Saturday, August 5, 2023

Herkimer County Fish Stocking Program offers fish for sale

Herkimer County Soil and Water Conservation Fish Stocking Program


LARGEMOUTH BASS will spawn in smaller farm ponds with a water depth of 4 feet or more. Remember, Bass usually reproduce as 2 year olds and occasionally not until the third year. For best results, try to avoid fishing the pond until the Bass have spawned. The pond should then provide many years of fishing fun with occasional stocking of feeder fish such as Fathead Minnows. The recommended stocking rate for 2-4” Bass is 100 – 125 per surface acre along with 500 – 600 minnows per surface acre.

TROUT can live in water between 33 and 75 degrees, but they make their most rapid growth in water of 50 to 65 degrees. Not only do trout make their fastest growth within this temperature range, but they are less susceptible to parasites and diseases. It is not likely that you will be able to keep the water temperature in your pond within this range all year, unless you have a constant source of cooler water from a spring or well. Brook Trout prefer a water temperature range of 65 degrees Fahrenheit or less, and most are acid tolerant. They grow well in ponds 10 feet deep or shallower ones that are spring fed and may reproduce in ponds fed by gravel bottomed streams and springs. They are easily caught, with a life span of 3 to 4 years. Rainbow Trout prefer a water temperature range of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer and are good for ponds 8 feet deep or deeper, best in clear ponds. They are very acid sensitive, but grow quickly, with a life span of 5 years. The number of trout a pond will support depends on its surface area, water quality, and size of fish. The standard fall stocking rate for 4-6” fingerlings is 300 to 400 per surface acre.

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Friday, August 4, 2023

Fly Research Yields Possible Trauma Treatment

Though the phrase “garbage in, garbage out” is a decades-old caution for techies to be mindful when writing code or entering data, I thought my mom invented it. It was her stock retort when we kids asked why two hours of Saturday cartoons was plenty. “Garbage in, garbage out. Fill your heads with foolishness, and you’ll act that way.” I guess she was afraid we’d start chasing roadrunners across the
desert, which typically leads to sprinting off cliffs and being struck by falling anvils.

It turns out she had a point. Numerous studies confirm that exposure to graphic TV violence raises a child’s level of aggression and anxiety in the short term, and is a sound predicter of hostile behavior as an adult. Disturbing images, whether on-screen or in real life, can have a profound impact on us if viewed frequently enough. People who moderate online content, for example, evaluate and remove hundreds of appalling photos and videos daily. In 2021, Facebook paid $85 million to settle a US class-action lawsuit brought by 10,000 of its content arbiters who were suffering from work-related trauma.

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Friday, August 4, 2023

Outdoor Conditions (8/4) – Marcy Brook Lean-to being repaired

outdoor conditions logo

High Peaks Wilderness – Starting Thursday, July 27, Marcy Brook Lean-to will be unavailable for use. The lean-to is being repaired over several weekends by the Adirondack 46ers Volunteers. Campers can utilize existing tent sites across the hiking trail from the lean-to or camp at nearby lean-tos.

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.
  • avoid high-elevation trails to protect the thin soils and fragile habitats until things dry out and harden.

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Friday, August 4, 2023

Latest news headlines

Here’s a look at news from around the Adirondacks this week:

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Thursday, August 3, 2023

MAKE IT: Perfect Pesto Sauce

fresh basil

When I was young, maybe eight or nine years old, my mom made dinner one evening in the middle of the summer. She served spaghetti to us, with a very odd looking green sauce. She encouraged me to try it, and that was when my love for pesto sauce began. 

My mom has always had a green thumb. Her garden is impressive every year, and her massive pots of basil growing all summer long mean that we will have a bounty of fresh pesto to eat during the summer and freeze for the winter. I can’t explain it… but in the middle of February when there is endless snow, defrosting a batch of summer pesto is a sure fire way to pull you out of the winter blues – even if it’s just for one meal.

I will say though, as much as I have loved pesto sauce for most of my life, I think the recipe my mom follows is the best. And we have to give credit where credit is due, her recipe was a hand me down from my Aunt Debbie, my mom’s sister in law – who received the recipe from a little Italian restaurant in Clifton Park NY. (Where it came from before that, is beyond me!)

Now I share it with all of you!

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Thursday, August 3, 2023

Rebate Available for Eligible Hunters to Purchase Non-Lead Ammunition

bald eagles
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced DEC is seeking hunters to participate in a multi-year study of non-lead ammunition impacts on the State’s eagle conservation efforts. DEC is partnering with the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Cornell University, U.S. Geological Survey, and Conservation Science Global on the study to determine the reduction in bald and golden eagle deaths that can be achieved from increased use of non-lead ammunition for deer hunting.

Eagles can ingest lead bullet fragments when scavenging the remains left behind after a hunter field dresses a deer. While the bald eagle population is doing well in New York, research has shown that lead-related mortality has slowed population growth. The golden eagle population in the eastern U.S. is relatively stable, although vulnerable to a potential population decline due to lead poisoning. This study aims to determine whether this source of mortality can be reduced by increasing the proportion of hunters using non-lead ammunition.

To help recruit hunters to participate in the study, DEC’s research partners will be offering rebates of up to $60 for the purchase of certified non-lead ammunition and participation in pre- and post-hunt surveys. Administration of the rebates will be fulfilled by Conservation Science Global. Participation in the rebate program is voluntary and will be available to hunters issued a Deer Management Permit (DMP) in the following Wildlife Management Units (WMUs): 3H, 4F, 4G, 4H, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4W, and 6G. These WMUs were selected based on greater abundance of eagles and deer harvest success. Focusing eligibility to these areas will concentrate the impact of non-lead ammunition use, allowing for a greater ability to estimate the effects on eagle populations.

The first year of the study will be implemented during the 2023-24 hunting season. DEC expects to continue offering rebates during the 2024 and 2025 hunting seasons. For more information and where eligible hunters can participate, visit the Hunters for Eagle Conservation website.

This research was identified as a high priority in DEC’s report, “Minimizing Risks to Wildlife and People from Lead Hunting Ammunition.” Since the release of this report in April 2022, DEC and partners have taken several steps to implement recommendations in the plan towards minimizing the risks associated with lead ammunition for hunting. For more information, visit DEC’s website.

DEC photo


Thursday, August 3, 2023

Tupper Lake Masonic Craft Fair and Flea Market Returns in August

Tupper Lake Masonic craft fair and flea marke

The Tupper Lake Masonic Craft Fair and Flea Market is returning to the Tupper Lake Waterfront Park on Demars Boulevard, August 18-20. The event features antiques, collectibles, and locally made craft items. A number of local and regional food vendors will also be on-site.

The event begins on Friday, August 18, from 12 to 6 p.m. On Saturday, August 19, the flea market will be open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. The flea market will conclude on Sunday, August 20, operating from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Tupper Lake Masonic Craft Fair and Flea Market is well-known as one of the largest events of its kind in the area, attracting thousands of bargain hunters and collectors from throughout the region. During the course of its 44-year history, it has brought together an impressive array of more than 100 vendors and craftspeople, with an eclectic mix of items for sale. The event was paused during the 2020 pandemic.

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Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Essex Day – 2023

 

Every year, the Town of Essex on Lake Champlain, comes together on the first Saturday of August and celebrates our community with a town-wide yard sale and street party. Come join the fun and see what makes Essex special.

Browse and enjoy refreshments at local shops like The Pink Pig, The Barn Door Tavern (look for their special Essex Day Beer Garden!), The Essex Ice Cream Cafe, and The Neighborhood Nest.
We’ll also have food trucks, vendors, and live music from Too Tall String Band and Marie Marie and more!


Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Lake Placid Center for the Arts grants $650k to arts organizations across NYS

lake placid center for the arts

Initiative Supported by the New York State Council on the Arts

Lake Placid, NY –  The Lake Placid Center for the Arts (LPCA) is thrilled to announce the list of awardees from its inaugural Audience Building Project, a regrant program supported by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) this year.

The statewide program is focused on audience-building to support organizations as they recover from the COVID-19 and racial justice pandemics. LPCA is distributing a pool of $650,000 to presenters of all sizes with $5,000-$10,000 grants towards projects that are intended to grow and diversify audiences. By mitigating some of the financial risk involved in programming performing arts experiences that will appeal to a new or broader audience, the Audience Building Project aims to support arts organizations’ ability to develop deep, sustainable relationships within their communities.

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Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Rangers Rescue Injured Hiker off of Phelps Mountain

forest ranger report


Recent NYS DEC Forest Ranger actions:

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue:
 On July 24 at 5:37 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a hiker with an unstable ankle injury on the Van Hovenberg trail just below the junction with Phelps Mountain. Forest Ranger Lewis served as incident commander, leading a team of seven Rangers on a carry-out mission. Rangers reached the 60-year-old from Auburn by 7 p.m., stabilized her ankle, and packaged her into a backpack carrier. Rangers carried the subject approximately one mile to Marcy Dam and then drove a UTV three miles to the intersection of South Meadows and Adirondack Loj roads where she was met by her husband, who drove her to the hospital. Resources were clear by 9:30 p.m.


Rescue on Phelps Mountain

Village of Tupper Lake
Franklin County
Law Enforcement:
 On July 30, Forest Ranger Corey issued 10 tickets to an individual who had two illegal encampments on State land at Underwood Bridge and Big Tupper Lake. Rangers Bronson and Russell assisted Ranger Corey in evicting the subject. The tickets included camping for four or more nights without a permit, storing personal property on State land, cutting down trees, leaving rubbish, and leaving a fire unattended. Each ticket carries a maximum fine of $250.


Illegal camp at Tupper Lake


Illegal camp at Tupper Lake


Illegal camp at Tupper Lake

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hike Smart NYAdirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.

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.


Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Sen. Stec: Updating Adirondacks’ cell tower policy is essential

towers

By NYS Sen. Dan Stec

As Senator, I rely on the input of my constituents to advance policies that will improve our communities. To that end, I recently sent out a survey relating to cell service in the Adirondack Park. That survey can also be taken here, at my Senate website.  If we’re to ensure our region is up-to-date with the needs of our residents, action on the issue of cellular service is essential.

A lot has changed in 21 years.

Wars began and ended. Google went public in 2004. Facebook was founded that same year.

Scientists mapped the human genome. Rovers traversed Mars. Apple launched its first iPhone.

Amid all that change and technological upheaval, one thing has remained stagnant: the regulation of cellular technology in the Adirondack Park. 

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Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Adirondack Cuisine Trail – Open Farm Weekend

Essex Farm tour

Farm Tours, Workshops, Local Eats and More

Lewis, NY – Farm tours, workshops, farm-to-table food, and more are scheduled for the second annual  Adirondack Cuisine Trail Open Farm Weekend. Events will be held August 4 to 6 highlighting farms and small businesses along the North Country, Champ’s and Boquet Valley Cuisine Trails, three of the six distinct cuisine trails that highlight agriculture in the Adirondacks.

After the success of the 2022 Open Farm Weekend that drew 1,000+ people to farms along the Boquet Valley Cuisine Trail, the event has expanded this year with new events. Attend one, a few, or all Open Farm Weekend events listed below. More information about each event can be found online at AdirondackHarvest.com.

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Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Wine and Swine Event to raise funds for PRIDE of Ticonderoga

Ticonderoga, NY – Step into an unforgettable evening at the Barn at Lord Pride of Ticonderoga: Wine and Swine eventHowe Valley on August 17th, 2023 at 6pm to celebrate our Annual Wine and Swine Fundraising event. This event helps benefit our Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Fund. Neighbors Helping Neighbors helps low to moderate income families and individuals with emergency home repairs to make their home safe and habitable.

Come and enjoy a night of  food, cocktails, music and more.
There will be a Silent and Live Auction.

General Admission tickets are $65 and include: 2 drink tickets, Appetizers, Dinner, and Dessert. Purchase tickets online or by visiting in person: 132 Montcalm St, Ticonderoga NY 12883 (Basement of the Community Building), at the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (94 Montcalm St Ste 1, Ticonderoga, NY 12883) and lastly at Glens Falls National Bank (123 Montcalm St, Ticonderoga, NY 12883) . Donations can also be made online.

“Wine and Swine” is more than just a culinary extravaganza. It’s an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need. By attending this event and participating in our wine pull and auction, you directly contribute to our Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund. Your support ensures that those facing housing emergencies receive the assistance they need to maintain safe and stable homes.

Secure your tickets and explore sponsorship opportunities on our website today. By doing so, you become an integral part of our mission to support our community’s low to moderate-income residents and strengthen the bonds of neighborly care.


Monday, July 31, 2023

Reflections on a sunny day

sunny day reflection on water
Photos by the author

Sitting on the dock, we sip our drinks while reading. The sun is bright and almost hot, but our sunscreen protects us. There are a few deerflies, but they will be dispatched if they do not subscribe to the peaceful vibe.

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