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The Department of Environmental Conservation tested 2,658 harvested deer across New York State for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the animals harvested by hunters in the 2019 season. No evidence of CWD was found. “Preventing the introduction of CWD into New York is a high priority for DEC to ensure the health of our deer herd and to protect the recreational and viewing opportunities deer provide,” State DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a press release.
No Chronic Wasting Disease detected in 2019 hunting season
DEC offers tips for parents, teachers during COVID-19
From NYS DEC:
Has COVID-19 turned you into an at-home teacher to your kids? Are you a full-time teacher finding new ways to engage your students from afar? Encourage your students to get outside and #RecreateLocal in their own backyards! Not only is time spent outdoors great for mental health, but the fresh air and physical activity will help them focus better for the rest of the day. Their time spent outside can even be educational.
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, creators of the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace, have shared a number of educational activities that teach responsible outdoor recreation to kids. From “Camp Oh No!” to the “Thumb Trick” and packing a backcountry poop kit, these fun, engaging activities can be done outside, inside, or over video chat to prepare kids for a lifetime of responsible outdoor recreation.
Inspire others to get outdoors by sharing how you and your family #RecreateLocal using the hashtag, and – from the backyard to the local trail – always remember to practice safe social distancing and follow CDC guidelines on minimizing the spread of COVID-19.
NYS elaborates on COVID-19 recreation policy
The state has launched a new #RecreateLocal hashtag and issued guidance that encourages people to recreate responsibly, practice social distancing, and stay near their homes during the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a recent press release.
The guidance includes recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state Department of Health for reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
Cancel Your Hiking Trip to the Adirondacks
At 8 pm on Sunday evening, March 22, 2020, the State of New York began its official “pause” of most commercial and public activities in an attempt to halt the spread of COVID-19.
Under the Governor’s executive order, all non-essential businesses are to close, and all state residents are to remain in their homes. Click here for a list of “essential businesses.” » Continue Reading.
Recent Forest Ranger Search and Rescue Missions
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents in the Adirondacks. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people from the Adirondack backcountry.
What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers in the Adirondacks. » Continue Reading.
Eagle Island Welcoming Overnight Campers
Eagle Island, Inc.has announced that registration is open for Girls’ Overnight Camp on its private 30-acre island on Upper Saranac Lake. This program is for girls entering 5th through 9th grades. Programs are built on the mission to inspire and empower girls and young women to be confident, collaborative, and courageous. » Continue Reading.
Lake George Hike-A-Thon Registration Open
Early-bird registration for the Lake George Land Conservancy’s (LGLC) Hike-A-Thon opened March 2nd to another eager crowd. Just two hours after opening, the 8th annual event had 150 registrations; after one week that tally has surpassed 400. » Continue Reading.
High Peaks Shuttles: Visitor Needs and Resource Protection
Peter Bauer’s recent article arguing that the State is facilitating unlimited access to the High Peaks raised some interesting points. Among those points was the idea that shuttle buses for hikers will result in potentially unprecedented usage levels of already popular hiking trails. This jibes with concerns I have heard from others that shuttles will lead to even greater activity in the High Peaks, when instead we should be limiting access to protect the Wilderness. » Continue Reading.
Snowmobiler Injured in Raquette Lake Accident
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents in the Adirondacks. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people from the Adirondack backcountry.
What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers in the Adirondacks. » Continue Reading.
Life At 39 Degrees
On a picture-perfect winter morning last year, 20 Saint Michael’s College students and I visited Vermont Fish and Wildlife scientists for ice fishing at Knight’s Point on Lake Champlain. We drilled holes, baited hooks, learned about ice safety, identified fish – and even caught a few. » Continue Reading.
Senior Hiking Trail Guide Bill Introduced
Senator José M. Serrano and Senator Rachel May have announced the introduction of legislation (S. 7765) to create a New York Senior Trail Guide that identifies walking and hiking opportunities for active seniors in State Parks, DEC managed lands, and along public, non-motorized multi-use trails. » Continue Reading.
Viewpoint: State Facilitating Unlimited Access to High Peaks
It seems pretty clear at this point that the state agencies that manage the High Peaks Wilderness Area, and adjacent Wilderness areas, are not interested in limiting public use.
The state is investing in new parking areas, new hiking trails, and a new hiker transportation system that are all designed to facilitate ever-higher levels of public use in the High Peaks, not limit it.
Consider the change underway at Cascade Mountain.
Forest Rangers Respond To Lost Skiers, Hikers, Snowmobile Accidents
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents in the Adirondacks. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people from the Adirondack backcountry.
What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers in the Adirondacks. » Continue Reading.
Sports and Event Panel Set For Paul Smith’s
Paul Smith’s College and its DECA chapter is set to host “Adventures in Top Tier Sport,” a panel featuring five sports and event management professionals, on Thursday, February 27th.
The discussion which will include topics ranging from career opportunities and marketing to logistics and legacy after use of facilities. » Continue Reading.
2020 Lake Stewardship Employment Opportunities
The Adirondack Watershed Institute has announced they have 100+ positions available for summer 2020. They are hiring paid watershed stewards, decontamination technicians, and supervisors to help safeguard against aquatic invasive species and protect Adirondack waterways. » Continue Reading.
Latest Adirondack News
- Multiple fires lead officials to caution campers
- Adirondack summer camps close or adapt for pandemic summer
- Lake George parasail permits get safety updates after near-drowning
- Tourism swells for long weekend
- Couple tells tourists, ‘Go home’
- Trudeau studies COVID-19 while helping AMC
- Plattsburgh nursing home has 2nd COVID case
- Cuomo: Campgrounds, RV Parks can open
- Crews fight multiple wildfires in ADKs
- Bassmaster events continue to run, in new ways
Latest Adirondack News
- Multiple fires lead officials to caution campers
- Adirondack summer camps close or adapt for pandemic summer
- Lake George parasail permits get safety updates after near-drowning
- Tourism swells for long weekend
- Couple tells tourists, ‘Go home’
- Trudeau studies COVID-19 while helping AMC
- Plattsburgh nursing home has 2nd COVID case
- Cuomo: Campgrounds, RV Parks can open
- Crews fight multiple wildfires in ADKs
- Bassmaster events continue to run, in new ways
The Adirondack Almanack
The Adirondack Almanack's contributors include veteran local writers, historians, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the Adirondack region. The Almanack is the online news journal of Adirondack Explorer. Both are nonprofits supported by contributors, readers, and advertisers, and devoted to exploring, protecting, and unifying the Adirondack Park.
General inquiries about the Adirondack Almanack should be directed to editor Melissa Hart.
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