile in spring months as they start their regrowth after winter.

Until conditions improve, hikers are encouraged to responsibly explore low elevation trails or enjoy other forms of recreation

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Rangers conduct hoist rescue for Keene climber who fell 40 feet

forest ranger reportStatewide Wildfires: From April 11 to 17, Forest Rangers were called to 26 wildfires in 16 counties that burned nearly 1,000 acres of land. The largest fires were in the town of Deerpark in Orange County at 300 acres, and in the town of Richmondville where the fire totaled 241 acres and spanned Otsego and Schoharie counties. In both fires, Forest Rangers worked with New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation to perform dozens of bucket drops.

The relationship between Rangers and NYSP pilots is invaluable. Their training and experience make it possible to successfully contain these fires. Rangers coordinated firefighting efforts with State agency partners including the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, New York State Parks, Department of Transportation, Office of Emergency Management, dozens of local responders, volunteer firefighters, and other DEC staff trained in wildland fire suppression.

» Continue Reading.


Saturday, April 15, 2023

Lights Out Initiative set for peak bird migrations in Spring & Fall

Gray catbird

Looking for an easy way to take care of your bird friends this migration season? Did you know each year during spring migration many birds that are navigating the night sky become disoriented from artificial building lighting? Not only does city lighting deter the navigational abilities of migrating birds, but it also leads to an increase in fatal building collisions, killing an estimated 1 billion birds annually.

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Saturday, April 15, 2023

April 17th is International Bat Appreciation Day

Bat

International Bat Appreciation Day is coming up on April 17. The occasion is a great time to learn about New York’s nine bat species. When spring temperatures become warm enough, bats will leave their hibernation sites and may be seen flying in search of insects. Unfortunately, many species of bats, including Northern long-eared bats, have faced severe population declines due to White-nose Syndrome.

» Continue Reading.


Friday, April 14, 2023

Outdoor Conditions (4/14): Sunshine & 70s this weekend, tips for tick prevention

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 (04/13): The following report describes conditions as of Thursday, 04/06. Changing weather may affect conditions.
    • There is 29.5 inches (2.4 feet) of snow at the Colden Caretaker Cabin.
    • Snowshoes or skis are required to be worn throughout the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness, beginning at approximately 2,000ft (around the elevation of Marcy Dam). Snowshoes are recommended everywhere in the High Peaks region for safe and efficient travel. Bring microspikes and crampons for traction on ice.
    • Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are unstable and are not safe to cross.
    • Be prepared to turn around if conditions prove too difficult to complete your hike.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Rangers help extinguish six-acre brush fire in Washington Co

forest ranger reportClinton and Essex Counties
Kayak Patrol: On April 7, Forest Rangers Foutch and Praczkajlo patrolled 20 miles of white water on the east and west branches of the Ausable River. In kayaks, Rangers checked river conditions and flow. While training for rescues and flood response, the Rangers also assisted fisheries staff with stocking of hundreds of brown trout. Video of part of the kayak patrol is available (video, 84 MB) at DEC’s website.

» Continue Reading.



Conditions
Conditions

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

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