New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Diving

Featured Recreation Area: The Sunken Fleet of 1758, Lake George

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Lake George shipwreckThe Adirondacks remain one of the most sought-after destinations for outdoor recreation. From hiking serene mountain passes to hitting the bike trails, it truly has something for everyone – even historic ship divers.

Lake George was the site of many pivotal engagements in the founding years of our nation, including the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Evidence of its witness are but a stone’s throw from shore where Fort William Henry, in the cold, dark waters. [Read more…] about Featured Recreation Area: The Sunken Fleet of 1758, Lake George

1940s Tugboat, Barge Sunk For Artificial Reef

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45-foot steel tugboat Chickadee deployed to McAllister Grounds Reef courtesy DECNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the deployment of two steel vessels, the Chickadee on the McAllister Grounds Reef and Barge 226 on Smithtown Reef, as part of the State’s ongoing efforts to expand New York’s network of artificial reefs.

These final deployments for 2021 continue to build on DEC’s efforts to develop a stronger, more diverse marine ecosystem and provide shelter for fish and other marine life off New York’s shores. [Read more…] about 1940s Tugboat, Barge Sunk For Artificial Reef

The Barge ‘Shannon C’ Scuttled At Shinnecock Artificial Reef

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Shannon C barge being deployed on Shinnecock ReefNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced it has deployed the steel barge Shannon C on the Shinnecock Reef as part of the State’s ongoing efforts to enrich New York’s network of artificial reefs.

The artificial reefs are an effort to develop a stronger, more diverse marine ecosystem that could provide better shelter for fish and other marine life off New York’s shores. [Read more…] about The Barge ‘Shannon C’ Scuttled At Shinnecock Artificial Reef

DEC Scuttles Vessel ‘Big Time’ to Enhance Fire Island Artificial Reef

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Big Time vessel added to Fire Island Artificial ReefDepartment of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the intentional scuttling of the vessel Big Time on the Fire Island Reef as part of the State’s ongoing efforts to expand New York’s network of artificial reefs.

This effort is designed to develope a stronger, more diverse marine ecosystem and provide shelter for fish and other marine life off New York’s shores. [Read more…] about DEC Scuttles Vessel ‘Big Time’ to Enhance Fire Island Artificial Reef

Proposed National Marine Sanctuary Highlights Lake Ontario Maritime History

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proposed-lake-ontario-nms-alternative-1-mapThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released a draft proposal for a national marine sanctuary in eastern Lake Ontario and the Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River. The proposed sanctuary designation celebrates Upstate New York’s unique maritime heritage and provides a national stage for promoting the region’s tourism and recreational opportunities. [Read more…] about Proposed National Marine Sanctuary Highlights Lake Ontario Maritime History

Champlain Ferry ‘Adirondack’ Sinking Plan Stopped by Opposition

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Adirondack courtesy Lake Champlain CommitteeCiting opposition from environmental groups and the public, Lake Champlain Transportation Company and Vermont Division for Historic Preservation have announced the withdrawal of its application for a permit to sink the Adirondack, a retired ferry, in Lake Champlain. Instead of being abandoned underwater to create artificial interest for scuba divers, the vessel will be scrapped. [Read more…] about Champlain Ferry ‘Adirondack’ Sinking Plan Stopped by Opposition