Species start to vanish from streams during the first stages of suburban development, according to the United States Geological Service. By the time impervious surfaces had absorbed 20 percent of the terrain of some New England watersheds, for example, those streams’ aquatic invertebrate communities had shrunk by roughly 25 percent. [Read more…] about How Does A Land Trust Protect A Watershed? One Parcel At A Time
Easements
DEC Awards $1.35M In Land Trust Easement Grants
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced nearly $1.35 million in awards to four land trusts to help protect and preserve local forests.
The awards were announced during a press conference at the Wiawaka Center for Women in Lake George, Warren County, with the Land Trust Alliance and other partners working together to protect forests and combat climate change. [Read more…] about DEC Awards $1.35M In Land Trust Easement Grants
New Accessible Trail Open at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) has announced the completion of the Fisher Trail at DEC’s Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in the town of Bethlehem, Albany County.
Most of the trail’s 0.66-mile length is constructed in compliance with DEC accessibility guidelines for people with mobility disabilities and expands access to outdoor recreation opportunities on DEC lands. The trail was officially opened to the public during a ribbon cutting at Five Rivers with the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, Friends of Five Rivers, members of the DEC Accessibility Advisory Committee, and other partners. [Read more…] about New Accessible Trail Open at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Herkimer County’s Three Lakes Tract Management Plan Complete
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a final recreation management plan (RMP) for the Three Lakes Tract Conservation Easement in the Town of Webb, Herkimer County.
The 3,350-acre Three Lakes Tract (TLT) is comprised of commercially managed forestland and is named for three waterbodies located on the property-Hitchcock, Grass, and Moose ponds. [Read more…] about Herkimer County’s Three Lakes Tract Management Plan Complete
Edinburgh, Corinth Tracts Recreation Plan Complete
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the finalization of an updated management plan that will continue public recreational access and protect natural resources within the Edinburgh and Corinth Conservation Easement Tracts in Saratoga County. [Read more…] about Edinburgh, Corinth Tracts Recreation Plan Complete
Skaneateles Lake Watershed Property Protected by Easement
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) have announced the permanent protection of 234 acres at Casa Farms in the town of Niles, Cayuga County, with a conservation easement.
[Read more…] about Skaneateles Lake Watershed Property Protected by Easement
A Review of the High Peaks-AMR Parking Permit System in Year Two
2021 was the first year of the new permit system at the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) parking area and trailheads in St. Hubert’s in the Adirondack Park’s High Peaks region, organized by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
The permit reservation system is seasonal and runs from May 1st to October 31st. 2022 is year two. Last year I went through the system in its first month on a hike up Gothics Mountain and wrote a review about my experience. [Read more…] about A Review of the High Peaks-AMR Parking Permit System in Year Two
New Road To Open Access To St. Lawrence County Wild Areas
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the amendment of the Kildare Conservation Easement and the Five Mile Conservation Easement Recreation Management Plans (RMPs) to include new opportunities for public access to recreation in the Adirondack Park. [Read more…] about New Road To Open Access To St. Lawrence County Wild Areas
DEC: Some Camps Will Remain at Long Pond Easement
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and JT Granshue LLC have announced the completion of a modification to the Long Pond conservation easement, which is located in the towns of Colton and Clare, St. Lawrence County. The modification allows for 15 hunting, fishing, and recreation camps originally slated for removal to remain on the property in perpetuity. [Read more…] about DEC: Some Camps Will Remain at Long Pond Easement
Flatrock Mtn Easement Draft Recreation Plan Released
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced they are seeking public comment on the draft Recreation Management Plan (RMP) for Flatrock Mountain Conservation Easement.
The 511-acre easement tract is located southwest of Old Forge in the town of Webb, Herkimer County, between State Route 28 and Middle Branch Moose River. [Read more…] about Flatrock Mtn Easement Draft Recreation Plan Released