The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released an updated Great Lakes Action Agenda (GLAA) 2023, a strategic, ecosystem-based action plan to guide restoration and conservation and foster sustainable, resilient communities in New York’s Great Lakes region. [Read more…] about Great Lakes Action Agenda Updated
Jefferson County
Comments Sought on Collins Landing, Point Peninsula WMA Plans
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released draft Access and Public Use Plans for Collins Landing and Point Peninsula Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) in Jefferson County for public review and comment. [Read more…] about Comments Sought on Collins Landing, Point Peninsula WMA Plans
Wildfire At Bennington Battlefield One Of Several Across New York State
New York State Forest Rangers and local fire departments have been battling numerous wildfires that burned about 13 acres around New York State since May 23rd, including one at the Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site. Several of the fires were started from illegal burning. Several tickets were issued and other fires were still being investigated on Thursday. [Read more…] about Wildfire At Bennington Battlefield One Of Several Across New York State
Goose Bay Boat Launch Project Completed
Construction of a flood resiliency project at Goose Bay Boat Launch in the town of Alexandria, Jefferson County has been completed. The project was awarded $455,000 in grant funding through the State’s Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI). The completed improvements will address fluctuating water levels along the St. Lawrence River, as well as promote boater safety. [Read more…] about Goose Bay Boat Launch Project Completed
New York’s Forgotten Aeronaut & Diver: William Warren Rulison
When seventy-eight-year-old William Rulison passed away in August of 1931, the only newspaper in Upstate New York that carried the news was Cooperstown’s Otsego Farmer. In this obituary, he was noted only as a “pioneer in balloon flying in this part of the country,” and a man who went by the title of Professor. This report of his passing left much untold, and in the material that follows I hope to give a complete account of his full and varied life. [Read more…] about New York’s Forgotten Aeronaut & Diver: William Warren Rulison
The Mystery of Joseph Brant’s Watch
![Evening journal (Wilmington, Del.), 1888-07-14, [p ]](https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Wilmington-Deleware-Evening-journal.-volume-July-14-1888-Brants-watch.jpg)
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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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