The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) marked the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public services, and public accommodations – by highlighting new investments that are expanding access to outdoor recreation and helping ensure New York’s public lands are welcoming to visitors of all abilities. [Read more…] about New Accessible Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
Hinckley Reservoir
Feeding the Erie Canal: Rome Summit Level Reservoirs
All canals are a series of ponds, at different water stages, or elevations. These elevation changes are transitioned by locks, with the area between the locks being of any length, and referred to as a level. Simply put, canal transport is similar to a set of stairs, with the levels being the tread, and the locks the riser. The highest level of any canal is known as the summit level.
As water flows with any lock movement, it is necessary to constantly re-supply the canal, and by feeding the replacement water to the summit level, the entire canal may be supplied. The original Erie Canal, statewide from Albany to Buffalo, had three summit levels; Lake Erie, Jordan and Rome. [Read more…] about Feeding the Erie Canal: Rome Summit Level Reservoirs
EPA Researchers Develop Forecasting for Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms
Freshwater cyanobacteria are found in all lakes and reservoirs, are naturally occurring, and are important to water ecosystems; however, excessive growth of some cyanobacteria can result in harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs, also called cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms or HABs).
These blooms can cause unsightly scums that smell like rotting eggs or septic. Toxins from HCBs can negatively impact people, animals, and the environment. [Read more…] about EPA Researchers Develop Forecasting for Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms
Forest Rangers Recover Body, Make 13 Rescues of Hikers, Climber, Swimmer, Paddler
New York State Forest Rangers recovered the body of one swimmer, and carried out more than a dozen rescue missions between July 3rd and July 8th around Upstate New York, including one climber, a swimmer and a paddler. What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of those recent missions. [Read more…] about Forest Rangers Recover Body, Make 13 Rescues of Hikers, Climber, Swimmer, Paddler
Campground, Day-Use Area Plans Proposed to Combat Invasives
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking public comment on an amendment to the Campground and Day-Use Area Generic Unit Management Plan (UMP) that is hoped to support efforts to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species (AIS).
The proposed amendment includes the construction and permanent placement of storage facilities for decontamination equipment used to remove AIS from watercraft at these sites. [Read more…] about Campground, Day-Use Area Plans Proposed to Combat Invasives
Hinckley Reservoir Will Become A Campground
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has finalized the Unit Management Plan (UMP) for the Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area, located on the south shore of the 2,880-acre Hinckley Reservoir in Herkimer County.
Once the UMP is implemented, the Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area is expected to be transformed into the only public campground in the Southwestern Adirondacks. [Read more…] about Hinckley Reservoir Will Become A Campground