New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Jefferson County

The Mystery of Joseph Brant’s Watch

by 1 Comment

Evening journal (Wilmington, Del.), 1888-07-14, [p ] There was a story that had been passed down in the Minthorn family for generations. It told of how an ancestor had hidden her two infants under the roots of a tree to save them during the Revolutionary War attack on Cherry Valley, NY, in 1778. It was said that in her zeal to quiet her children, the youngsters were rendered unconscious, being revived only after the attackers had departed.

While this story is most likely fiction, there is some truth mixed in. [Read more…] about The Mystery of Joseph Brant’s Watch

DEC Updating Cranberry Creek, Plantation Island Area Use Plans

by Leave a Comment

DEC LogoThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released draft Access and Public Use Plans (APUP) for Cranberry Creek and Plantation Island Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in Jefferson and Herkimer Counties. The draft plans are available for public comment until October 1st, 2022. [Read more…] about DEC Updating Cranberry Creek, Plantation Island Area Use Plans

Aquatic Habitat Improvements Projects in Jefferson County

by Leave a Comment

DEC LogoThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the completion of two aquatic habitat improvement projects in Jefferson County.

These habitat enhancements, on the Black River below the town of Dexter and in Chaumont Bay, Jefferson County, were implemented in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and create new spawning habitat for native fish species that are critical for local economies and ecological diversity in the region. [Read more…] about Aquatic Habitat Improvements Projects in Jefferson County

NNY Wildlife Management Areas Opening August 16th

by Leave a Comment

Main open water marsh at Upper and Lower Lakes WMAThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the annual opening to the public of otherwise restricted Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties from Tuesday, August 16th, to Wednesday, August 31st.

During the 16-day open house, Upper and Lower Lakes and Wilson Hill WMAs in St. Lawrence County, including the posted refuge or wetland restricted areas, will be open to visitors each day from sunrise to sunset. Perch River WMA in Jefferson County will also be open to visitors with one exception-Perch Lake will be open daily from noon to sunset. [Read more…] about NNY Wildlife Management Areas Opening August 16th

Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area Comments Sought

by Leave a Comment

Ashland Flats Wildlife Management AreaThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a draft Access and Public Use Plan (APUP) for the Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area (WMA) for public review and comment.

Ashland Flats WMA contains 2,028 acres of primarily open meadows, and second-growth and young forests in Jefferson County east of Lake Ontario. [Read more…] about Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area Comments Sought

Public’s Assistance Sought With Jefferson County Deer Poaching

by Leave a Comment

DEC LogoThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is asking the public for information about a deer poaching incident that occurred on April 25th, 2022, in the area of Pillar Point in the town of Brownville, Jefferson County, between midnight and 5 am. [Read more…] about Public’s Assistance Sought With Jefferson County Deer Poaching

Trail Cam Helps Nab Poacher

by Leave a Comment

Trail camera catches man illegally baiting for deerAccording to a press release issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, on January 20th, a Watertown man paid a $700 penalty in the town of Watertown, Jefferson County, for unlawfully taking a white-tailed deer with the aid of a bait pile. [Read more…] about Trail Cam Helps Nab Poacher

Francis Mallaby: Witness to Sackets Harbor History

by Leave a Comment

1835 painting of ship house covering unfinished War of 1812 USS New Orleans located on Navy Point at Sackets HarborThe name Francis Mallaby may not be familiar in New York history but sailing master Mallaby served at the Sackets Harbor navy yard in a prosperous time of lake shipping and community growth. He helped make a difference by initiating purchase of land which is cherished today as the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site.

This War of 1812 veteran received high compliments from Lake Ontario navy commander Isaac Chauncey and Captain Woolsey that helped influence Mallaby’s 1817 appointment as master of the first steamboat on Lake Ontario, based in Sackets Harbor in Jefferson County, NY. [Read more…] about Francis Mallaby: Witness to Sackets Harbor History

Access Improvements Made at Ashland Flats Wildlife Area

by Leave a Comment

Ashland Flats Wildlife Management AreaThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently completed several improvement projects at Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located in the towns of Lyme and Cape Vincent in Jefferson County, NY.

Improvements at the WMA include an accessible wildlife observation tower, along with a designated accessible parking area, and educational sign. [Read more…] about Access Improvements Made at Ashland Flats Wildlife Area

Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area

by Leave a Comment

Ashland Flats Wildlife Management AreaAshland Flats Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located in the towns of Lyme and Cape Vincent, in Jefferson County. The 2,028-acre property includes large grassland fields, wetland impoundments, shrublands, and forested wetlands. [Read more…] about Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area