New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking volunteer recreational striped bass anglers to help provide valuable data they consider critical to track population dynamics for striped bass in New York waters. [Read more…] about DEC Seeking Striped Bass Recreational Anglers
DEC
Owasco Lake Fisheries Survey Underway
Staff from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 7 Fisheries Unit will be conducting multiple surveys on Owasco Lake this August and September.
Sampling efforts will assess current lake trout population characteristics; relative abundance of adult brown trout, rainbow trout and walleye; wild production of juvenile salmonids in area tributaries; and the relative abundance of smelt and alewife in the lake (forage assessment), which is new in 2020. [Read more…] about Owasco Lake Fisheries Survey Underway
Fish Hatcheries Battle Herons
DEC’s nine cold water fish hatcheries collectively produce over 6.4 million fish annually. Unfortunately, a significant number of these trout and salmon are lost to a variety of predators in search of a “free meal.”
One predator that causes most fish losses is the great blue heron. At the Caledonia Hatchery it’s not uncommon to have upwards of 40 great blue herons surrounding the ponds during the spring. [Read more…] about Fish Hatcheries Battle Herons
Recent Statewide Forest Ranger Mission Highlights
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents in the around New York State. 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 Recent Statewide Forest Ranger Mission Highlights
Pool Owners Sought for Citizen Science Survey
DEC is encouraging New York pool owners to participate in their annual Asian Longhorned Beetle Swimming Pool Survey. This is the time of year when Asian longhorned beetles (ALB) emerge as adults and are most active outside of their host tree. [Read more…] about Pool Owners Sought for Citizen Science Survey
DEC Plans To Shore-Up Saranac River’s Imperial Mills Dam
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the release of final plans for the Imperial Mills Dam on the Saranac River in Plattsburgh.
The plan shores-up the dam to bring it into compliance with dam safety regulations and adds a carry for paddlers and a fish ladder to provide for passage of landlocked Atlantic salmon. There have been calls to remove the dam entirely, including by Lake Champlain Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the City of Plattsburgh and return the river to a more natural state and reduce the threat of flooding in the city. DEC’s announcement said they met with Clinton County officials before finalizing the plan. [Read more…] about DEC Plans To Shore-Up Saranac River’s Imperial Mills Dam
Exam Set Dates for NYS Licensed Guides
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that the Licensed Guides exam for anyone currently registered is now scheduled for Saturday, August 1st. [Read more…] about Exam Set Dates for NYS Licensed Guides
Comptroller Audit Highlights Invasive Species Challenges
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
Check In On Your Trees This Summer
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has encouraged the public to do a seasonal check-in on trees in their yard or on their street. [Read more…] about Check In On Your Trees This Summer
Road Salt Legislation Headed To Governor
The NYS Senate granted final legislative approval Thursday to a bi-partisan bill that is expected to help reduce road salt pollution and protect drinking water in the Adirondack Park. The Randy Preston Road Salt Reduction Act was passed in the NYS Assembly earlier this week and now heads to Governor Andrew Cuomo.