History, Natural History & the Arts
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents in the around New York State. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people.
What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers. [Read more…] about Rangers Respond to Lost Hunters, Injured Hikers, Wildfire
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released for public review and comment revised draft amendments to the Kildare Recreation Management Plan and the Five Mile Interim Recreation Management Plan (RMP).
The revised draft amendments to the Kildare Tract Conservation Easement and the Five Mile Tract Conservation Easement RMPs will provide for public motor vehicle/overland access to the Kildare tract for the first time since it was acquired in 1989. The Tract is located in Hopkinton, St. Lawrence County. [Read more…] about Plans for Kildare, Five Mile Tracts Include Roads
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a final Recreation Management Plan (RMP) for the Croghan Tract Conservation Easement.
The Croghan Tract Easement is comprised of 12,816 acres of private forestland in the towns of Croghan and Watson in Lewis County. [Read more…] about Croghan Tract Easement Final Recreation Plan Released
Several small game hunting seasons open October 1st across New York State, including special youth hunts and hunting opportunities for active-duty military members and veterans. [Read more…] about New York’s Small Game Hunting Seasons Start Oct 1
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reporting that DEC is experiencing record-breaking sales of hunting and trapping licenses for upcoming seasons.
Sales for big game hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) were nearly triple prior years’ sales on opening day, more than double on the second day and nearly double the first two weeks. [Read more…] about Hunting and Trapping License Sales See Big Surge
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a proposal to potentially expand deer hunting opportunities in the Southern Zone in the future. The proposed regulations would create additional bowhunting and muzzleloader hunting opportunities from Dec. 26 through Jan.1, and would only apply to New York’s Southern Zone. [Read more…] about DEC Proposes Expanded Deer Hunting for Southern Zone
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is advising waterfowl hunters that hours and sign-in procedures have changed at two Region 6 wildlife management areas (WMAs) to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19.
Hunting hours at Perch River WMA (Jefferson County) and Wilson Hill WMA (St Lawrence County) will be from one-half-hour before sunrise until noon. Hunters must leave the restricted areas by 2 pm. [Read more…] about Changes For Opening Day of Northeast Zone Waterfowl Hunting
Although colder spots have been seeing nighttime temperatures in the 40s, on Wednesday much of the region reached the lower 80s, and it’s remained warm enough for comfortable camping, with water temperatures warm enough for swimming. Temperatures are forecast to remain near normal for the next week.
There is some rain and morning fog in the forecast for this weekend however, so keep an eye on the weather. Summit temperatures are expected to remain mostly in the 50s, although Sunday morning could be windy and rainy at higher elevations. Be prepared against hypothermia by bringing extra clothing, and plenty of food and water. [Read more…] about Adirondack Conditions: Dry, Waters Remain Low, Popular Areas Remain Busy
Black bear hunting seasons open this weekend in the southeastern part of New York State and next weekend in the north country. [Read more…] about Early Bear Hunting Seasons Open This Weekend
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has confirmed that several white-tailed deer in the towns of Nelsonville and Cold Spring in Putnam County, and near Goshen in Orange County, died after contracting Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD).
EHD is a viral disease of white-tailed deer that cannot be contracted by humans. [Read more…] about Viral Deer Disease Confirmed in Putnam, Orange Counties