The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced they are seeking public input on the development of a draft Recreation Management Plan (RMP) for the South Colton Tract Conservation Easement, a privately owned tract subject to a conservation easement encompassing approximately 1,725 acres in the town of Colton, St. Lawrence County. Comments are being sought on the development of the draft RMP until April 21st, 2023. [Read more…] about South Colton Tract Easement Comments Sought
fishing
As Lake Champlain Lake Trout Rebound, Stocking Reduced
The Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative – a working group of fisheries professionals from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – have announced the decision to further reduce the number of stocked lake trout released annually into Lake Champlain waters. They said this decision was prompted by the continued increase in natural reproduction and the documentation of multiple age classes of wild fish. [Read more…] about As Lake Champlain Lake Trout Rebound, Stocking Reduced
Poachers Caught With 131 Possibly Toxic Fish
According to a press release issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, on February 21st, Environmental Conservation Officer Klein found people keeping fish in an area of the Upper Hudson River considered polluted and designated for catch and release only. [Read more…] about Poachers Caught With 131 Possibly Toxic Fish
Van Hornesville Fish Hatchery: A Profile
The Van Hornesville Fish Hatchery is located in the town of Stark in Herkimer County, and stocks New York’s Capital District.
The hatchery raises rainbow trout – roughly 97,000 yearlings (8-9″) and 80,000-100,000 fingerlings (3-5″), for transfer to other hatcheries or stocking. [Read more…] about Van Hornesville Fish Hatchery: A Profile
Burbot: New York’s Misunderstood Cod Cousin
In the midst of winter, the ice-covered lakes of the Northeast seem quiet. It may, however, be a bit noisy below the ice. Winter into early spring is the spawning season for burbot, when males produce sounds to attract mates. [Read more…] about Burbot: New York’s Misunderstood Cod Cousin
Flood Project at St. Lawrence River Boat Launch Completed
Construction is complete on a flood resiliency project at the Oak Point Boat Launch in the town of Hammond, St. Lawrence County. The completed improvements are expected to address fluctuating water levels along the St. Lawrence River, as well as promote boater safety. [Read more…] about Flood Project at St. Lawrence River Boat Launch Completed
Three Ice Fishermen Die After Falling Through Champlain Ice
The 43rd Annual Islands Ice Fishing Derby on Lake Champlain was cancelled Saturday morning, February 11th, following warm weather that led to dangerously thin ice resulting in the deaths of three anglers.
Just as the derby was kicking off, the Grand Isle County Sheriff’s Department issued a request that it be cancelled immediately due to poor ice conditions. “All ice anglers are asked to get off the ice,” event organizers posted to Facebook at 8 am. [Read more…] about Three Ice Fishermen Die After Falling Through Champlain Ice
Caledonia Fish Hatchery: America’s Oldest
The Caledonia Fish Hatchery, located in Livingston County, NY, between the Villages of Mumford and Caledonia was founded in 1864 by the “Father of Fish Culture,” Seth Green. It’s believed to be the oldest fish hatchery in the Western Hemisphere. [Read more…] about Caledonia Fish Hatchery: America’s Oldest
Great Lakes Health Report Issued
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released the 2020-2022 Great Lakes Program Report that highlights collaborative efforts to conserve, restore, protect, and enhance New York’s Great Lakes land and water resources. [Read more…] about Great Lakes Health Report Issued
Woodsman Willard Howland and his Amazing Critters
“
Lotsa Screes in here tonight,” Willard spoke low. “Puts me in mind of a he-scree I see up in Hawk’s Nest one fall when I was trappin’.”
And so began a story that would enliven the trailside or campsite for those who had the privilege to spend time with Willard Howland. Little has been written about the life of this woodsman beyond bits and pieces of the stories he told. It could even be said that his tales, everything from experiences in the woods, to amazing fantasy creatures that inhabited his wilderness, tell more of who Willard was than anything a written history could reveal. [Read more…] about Woodsman Willard Howland and his Amazing Critters