New York Almanack

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Former NY Central Adirondack Division Rails Being Removed

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Removing New York Central Railroad Adirondack Division Rails October 2020 DEC PhotoThe New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) has begun tearing up the former NY Central Adirondack Division tracks connecting Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake, part of a $1.9 million State project to build a rail trial suitable for use by bicyclists and snowmobilers.

The 34-mile rail corridor being removed was key to a once-thriving 119-mile railroad which operated almost continuously from 1892 until 1972, first as the Mohawk & Malone, and then by the New York Central starting in 1913. [Read more…] about Former NY Central Adirondack Division Rails Being Removed

Bat Week: Protecting Bat Populations

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Northern Long Eared BatIn observance of Bat Week, an internationally recognized week-long focus on raising awareness about the important role bats play in our environment, avoid visiting caves and mines that may serve as seasonal homes for hibernating bats at this time of year.

Human disturbance is especially harmful to the State’s bat populations since the arrival of the disease known as white-nose syndrome, a fungus that has killed more than 90 percent of bats at hibernation sites in New York. [Read more…] about Bat Week: Protecting Bat Populations

10 Stories With Bob Cudmore (Virtual Program)

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Schoharie Crossings Visitor Center courtesy Schoharie Crossing State Historic SiteSchoharie Crossing State Historic Site is set to host local author and former radio man, Bob Cudmore on Wednesday, October 28th at 1 pm to wrap up their NYS History Month programs.

Cudmore will discuss ten stories he has covered in his Focus on History column for the Daily Gazette. [Read more…] about 10 Stories With Bob Cudmore (Virtual Program)

Plans for Kildare, Five Mile Tracts Include Roads

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Kildare and Five Mile Revised Draft Amendment 2020 Proposed FacilitiesThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released for public review and comment revised draft amendments to the Kildare Recreation Management Plan and the Five Mile Interim Recreation Management Plan (RMP).

The revised draft amendments to the Kildare Tract Conservation Easement and the Five Mile Tract Conservation Easement RMPs will provide for public motor vehicle/overland access to the Kildare tract for the first time since it was acquired in 1989. The Tract is located in Hopkinton, St. Lawrence County. [Read more…] about Plans for Kildare, Five Mile Tracts Include Roads

Catskill Park Sustainability Planning Process Launched

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Catskill Creek by Thomas ColeNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has created a new strategic planning initiative to promote the sustainable management of public use in the Catskill Park, in line with statements made by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in his State of the State earlier this year.

The Adirondack and Catskill Parks, which are composed of a combination of New York State Forest Preserve lands and private property, have witnessed a dramatic increase over the last 20 years of visitors which has strained facilities and management of the Parks. The COVID-19 Pandemic has exacerbated the problem leading to another boost in visitors to even higher record levels. Overall, tourism in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks are up 22 percent since 2011 according to the Governor’s office. [Read more…] about Catskill Park Sustainability Planning Process Launched

Oneida Co. Historical Hall of Fame & Living Legends Inductions

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Robert McBrideThe Oneida County Historical Hall of Fame has named four individuals to its 2020 inductee class:

Lawyer and Justice Mary Donlon Alger, Red Cross Founder & Clinton resident Clara Barton, Utica pioneer Robert McBride, and Oneida leaders and Revolutionary War veterans Hanyery Tewahangarahken “He Who Takes Up the Snow Shoe” and Tyonajanegen “Two Kettles Together.” [Read more…] about Oneida Co. Historical Hall of Fame & Living Legends Inductions

Food and Travel On The Erie Canal Program Tuesday

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The Packet Boat -- from: Marco Paul's Travels on the Erie Canal / Jacob Abbott (Harper & Brothers, 1852) p. 44 Closing out the Tuesday Talks portion of the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site’s NYS History Month programs, Amanda Massie and Valerie Balint will host “Converging on the Canal: the 19th Century Through Food.”

What people eat is closely related to where they live and their socio-economic standing. In this online program about food and travel on the Erie Canal, Massie and Balint will discuss how the canal shaped the way Americans ate in the 19th century. [Read more…] about Food and Travel On The Erie Canal Program Tuesday

Spotted Lanternfly Look-Alikes

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DEC's new spotted lanternfly look-alikes posterThe spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a pesky invasive pest that feeds on lots of important New York plants, such as apple trees and hop vines.

With the recent finding of spotted lanternfly (SLF) on Staten Island, it’s never been more important for people to be on the lookout for this invasive. Since SLF spreads primarily through human activity, we really can make a difference. [Read more…] about Spotted Lanternfly Look-Alikes