News and Views from the Empire State
The new boat launch site on Otisco Lake is complete and open to the public. Prior to the launch’s completion, Otisco was the only Finger Lake without a public boat launch.
With this facility, boaters will have a new option to explore the region and its fishing and boating-related recreational opportunities. [Read more…] about New Otisco Lake Boat Launch Opens
Most of the NYS Canal System is now open, including the eastern Erie Canal from Lock E2 in Waterford to Lock E18 in Jacksonburg. [Read more…] about NYS Canal System Now Mostly Open
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has announced a number of projects and upcoming events along the Erie Canal. [Read more…] about Erie Canal Towpath News and Events
According to an audit released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) needs to improve efforts to control invasive species such as zebra mussels, hydrilla and giant hogweed that have established footholds across New York state and threaten native species, agriculture and tourism, [Read more…] about Comptroller Audit Highlights Invasive Species Challenges
Rehabilitation of the historic Cleveland Dock Fishing Access Site on Oneida Lake is complete and the site is now open to the public.
Located at 69 State Route 49 in the village of Cleveland, Oswego County, the dock provides access for fishing and draws visitors for open water fishing, ice fishing, and boat docking. The site also provides emergency services access and helps connect boaters to the New York State Canal system. [Read more…] about Oneida Lake’s Historic Cleveland Dock Project Complete
Adirondack Watershed Stewards have reported a 25% increase in the number of watercraft inspections at Adirondack boat launches compared with this time last year.
The Adirondack Region had already been experiencing increased tourism even before the current pandemic. This summer’s excellent weather has given a further boost to visitor numbers, even as the closed border keeps Canadian tourists home. [Read more…] about Adirondack Park Boat Inspections Rise 25% Over 2019
Portions of the New York State Canal system are scheduled to open on Friday, June 26, 2020 at 7:00 a.m. for the 2020 navigation season.
Major construction and maintenance at several locks continues. [Read more…] about Portions of Erie Canal Opening Friday
Boat counters on the Northway for the Memorial Day weekend say that 89% of the trailered motorboats traveling north into the Adirondacks on Interstate 87 passed the inspection/decontamination station without stopping, according to the Adirondack Council, which organized the transportation survey. [Read more…] about Survey: 90% of Boats Bypass Northway Inspection Station
The gates at the Mossy Point and Rogers Rock Boat Launches on Lake George will be closed overnight this boating season as part of the Lake George Park Commission’s (LGPC) Boat Inspection Program and DEC’s efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. [Read more…] about Lake George Boat Launches Being Gated Overnight
The NYS Canal Corporation has announced that its maintenance and construction projects are set to resume on a regional basis under the “NY Forward Reopening” plan.
The tentative schedule calls for segments of the canal system to start opening beginning July 4th. [Read more…] about NYS Canal System Opening Update