New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

camping

DEC To Add New Invasives Facilities at Campground and Day-Use Area Rules

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DEC LogoNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the finalization of a Unit Management Plan amendment to guide siting, construction, and management of watercraft decontamination facilities at DEC campgrounds and day-use areas.

The construction and permanent placement of watercraft decontamination facilities supports DEC’s ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species (AIS). [Read more…] about DEC To Add New Invasives Facilities at Campground and Day-Use Area Rules

Schenectady and the Adirondacks: A Legacy of Conservation

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Upper Falls at the Plotter Kill Reserve courtesy Michael DianaSchenectady has a long history of its residents being active in conservation and outdoor recreation – in Schenectady County and in the wilderness of the North Country, alike.

Schenectadians’ interest in protecting and exploring wilderness has its roots in the mid 1800s with industrialization and westward expansion. The wilderness was at risk of disappearing, and influential nature lovers used their writings to convince Americans that preserving land and wildlife was vital. Many Americans, including people in Schenectady, could easily see the case for this. [Read more…] about Schenectady and the Adirondacks: A Legacy of Conservation

Neversink River Management Plan Comments Sought

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Neversink River Unit Management Plan MapThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the release of the Draft Neversink River Unit Management Plan (UMP) for public comment. The plan guides the future uses and management of approximately 8,644 acres of DEC-managed public lands within the Neversink River Unit in the towns of Forestburgh and Mamakating in Sullivan County, and Highland and Wawarsing in Ulster County, NY. [Read more…] about Neversink River Management Plan Comments Sought

St Lawrence Rock Ridge: Comments Sought on Management of 15 State Forests

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DEC LogoThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that the draft Unit Management Plan (UMP) for St. Lawrence Rock Ridge is out for public comment through April 30th.

The 21,575-acre St. Lawrence Rock Ridge planning unit is located in southwestern St. Lawrence County towns of DeKalb, Depeyster, Edwards, Fowler, Gouverneur, Hammond, Hermon, Macomb, Pitcairn, and Rossie, and in the northeastern Lewis County town of Diana. [Read more…] about St Lawrence Rock Ridge: Comments Sought on Management of 15 State Forests

State Campgrounds Set Attendance Record for 2021

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ny camping rewards courtesy State ParksOvernight reservations at campgrounds operated by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) climbed to record highs this year.

Over the last decade, as improvements were being made statewide under the NY Parks 2020 capital program, total overnight stays at State Parks campgrounds have risen nearly 45 percent. [Read more…] about State Campgrounds Set Attendance Record for 2021

The Thirteenth Lake Hotel: A History

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1888 Map of the Adirondack Wilderness, Seneca Ray Stoddard, from the author’s collection In the summertime, the parking lot at the end of Thirteenth Lake Road in the town of Johnsburg, Warren County, will be crowded with the cars and trucks of people there to hike, paddle, and camp.

Few of these visitors realize that sixty years ago when they stood on the shore, they would have seen a large, modern-looking hotel sitting on the hillside overlooking the lake. This is the story of that enterprise and those who kept it up and running for over 100 years. [Read more…] about The Thirteenth Lake Hotel: A History

New Recreation-Themed NYS Trail Supporter Patches

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2022 trail patchesNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the release of the latest New York State Trail Supporter Patches.

The 2022 patches consist of five designs that resemble the international symbols for some of New York State’s most popular outdoor recreation activities – cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, and biking. Each patch will be available individually for a limited time; however, the entire series can be purchased at any time. [Read more…] about New Recreation-Themed NYS Trail Supporter Patches

NYS Licensed Guides 2022 Exam Dates Set

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Adirondack Guide CampfireThe State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that examinations are scheduled for individuals seeking to become licensed guides in New York State.

The exams being offered are for guiding in the following categories: camping; fishing; hiking; hunting; whitewater; rock climbing; ice climbing; and certified skilled with boats and canoes. [Read more…] about NYS Licensed Guides 2022 Exam Dates Set