History, Natural History & the Arts
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the recent acquisition of 525 acres in the town of North Collins, Erie County, to create the Clear Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
The land offers hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife viewing, and other recreational opportunities and becomes the largest State-owned WMA in Erie County. [Read more…] about NYS Acquires 525 Acres at Clear Lake, Erie County
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that the Lower Fly-Fishing Section of the Salmon River will be open for catch-and-release fishing starting Saturday, October 31st, marking the success of actions taken by the Salmon River Flow Management Team to mitigate the impacts of low-water flows at the start of the salmon run.
Recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 remain in effect to ensure the health and safety of the public. [Read more…] about Salmon River Lower Fly-Fishing Area Opening
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 Rangers Respond to Lost Hunters, Injured Hikers, Wildfire
The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) has begun tearing up the former NY Central Adirondack Division tracks connecting Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake, part of a $1.9 million State project to build a rail trial suitable for use by bicyclists and snowmobilers.
The 34-mile rail corridor being removed was key to a once-thriving 119-mile railroad which operated almost continuously from 1892 until 1972, first as the Mohawk & Malone, and then by the New York Central starting in 1913. [Read more…] about Former NY Central Adirondack Division Rails Being Removed
In observance of Bat Week, an internationally recognized week-long focus on raising awareness about the important role bats play in our environment, avoid visiting caves and mines that may serve as seasonal homes for hibernating bats at this time of year.
Human disturbance is especially harmful to the State’s bat populations since the arrival of the disease known as white-nose syndrome, a fungus that has killed more than 90 percent of bats at hibernation sites in New York. [Read more…] about Bat Week: Protecting Bat Populations
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released for public review and comment revised draft amendments to the Kildare Recreation Management Plan and the Five Mile Interim Recreation Management Plan (RMP).
The revised draft amendments to the Kildare Tract Conservation Easement and the Five Mile Tract Conservation Easement RMPs will provide for public motor vehicle/overland access to the Kildare tract for the first time since it was acquired in 1989. The Tract is located in Hopkinton, St. Lawrence County. [Read more…] about Plans for Kildare, Five Mile Tracts Include Roads
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has created a new strategic planning initiative to promote the sustainable management of public use in the Catskill Park, in line with statements made by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in his State of the State earlier this year.
The Adirondack and Catskill Parks, which are composed of a combination of New York State Forest Preserve lands and private property, have witnessed a dramatic increase over the last 20 years of visitors which has strained facilities and management of the Parks. The COVID-19 Pandemic has exacerbated the problem leading to another boost in visitors to even higher record levels. Overall, tourism in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks are up 22 percent since 2011 according to the Governor’s office. [Read more…] about Catskill Park Sustainability Planning Process Launched
The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a pesky invasive pest that feeds on lots of important New York plants, such as apple trees and hop vines.
With the recent finding of spotted lanternfly (SLF) on Staten Island, it’s never been more important for people to be on the lookout for this invasive. Since SLF spreads primarily through human activity, we really can make a difference. [Read more…] about Spotted Lanternfly Look-Alikes
Check out the Hike Smart NY page before your next outdoor adventure, to learn about safety, best practices, and preparedness. [Read more…] about Hike Smart This Fall With These Tips
The New York State Superfund Program, which identifies, investigates, and works to clean up sites where the disposal of hazardous waste may be a threat to public health, has added the Adirondack Regional Airport in the Adirondack Park at Saranac Lake to New York’s Registry of State Superfund Sites. [Read more…] about Adk Regional Airport Site Added to State Superfund Registry