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
hunting
Whitetail Antler Sheds & Deer Health
Throughout the winter months, whitetail bucks cast off or “shed” their antlers in response to dropping testosterone levels associated with increasing daylight. Many outdoor enthusiasts search for these shed antlers as collectibles, use them to build lamps or furniture, and determine which bucks made it through the hunting season. [Read more…] about Whitetail Antler Sheds & Deer Health
Men Arrested For Drinking, Driving and Hunting
On February 15, after a weeks-long investigation, New York State Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) charged two men in Onondaga County with more than a dozen violations related to a hunting incident and drunk driving arrest in January. [Read more…] about Men Arrested For Drinking, Driving and Hunting
DEC Reports 9 Hunting-Related Shooting Incidents in 2022
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the 2022 hunting seasons tied 2021 for the safest-ever year, with nine hunting-related shooting incidents, the lowest number since record-keeping began. [Read more…] about DEC Reports 9 Hunting-Related Shooting Incidents in 2022
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
12-and 13-Year-Olds Killed More Than 1,800 Deer Last Fall
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced results of the second year of a pilot program allowing 12- and 13-year-old hunters to kill whitetail deer with a firearm or crossbow. [Read more…] about 12-and 13-Year-Olds Killed More Than 1,800 Deer Last Fall
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
Catskills Strategic Planning Advisory Group Submits Final Report
The Catskills Strategic Planning Advisory Group (CAG) submitted its final report on promoting sustainable recreation in the Catskill Forest Preserve to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Comprised of members from local government, recreation, natural resource protection, business and tourism, and other priority areas, the CAG was tasked in October 2020 with providing recommendations to DEC on how to address issues associated with increased public use of the Catskill Park in order to protect these areas. [Read more…] about Catskills Strategic Planning Advisory Group Submits Final Report
100 Acres Added to Klipnocky State Forest, Allegany County
In the winter of 2021, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) acquired 100 acres in the Klipnocky State Forest. Already a unique forest, this new property adds a new level of habitat diversity to the area. It is composed of 25 acres of hay fields and 55 acres of early successional habitat that is chock-full of blueberries, thornapple, and dogwoods. The remaining acreage has open ponds that are home to beavers and the occasional wood duck. [Read more…] about 100 Acres Added to Klipnocky State Forest, Allegany County
Hunter Dies in Woods East of Lake George
On Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 9:30 am, New York State Forest Rangers were notified about a hunter having cardiac issues walking down the Pilot Knob trail to the Buck Mountain trailhead in Fort Ann, Washington County, NY, on the east side of Lake George. [Read more…] about Hunter Dies in Woods East of Lake George