Posts Tagged ‘NYS DEC’

Monday, July 10, 2023

DEC: Do Wildfires Affect Birds?

Wildfire

Recently, New York State experienced the harsh effects of raging wildfires in the Canadian Province of Ontario. For several days, air quality indexes spiked to concerning and unhealthy levels, as noticeable smoke covered most of the state in a haze. Here in New York, multiple smaller wildland fires have burned in locations across the state due to dry spring conditions. In addition to causing potential human health and safety concerns, wildfires also may affect local bird and wildlife populations.

» Continue Reading.


Friday, July 7, 2023

Outdoor Conditions (7/7): Knowing signs of heat stroke, exhaustion

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

  • Sable Highlands Conservation Easement and Cobble Hill Public Use Area – The bridge across Ouleout Creek is CLOSED TO ALL, including pedestrians.

» Continue Reading.


Thursday, July 6, 2023

Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog Handler Exams Set for Aug.

Falcon

Examinations for individuals seeking a license to practice the sport of falconry, become a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator, or use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded or injured big game animals are scheduled for Friday, August 11, 2023. The registration deadline for these free online exams is August 9, 2023.

Free study guides, the link to the registration website, and directions on how to register is provided on each of the individual license webpages. An email acknowledgment of registration will be sent to applicants, and later, an additional one-time link to access the website on the day of the exam.

For questions or assistance, please email us.

 

Photo at top courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS.)


Wednesday, July 5, 2023

DEC: Annual Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz to run through July 9

DEC boat steward

On June 27, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with seven Great Lakes states, six Northeast states, and six Canadian provinces, announced the annual Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz will run from June 30 through July 9. This international campaign bolsters existing efforts to inform boaters and others about the risks of introducing and spreading aquatic invasive species (AIS). During this coordinated outreach effort, partners will boost social media AIS messaging and increase in-person AIS education at thousands of water access sites throughout the Great Lakes and Northeast region.

» Continue Reading.


Sunday, July 2, 2023

BearWise campaign aims to help New Yorkers live responsibly with black bears

black bear

The NYS DEC recently announced that they are joining the BearWise campaign as a cooperative member state. BearWise was developed by biologists from state conservation agencies across the U.S. to ensure people, regardless of location, learn to live responsibly with bears. Using the “BearWise basics,” residents are encouraged to take simple steps at home (or when recreating outdoors) in order to avoid negative interactions with black bears.

» Continue Reading.


Saturday, July 1, 2023

Season extended at Moffitt Beach and Lewey Lake Campgrounds, unsupervised swimming at ADK/Catskill campgrounds

Lewey Lake Campgrounds and Day Use Area.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced new updates at the agency’s Adirondack and Catskill campgrounds ahead of the Independence Day holiday, which kicks off the busy season at State campgrounds. Changes include updating swimming policies for the 2023 camping season to specify unsupervised swimming at DEC campground beaches and extending the seasons at the popular Moffitt and Lewey Lake campgrounds. Lifeguards will continue to supervise swimming at DEC’s Lake George “Million Dollar Beach” and Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Areas.

» Continue Reading.


Friday, June 30, 2023

Outdoor Conditions (6/30): Skiff Pond Trail impassable due to washout

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

Debar Mountain Wild Forest

  • The Skiff Pond Trail is impassable due to washout. The washout is 0.25 miles south of the parking area at Debar Meadows. Skiff Pond can be accessed by taking the Debar Meadows to Meacham Lake Trail for about 1.8 miles to the intersection with the Skiff Pond Trail and turning east towards Skiff Pond.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Pitchoff Mt. hiker suffers ankle injury, rangers & pilots participate in Lake Clear bucket training

forest ranger reportHamlet of Lake Clear
Hamilton County
Training: On June 21, four pilots from New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation and six Forest Rangers participated in bucket training. Rangers work in tandem with NYSP pilots to fill the 240-gallon bucket before determining the proper altitude to dump the water on mock wildfires during the training.

Video from the bucket training is available on the DEC website:

» Continue Reading.


Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Love Our New York Lands volunteer stewardship events slated for July 8

Campgrounds Day Flyer, part of the Love Our New York Lands stewardship events.

On June 26, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that registration is now open for a new stewardship day at State-owned campgrounds on Saturday, July 8, 2023. The event, a partnership between Parks & Trails New York, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and DEC, encourages New Yorkers and visitors to give back to the campgrounds they love by volunteering.

» Continue Reading.


Saturday, June 24, 2023

ADK Park: Environmental Conservation Police News

Motorcycle Crash – Hamilton County

On May 29, ECO Newell and Trooper Nauroth responded to reports of a motorcycle accident south of Speculator. The Officers found the victim had incurred severe trauma to one of her legs, including lacerations and compound fractures. Officers Newell and Nauroth administered first aid while coordinating with Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch for EMS response and LifeNet Helicopter services.

 

Wells EMS and ambulance service, GAVAC, arrived on scene and transported the subject to Speculator. DEC Forest Ranger Snye, along with the Speculator Fire Department and Hamilton County Deputies, created a landing zone for the LifeNet helicopter while also assisting with a brush fire that began across the street from the landing zone. The coordination between agencies led to expedient medical care and transportation of the subject from Speculator to Albany Medical Center.

» Continue Reading.


Friday, June 23, 2023

Outdoor Conditions (6/23): Being aware of oncoming thunderstorms, safety tips

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

Nothing new this week

» Continue Reading.


Thursday, June 22, 2023

DEC Seeks Public’s Assistance with Investigation of Injury to Herkimer County Goose

Injured Canada Goose in Old Forge.

Goose Shot with Bow and Arrow on Old Forge Pond

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is asking the public for information regarding a Canada Goose found with an arrow protruding from its back on Old Forge Pond, Herkimer County. Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) have received several reports from local residents and assessed the health of the goose, finding it capable of flight and swimming. Attempts to capture the goose for care have been unsuccessful. The investigation is ongoing. ECOs will continue to monitor the goose and attempt to capture it.

Anyone with information that could help DEC identify the individual who shot the goose should contact DEC’s 24/7 Dispatch Center 1-844-DEC-ECOS (844-332-3267) and referencing case 23-013802.

 

Photo at top: Injured Canada Goose in Old Forge. Photo courtesy of Tanya Field.


Thursday, June 22, 2023

Rangers rescue lost Porter Mountain hikers, 4-month-old pup on McKenzie Mountain

forest ranger reportTown of Willsboro
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On June 14 at 11:50 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance for a hiker with a possible ankle fracture near the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain. Rangers reached the 43-year-old from Chazy in under an hour. Ranger Bronson requested additional support and a UTV to transport the subject to the trailhead. The hiker brought herself to the hospital for further care and resources were clear at 1:44 p.m.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, June 21, 2023

DEC Species Spotlight: Mink

 

mink

Mink (Mustela vison), perhaps one of wetland’s cutest furbearers, are primarily nocturnal carnivores that feel just at home on land as they do in water. Both their dense underfur, which is protected by oily guard hairs that make their coat waterproof, and a diet heavy in fish during winter explain why they spend time in the water.

» Continue Reading.


Tuesday, June 20, 2023

It’s National Pollinator Week: Importance of butterflies, bees, and more

Bee on a flower

National Pollinator Week is June 19-23. Pollinator Week is all about spreading awareness for the importance of butterflies, bats, birds, bees, and beetles.

Check out some of the resources below to learn more about protecting pollinators this month and year-round:
Provide a place for pollinators: Watch a video for tips on how to “Green Your Backyard” and support New York’s native pollinators at home: https://youtu.be/HAkeO_8eK4c

» 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:

Catch up on all your Adirondack
news, delivered weekly to your inbox