New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Ellisburg

Poachers Caught With 10,000 Illegal Fiddleheads

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ECO Maxwell with confiscated fiddleheads in Jefferson CountyNew York State Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Lieutenant Steven Bartoszewski reported that they responded to a report of illegal fishing on South Sandy Creek in the Town of Ellisburg in Jefferson County On April 26.

The complainant stated he observed three individuals carrying black garbage bags that were dripping with water to their vehicle, placing the bags in the trunk of the vehicle, and then returning to the creek. [Read more…] about Poachers Caught With 10,000 Illegal Fiddleheads

Recent Wildlife Rescues; Man Guilty of Felony Cruelty

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ECO Zullo rescues a juvenile eagle in the town of Pawling, Dutchess County in May 2025New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) made several wildlife rescues recently, including seven mallard ducklings from a storm drain and a juvenile bald eagle which had fallen from its nest. The also charged a Jefferson County man with felony aggravated cruelty to animals and criminal possession of a weapon. What follows are the reports provided by the Department. [Read more…] about Recent Wildlife Rescues; Man Guilty of Felony Cruelty

How Winter is Changing in the Tug Hill Region

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A stream on Tug Hill in winter with snow (courtesy Bridgeview Real Estate)Tug Hill receives the greatest average snowfall totals in New York State. In Harold Samson’s book Tug Hill Country; Tales from the Big Woods (1971) he wrote “Tug Hill is, and always has been, noted for its winter snows… In winter, the Tug Hill plateau becomes a vast wilderness of white; favorite playground of snowmobilers and other winter sports enthusiasts.”

An economic study in 2021 estimated that 34,254 unique snowmobile users ride Tug Hill’s trails each year, bringing in nearly $81.6 million in sales from snowmobile activity. A new study by the Tug Hill Commission hopes to better understand how our warming climate will affect the region and its winter sports industry in the years to come. [Read more…] about How Winter is Changing in the Tug Hill Region

Dog and Puppy Abuse Investigation in Jefferson County

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Abandoned puppy rescued in Jefferson County on January 30, 2025On January 30, 2025 New York State Environmental Crimes Investigator Peter Jackson responded to a call from a concerned resident who reported finding the carcass of an animal believed to be a coyote near Skinner Road in the town of Ellisburg in Jefferson County, NY. Investigator Jackson arrived at the location and determined it was a domestic dog that had been shot from the roadway. [Read more…] about Dog and Puppy Abuse Investigation in Jefferson County

Lakeview Wildlife Management Area Wetland Enhancement Project Completed

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Photo of Lakeview WMA wetlands courtesy of Brian Gottfried, Ducks Unlimited.New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and partners recently completed construction on a wetland enhancement project at Lakeview Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in the town of Ellisburg, Jefferson County. [Read more…] about Lakeview Wildlife Management Area Wetland Enhancement Project Completed

Lakeview WMA Wetland Enhancement Project Gets Underway

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Lakeview Wildlife Management AreaNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Great Lakes Commission (GLC), National Audubon Society’s Great Lakes and New York state programs, and Ducks Unlimited (DU), have announced the start of construction on a wetland enhancement project in the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area (WMA), in the town of Ellisburg, Jefferson County. [Read more…] about Lakeview WMA Wetland Enhancement Project Gets Underway

Wildfire At Bennington Battlefield One Of Several Across New York State

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wildfire at bennington battlefield state historic site in may 2023New York State Forest Rangers and local fire departments have been battling numerous wildfires that burned about 13 acres around New York State since May 23rd, including one at the Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site. Several of the fires were started from illegal burning. Several tickets were issued and other fires were still being investigated on Thursday. [Read more…] about Wildfire At Bennington Battlefield One Of Several Across New York State

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