Thursday, July 21, 2022

ADK Park: Environmental Conservation Police News

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement enforces the 71 chapters of New York State’s Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York.

In 1880, the first eight Game Protectors proudly began serving to protect the natural resources and people of New York State.

In 2021, 282 Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators across the state responded to 26,207 calls and worked on cases that resulted in 11,562 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal mining, the black market pet trade, and excessive emissions violations.

All Hooked Up – St. Lawrence County
On July 4, ECO Atwood responded to a call about a small goose with a fishing lure stuck in its foot in the town of Colton.

 

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Controlling an Invasive Plant Without Herbicides

Invasive species are plants, animals, fungi, or microorganisms that spread rapidly and cause harm to other species. They are introduced species that can thrive in areas beyond their natural range of dispersal.

     Characteristically, invasive plant species are adaptable, aggressive, and usually lacking natural enemies that can limit their growth and populations. They have a high reproductive capability; growing rapidly in short life cycles and producing abundant amounts of seed. They aggressively compete with native plants and plant communities and often displace them, thereby disrupting the normal functioning of ecosystems and threatening biodiversity and already endangered native plant species.
     Purple loosestrife is a perfect example of an introduced plant species that has become a serious and widespread threat to native species, natural communities, and ecosystem processes. It was brought to North America by the European colonists as an herbal remedy for dysentery, diarrhea, and other digestive ailments and introduced in the 1800s as an ornamental. It was well-established in New England by the 1830s, and spread along canals and other waterways. Supposedly sterile species were offered for sale for many years, but researchers later found that those cultivars were fully capable of cross-pollinating with plants growing in the wild.

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

ADK sells Member Services Center building, relocates operations

July 19, 2022 — Lake George, NY — The Adirondack Mountain Club has finalized the sale of its Member Services Center building to FISH307.com for $800,000. Located at 814 Goggins Road in Lake George, the property served as ADK’s headquarters for over 30 years.

Part of the sale includes a one-year lease allowing ADK to move its Member Services Center staff and operations into FISH307.com’s current location at 6 State Route 149 in Lake George. Just as it did at Goggins Road, ADK will provide retail, visitor information, and support services for members and donors at the new location.

» Continue Reading.


Monday, July 18, 2022

DEC: Public Encouraged to Report Potential Beech Leaf Disease Infections

On July 15, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that Beech Leaf Disease (BLD), which affects all species of beech trees, was identified in 35 counties in New York State to date. The DEC began tracking BLD in 2018 after it was confirmed in Chautauqua County. Fourteen of the counties with BLD were confirmed in 2022, and more are likely to be identified.

“Many American beech trees are already heavily impacted by beech bark disease, but Beech Leaf Disease appears to be an even bigger threat,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “The decline of beech in New York could have far-reaching consequences, including significant changes to the composition of our northern hardwood forests and the loss of a valuable food source for wildlife. Beech Leaf Disease affects all beech, so the impacts would also be felt in our urban forests where ornamental beech trees, including the popular copper beech cultivar, are widely used for landscaping and street trees.”

Much is still unknown about BLD, including how it spreads, but it can kill mature beech trees in six to 10 years and saplings in as little as two years. There is no known treatment for infected trees. BLD symptoms are associated with the nematode Litylenchus crenatae mccannii. It is unknown whether the nematode causes all of the damage, or if it is in association with another pathogen such as a virus, bacteria, or fungus.

» Continue Reading.


Sunday, July 17, 2022

ADKX Benefit Gala set for July 30, Dr. Ross S. Whaley honored as Harold K. Hochschild Awardee

Blue Mountain Lake, N.Y.  – The Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake (ADKX) will be celebrating their annual Benefit Gala & Harold K. Hochschild Award ceremony on Saturday, July 30 from 6 to 9 pm, under the stars at their museum in the heart of the Adirondacks. This yearly celebration and fundraiser highlights the organization’s accomplishments and achievements, as well as honors the yearly Harold K. Hochschild Award recipient.

This award, given annually to a different recipient, is dedicated to the memory of the museum’s founder, whose passion for the Adirondacks, its people, and environment inspired him to create the museum and establish the Adirondack Park Agency (APA). The 2022 award recipient is Dr. Ross S. Whaley, President Emeritus of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) in Syracuse, NY.

» Continue Reading.


Friday, July 15, 2022

DEC issues fire danger reminder

campfire courtesy DECOn July 14, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos urged New Yorkers to practice the utmost safety when building campfires this summer. Dry weather throughout June and July has increased the risk of fires.

“The sunny, summer weather is giving people ample opportunity to enjoy New York’s outdoors, but it’s also increasing the risk for fires,” Commissioner Seggos said. “When building a campfire, please make sure to always keep an eye on it and pay attention to the wind. And when finished, make sure the fire is fully out and cold to the touch.”

The majority of the state remains at a moderate risk for fires, meaning that any outdoor fire can spread quickly, especially if the wind picks up. Campfires are among the top five causes of wildfires (PDF).

» Continue Reading.


Thursday, July 14, 2022

Community Health Needs Assessment Meeting set for July 19 at Old Forge Library

The Herkimer County Public Health Department, in conjunction with local community healthcare advocates from LivingADK’s Healthcare Committee and the Old Forge Library, are asking for community feedback identifying key health and social needs in the community.

There will be a townhall-style forum at the Old Forge Library on July 19, at 10 am. Residents, community leaders, fire department members, ambulance volunteers, seniors and healthcare professionals, everyone with a stake in health issues in the Town of Webb, are encouraged to attend and provide feedback.

 

Hamilton County residents who feel they have a stake in regional health issues are also welcome to provide ideas and feedback. Herkimer County Public Health Department is required to create and submit a Community Health Needs Assessment to the NY State Department of Health.

» Continue Reading.


Thursday, July 14, 2022

New York Annual Loon Census, Loon Center Open House on July 16

Saranac Lake, NY – Attention loon watchers! The New York Annual Loon Census is a great opportunity for Adirondack residents and visitors to participate in the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation’s ongoing research on Common Loons.

Census observers are needed for the 22nd Annual NY Loon Census on Saturday, July 16 from 8 to 9 a.m. to help determine the abundance of loons in New York during the 2022 breeding season. To participate, please sign up for a lake in advance at www.adkloon.org/ny-loon-census to help minimize duplicate observations.

“Hundreds of observers contribute annually to this valuable citizen-science study,” said Dr. Nina Schoch, Executive Director of the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation. “The results from their observations enable us to monitor the status and trends in New York’s loon population over time. We are also excited to welcome visitors to the Adirondack Loon Center this summer to learn about our many new projects to protect loons and our upcoming educational exhibits.”

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Classic 1929 Chris-Craft Wooden Boat to be Auctioned by LGA

LAKE GEORGE – Jeff Killeen has adoringly and meticulously cared for his rare 1929 Chris-Craft Cadet wooden powerboat for 25 years. Now he’s donating the award-winning vessel to a cause he cares about even more deeply – the long-term protection of Lake George. The 22-foot, triple-cockpit boat, christened “The Laker,” will be auctioned off by the not-for-profit Lake George Association at its July 23 Summer Gala, with all proceeds benefiting the LGA’s Lake-protection programs.

 

The appraised value of the boat is $40,000 and bidding will start at $25,000. Mr. Killeen, a retired information services and digital media executive who serves as volunteer chairman of the board of the LGA and lives year-round on the Lake, said he is downsizing his wooden boat collection and hopes to find a home for the beloved vessel with another Lake George wooden boat enthusiast. “The Laker” features a six-foot beam and is equipped with the original 1929 Chrysler Imperial 100-horsepower, straight-6 engine and all original parts.

» Continue Reading.


Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Free virtual webinar “Backyard Invasives” set for July 20

ADIRONDACKS – Anyone can help prevent the spread of invasive species, even without leaving their yard. That’s the gist of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program’s free webinar “Backyard
Invasives—Identification and Management of Terrestrial Invasive Species,” which will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20.

“A lot of invasive species tend to grow on forest edges and roadsides, and some get planted intentionally, making people’s yards an ideal habitat,” said APPIP Terrestrial Invasive Species Coordinator Becca Bernacki.

Invasive species are plants, insects, fish and other animals that are not native to a region and cause ecological, economic or human health harm. They can reproduce quickly, outcompete native vegetation and are often spread by human activity.

Yards not only provide a welcoming habitat for invasives, they’re also heavily traveled upon, which increases the opportunity for plants and seeds to be unintentionally relocated. Mowing and landscaping are two ways unwanted plants can be spread. And while it isn’t easy to control the spread of invasive species, understanding how to identify and manage them are things anyone can do.

» Continue Reading.


Monday, July 11, 2022

Boaters required to obtain certification before launching motorized watercraft in ADK waterways

PAUL SMITHS  – A New York State Department of Environmental Conservation law was recently enacted that requires boaters operating any kind of motorized watercraft in the Adirondack Park and within ten miles of the Park’s boundary to obtain and possess a certification that confirms their motorboat is free of harmful aquatic invasive species.

 

The new measure to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species went into effect in June 2022 and is meant to complement the existing Adirondack Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention Program operated by the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute.

 

The public can learn more about this regulation via a new informational video and fact sheet, and can find locations around the region to get a courtesy inspection and a free boat wash at adkwatershed.org/clean-drain-dry.

 

The mission of the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute is to protect clean water, conserve habitat and support the health and well-being of the people in the Adirondacks through science, collaboration, and real-world experiences for students.

Photo at top: The easiest way for the public to ensure their boat meets the “Clean, Drain, Dry, Certify” standard is to visit a Watercraft Inspection Steward at a boat decontamination station. There are several located across the Adirondack region and a boat wash is free. Photo credit: Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute. Photo provided by Zoë Smith, Deputy Director of the Adirondack Watershed Institute.


Monday, July 11, 2022

“Go Before You Go” Campaign Underway For Second Year

Lake Placid, NY- Stewart’s Shops and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) are continuing their partnership to educate visitors about the importance of being prepared before beginning their Adirondack adventure. The campaign encourages people to visit a Stewart’s Shop to help prepare for their outing.

The “Go Before You Go” campaign comprises videos, along with audio messages and print materials. Video and audio will be seen and heard by those who visit Stewart’s Shops throughout the Adirondacks.

Campaign videos explain the importance of being prepared, encouraging people to stock up with supplies and to visit the restrooms at trailheads or other public spaces before accessing the trails. Audio recordings, played on the Stewart’s Shops outdoor speaker system, share similar messages for those filling their tanks at the gas pumps.

» Continue Reading.


Sunday, July 10, 2022

Audubon Welcomes New Forest Program Associate Rosa Goldman

As a Forest Program Associate for Connecticut and New York, Rosa Goldman works with local landowners to make their forests healthier for birds and other wildlife.

Growing up in semi-rural western Massachusetts, Goldman recounts the impact forests had on her childhood:

“I definitely took forests for granted,” she said. “I was surrounded by them all the time, and loved spending time in the woods.”

It was not until she received her bachelor’s in environmental studies and moved to New York City that Goldman realized just how powerful that influence was. “Suddenly the type of forest I’d grown up in wasn’t as accessible to me anymore. I started learning about urban forestry, but pretty quickly realized that I wanted to go back to school to study forests more broadly.”

» Continue Reading.


Saturday, July 9, 2022

Finding beauty in flowers, birds while cleaning up litter

I got out on several different waters this week, checking Loons and doing some Boreal Bird Studies. I found some new nesting Loons and a few Boreal birds. Some things I found in my travels didn’t make me happy. One was the mess left up in the pit by Independence Lake. I believe the mess was made by celebrating students from the Town of Webb.  I can’t prove it, but it happened on graduation night, as it has for the past three or four years somewhere on the Town of Webb Snowmobile Trail System.

A big bonfire of pallets, old furniture (and other things that will burn,) then toss in over one hundred empty beer, wine, and soda cans…and you can call it a party. Then you drive around it with some big trucks crushing other cans and bottles, and leave the mess for someone else to pick up…that’s pride in your area! We have a clean up day in May, which many students take part in making the area free of much litter left by visitors (and some by locals.) Maybe some of the students who left this mess could travel again to this area, and remove the stuff they left for others to see and pick up.

» Continue Reading.


Thursday, July 7, 2022

Once Upon a Dam

indian lake dam

By Daniel Way

Well, we’ve finally done it. The human race, which emerged from the mists of time millions of years ago, needed only two centuries since discovering fossil fuels to belch so much carbon dioxide and methane into the Earth’s atmosphere that our glaciers and permafrost are melting, sea levels are rising, and violent storms are causing massive damage to our farmlands, coastlines and residential areas. According to Bill McKibben, the avatar against climate change and founder of the worldwide environmental movement 350.org, mankind has pumped as much CO2 into the atmosphere since 1989 as it did in all of human history before that. Whole countries such as India, Micronesia, The Seychelles, Maldives, and other island countries may become unlivable or submerged, vast swaths of Australia and California are being incinerated, and mass extinctions are underway. Although some countries are belatedly taking real steps to combat climate change, ours as a nation is not one of them. Our individual states are left to deal with the problem in whatever way works best for them, if they do anything at all. 

» 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

We publish commentary and opinion pieces from voluntary contributors, as well as news updates and event notices from area organizations. Contributors include veteran local writers, historians, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the Adirondack region. The information, views and opinions expressed by these various authors are not necessarily those of the Adirondack Almanack or its publisher, the Adirondack Explorer.

General inquiries about the Adirondack Almanack should be directed to editor Melissa Hart. To advertise on the Adirondack Almanack, or to receive information on rates and design, please click here.
Web Services & Search Engine Optimization By: Suloff Designs

Wait, before you go,

sign up for news updates from the Adirondack Almanack!