New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

DEC

State Forest Preserve Visitor Use Management Plans for 2022 Season

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DEC LogoNew York State and local community leaders recently announced initiatives planned for the 2022 outdoor recreation season designed to protect public safety and promote sustainable recreation in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks.

Many of these actions, bolstered by $8 million from the State Environmental Protection Fund specifically for Adirondack and Catskill visitor safety and wilderness protection in the recently enacted 2022-23 State Budget, support a strategy to improve safety, sustainability, and equitable access. [Read more…] about State Forest Preserve Visitor Use Management Plans for 2022 Season

35+ Pound Channel Catfish Breaks State Record

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New State Record Channel Catfish courtesy DECA New York State record for channel catfish was broken on May 8th, 2022. Using cut bait while bottom fishing, Bailey Williams of Watertown reeled in a 35-pound, 12-ounce channel catfish from the Black River in Jefferson County.

Bailey’s record-breaking catch surpassed the previous State record catfish, caught from Lake Ontario in 2017, by 9 ounces. [Read more…] about 35+ Pound Channel Catfish Breaks State Record

NYS Summer Camps Celebrating 75th Anniversary

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group of campers plays a team building game with a hula hoopSummer 2022 marks 75 years of New York State’s Environmental Education Summer Camps and current and former campers, staff, sponsors, families, and partners are being invited to join in on an upcoming celebration.

Each camp will host an anniversary event, on a Saturday in June or July. Attendees will enjoy camp activities, games, and crafts, along with a chance to share memories and be a part of this historical year. [Read more…] about NYS Summer Camps Celebrating 75th Anniversary

NYS Forest Rangers Recover Three Bodies, Make Several Rescues

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forest ranger logoNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents throughout 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 NYS Forest Rangers Recover Three Bodies, Make Several Rescues

DEC Announces Aerial Spraying of Six State Forest Areas

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Gypsy moth courtesy USDANew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that DEC will be conducting aerial treatments for the invasive pest spongy moth (formerly known as gypsy moth) in six state forests areas in New York.

Treatment is taking place between May 20th and May 31st, weather permitting. The priority areas chosen already suffered spongy moth defoliation for multiple years and are expected to have another high level of infestation this year according to survey efforts conducted by DEC regional staff. [Read more…] about DEC Announces Aerial Spraying of Six State Forest Areas

Rangers Respond to Wildfires, Lost Child, Wilderness Rescues

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forest ranger logoNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents throughout 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 Wildfires, Lost Child, Wilderness Rescues

Edinburgh and Corinth Tracts Management Comments Sought

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DEC LogoThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking public comment on a draft management plan for the Edinburgh and Corinth Conservation Easement Tracts in Saratoga County. The public comment period is open until June 10th, 2022. [Read more…] about Edinburgh and Corinth Tracts Management Comments Sought

History Plaque Installed At Hashamomuck Marine Waterway Access Site

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new plaque honoring the Reiter familyThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has unveiled a plaque and planted a tree to recognize the family of Carl D. and Helen Reiter, whose contribution in their names made possible the new Hashamomuck Marine Waterway Access Site in Southold, Suffolk County.

The site, opened last June, is DEC’s first and only unrestricted Waterway Access Site on the Peconic Bay and will provide public fishing and recreational boating access to this popular waterbody. [Read more…] about History Plaque Installed At Hashamomuck Marine Waterway Access Site

Central-Finger Lakes Segment of Statewide Birding Trail Opens

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bird watchers courtesy DECNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the grand opening of the Central-Finger Lakes segment of the New York State Birding Trail to highlight the state’s world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities.

The Central-Finger Lakes segment includes 54 locations throughout 15 counties, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy. [Read more…] about Central-Finger Lakes Segment of Statewide Birding Trail Opens

Spring Striped Bass Detail Nets Poachers

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Seized striped bassAccording to a press release issued by DEC, on the early morning hours of April 21st, NYS Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Pabes responded to a report of multiple anglers keeping excess and undersized striped bass in the village of Great Neck, Long Island. [Read more…] about Spring Striped Bass Detail Nets Poachers