History, Natural History & the Arts
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In June, the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army, based at Fort Drum in Jefferson County, released a draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) that outlined ambitious “air and land-based training activities” to possibly take place across nine counties in Upstate New York, including four (St. Lawrence, Lewis, Oneida, Herkimer) that are partially within the Adirondack Park, and two (Hamilton, Essex) that are entirely within the Adirondack Park Blue Line. [Read more…] about Army Proposal For Air, Ground Training On Forest Preserve Problematic
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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the recent acquisition of 525 acres in the town of North Collins, Erie County, to create the Clear Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
The land offers hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife viewing, and other recreational opportunities and becomes the largest State-owned WMA in Erie County. [Read more…] about NYS Acquires 525 Acres at Clear Lake, Erie County
In 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
The 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
New 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
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If you would like to subscribe to our daily e-mail visit https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/sign-up-for-email-updates/ — I will never share your e-mail. [Read more…] about The Almanack Has Upgraded Our Daily Email Bulletin
From the onset of November, periods of mild weather become fewer and further between; however, there are always occasions when hats and coats can be left in the closet, and the fire in the woodstove can be allowed to die out for a day or two.
It’s during such balmy spells when several species of hardy moths take to the air and can be seen after dusk fluttering around a porch light or a window next to a lamp. These small, drab gray insects are all closely related, belonging to the Geometridae family of animals, and are best typified by the fall cankerworm (Alsophila pometaria). [Read more…] about That Late Season Moth: Fall Cankerworm
The 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