New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Recreation

Recreation Plan In Works For Western Lassiter Tracts

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Beers Lot EasementThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced they are seeking public comment on the development of a draft Recreation Management Plan (RMP) for the Western Lassiter Tracts, which is comprised of two privately owned conservation easements-the Beers Lot and Pine Hill conservation easements-that encompass approximately 2,200 acres in the town of Edwards, St. Lawrence County.

DEC is encouraging the public to comment until June 30th, 2021. [Read more…] about Recreation Plan In Works For Western Lassiter Tracts

Use Local Firewood: Avoid Spreading Invasives

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Many people take campfire wood from their backyards or neighborhoods as they head out to a favorite camping spot, not realizing the wood may be hiding the eggs, larvae, spores, adults, or even seeds of invasive threats. Hitching a ride on infested or infected firewood allows these pests to spread faster and farther than they could have on their own.

A variety of invasive species can be transported on firewood, from wood boring beetles and defoliators to fungi and diseases.

[Read more…] about Use Local Firewood: Avoid Spreading Invasives

154 Acres Added to Lake George Sucker Brook Preserve

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The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) recently purchased 154 acres in the Town of Putnam, in the northeast region of Lake George. The land was purchased from the Rota and Rota-Poulin family, who had stewarded the property for multiple generations. [Read more…] about 154 Acres Added to Lake George Sucker Brook Preserve

New State Land Purchase In Warren County Includes Climbing Access

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Huckleberry Mountain courtesy Open Space InstituteNew York State has acquired 1,263 acres of land in the Warren County town of Johnsburg in the Southern Adirondacks. The parcel includes Huckleberry Mountain, an elongated peak that tops 2,400 feet, with spectacular cliffs on the ridge’s south and southwest face. The parcel is now part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve, and is expected to become part of the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest.

In 1911 Huckleberry Mountain was proposed as a site for a massive dam.

[Read more…] about New State Land Purchase In Warren County Includes Climbing Access

Adirondack Council Hires Rewilding Advocate John Davis

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John Davis at Elders Grove, Paul SmithsThe Adirondack Council has hired John Davis, a wildlife advocate with Adirondack conservation experience, to advocate for wild land restoration and reconnected wildlife pathways that have been disturbed by roads, buildings and other obstacles. [Read more…] about Adirondack Council Hires Rewilding Advocate John Davis

Father & Three-Year-Old Son Drown Cold Water Kayaking

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NYSP logoOn May 7th, 2021, at approximately 2:20 pm, State Police responded to the Willsboro Bay state boat launch for an overturned kayak. An investigation at the scene revealed that 28-year-old Patrick S. Wells, and his son, 3-year-old Beckett L. Wells, both of Willsboro, were kayaking in a single-person kayak when, for an unknown reason, they overturned into the cold waters of Lake Champlain.  [Read more…] about Father & Three-Year-Old Son Drown Cold Water Kayaking

Try Accessible Recreation at Wildlife Management Areas

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Tillman Road WMA  accessible boardwalkScientific studies show that time outside in nature significantly reduces stress and anxiety; lowers blood pressure; improves mood, energy, and sleep; and boosts the immune system.

There are several Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) where people with disabilities will find universally accessible features.  [Read more…] about Try Accessible Recreation at Wildlife Management Areas

Canalway Challenge Kicks Off Along New York’s Canals

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Canalway ChallengeThe 2021 Canalway Challenge, hosted by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is now underway.

Participants choose a mileage goal of 15, 90, 180, or 360 miles. They then walk, run or cycle on the Canalway Trail or paddle on the NYS Canal System to achieve it. People with disabilities are welcome to participate in a 1st Mile Challenge by completing one mile. [Read more…] about Canalway Challenge Kicks Off Along New York’s Canals

Rangers Respond to Injured Hikers, Missing People

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forest ranger logoNew 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.

What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers. [Read more…] about Rangers Respond to Injured Hikers, Missing People

NY’s Highest Court Rules Big Snowmobile Trails On Forest Preserve Violate Constitution

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Article 14, Section 1 New York State Constitution Forever Wild clauseThe New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, has issued a 4-2 decision today in favor of Protect the Adirondacks that upheld Article 14, Section 1, of the New York State Constitution, the famed “forever wild” clause.

In 2013, Protect the Adirondacks sued the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Adirondack Park Agency (APA) alleging that construction of “Class II Community Connector” snowmobile trails on the Adirondack Forest Preserve violated Article 14, Section 1, due to excessive tree cutting and destructive changes to the land. [Read more…] about NY’s Highest Court Rules Big Snowmobile Trails On Forest Preserve Violate Constitution