History, Natural History & the Arts
The Appellate Division, Third Department has issued a unanimous ruling annulling a permit issued by the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) for a large-scale expansion of a commercial marina on Lower Saranac Lake in the Adirondack Park.
The decision in Thomas Jorling vs Adirondack Park Agency, et. al. reverses a lower court decision issued by State Supreme Court. [Read more…] about Court Strikes Down Lower Saranac Lake Marina Permit Issued by APA
Construction is complete on a flood resiliency project at the Oak Point Boat Launch in the town of Hammond, St. Lawrence County. The completed improvements are expected to address fluctuating water levels along the St. Lawrence River, as well as promote boater safety. [Read more…] about Flood Project at St. Lawrence River Boat Launch Completed
A transformative project with hopes to revitalize downtown Albany’s access to the Hudson River is being proposed. Unlike past projects and proposals, it would bring the river to Albany instead of bringing Albany to the river.
The plan includes a re-imagining of what was once the Albany Basin, once a bustling harbor at the foot of State Street. The Albany Basin was bounded by Quay Street on the west side and an earthen-filled pier, that extended over 4,000 feet in length, on the east. Thousands of vessels passed through the basin’s entry points during the city’s golden age.
The proposal calls for the creation of a short canal that would include an entrance from the Hudson River through the original Lock 1 of the historic Erie Canal located near the Central Warehouse and another just north of the USS Slater. It would include a wider basin in front of the Delaware & Hudson Building, which now serves as the SUNY Administration building. [Read more…] about Albany Waterway Canal Project Could Return Historic Hudson River Access
The New York State Canal Corporation has announced that water levels this navigation season in the Erie Canal between Lock E-30 (Macedon) and Locks E-34/35 (Lockport) will be consistent with levels maintained throughout 2022 – approximately one foot lower than historic levels. [Read more…] about Seeps Keep Erie Canal, Glens Falls Feeder Canal Levels Lower
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released the 2020-2022 Great Lakes Program Report that highlights collaborative efforts to conserve, restore, protect, and enhance New York’s Great Lakes land and water resources. [Read more…] about Great Lakes Health Report Issued
Work has begun at the new boat launch on the Barge Canal at Cove Road, in the town of Verona, Oneida County. [Read more…] about Oneida Lake Boat Launch Construction Starts
The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are holding a joint public comment period to solicit comments for the Broadalbin Public Boat Launch Draft Unit Management Plan (UMP).
The public is invited to submit input on the draft plan, which will guide future management of the facility and its conformance to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan. Comments will be accepted until January 16th, 2023. [Read more…] about Broadalbin Public Boat Launch Comments Sought
A front-runner for 1930’s “it seemed like a good idea at the time” award was 40-year-old Harry Baxter of Syracuse, NY.
In early September, he and his wife, Louisa, and one of their sons were camping at Black Lake in western St. Lawrence County. Thirty-six hours later he was in desperate straits, clinging to a small, rocky island and life itself. [Read more…] about A Perfect Storm of Bad Luck; One Tough Guy on Black Lake
At Adirondack Wild’s October meeting at the Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center, lakes and ponds came under the spotlight in a panel discussion about Cooperative Stewardship of Adirondack Lakes. Of particular interest was a given lake’s classification and subsequent comprehensive study, planning and management.
If Adirondack waterbodies are considered part of the Forest Preserve, and for the last fifty years the State Land Master Plan talks about land and water, then the law requires that lakes and ponds be classified, just as forests are. That raises important questions. [Read more…] about Gibson: DEC & APA Should Reform Managing Adirondack Lakes and Ponds
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the start of construction of a new boat launch on the Barge Canal at Cove Road in the town of Verona, Oneida County, to enhance fishing and boating recreational opportunities.
The boat launch will connect to Oneida Lake and its world-class fishing. [Read more…] about New Accessible Oneida Lake Boat Launch Construction Underway