New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Oneida County

Adirondack Voices: Residents Speaking Out For Environmental Protection

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Adirondack Voices newsletter from the Residents Committee to Protect the AdirondacksI recently came across copies of Adirondack Voices from the 1990s, published by the Residents’ Committee to Protect the Adirondacks (RCPA). This organization was founded in 1990 by full-time residents of the Adirondack Park intent on trying to keep some peace in the Adirondacks.

RCPA believed that the integrity and economic viability of the Adirondack communities they lived and worked in could be enhanced while preserving their unique wilderness and wild forest landscape. [Read more…] about Adirondack Voices: Residents Speaking Out For Environmental Protection

$600,000 in Mohawk River Watershed Grants Awarded

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Paddler on the Erie Canal Mohawk River near Utica$600,000 in grants have been awarded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to implement the goals and objectives of the Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda 2021-2026. The Action Agenda is a five-year plan advancing efforts to conserve, preserve, and restore the Mohawk River and its watershed and the grants will support local partnerships and initiatives throughout the region. [Read more…] about $600,000 in Mohawk River Watershed Grants Awarded

Albany’s Peter Gansevoort, “The Hero of Stanwix”

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Detail from portrait of Gansevoort by Gilbert Stuart, 1794Peter Gansevoort Jr. was born into the Dutch aristocracy of Albany to Harman Gansevoort (1712–1801) and Magdalena Douw (1718–1796). His younger brother Leonard Gansevoort, was politically active, serving in the state assembly and senate, as well as the Continental Congress. [Read more…] about Albany’s Peter Gansevoort, “The Hero of Stanwix”

The Florence Farming Association

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a new york minute in history podcastOn this episode of the New York Minute in History podcast, Devin Lander and Lauren Roberts tell the story of the Florence Farming and Lumber Association, a settlement of free African Americans in Florence, Oneida County beginning in 1846. [Read more…] about The Florence Farming Association

Rome Fish Hatchery: One of New York’s DEC’s Largest

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Rome Fish Hatchery provided by DECLocated in Oneida County a few miles north of the City of Rome, the Rome Fish Hatchery is one of DEC’s largest and central to many stocking locations. Brown trout and lake trout are raised there and hatchery staff play a major role in providing fish for airplane and helicopter stocking of remote waters. [Read more…] about Rome Fish Hatchery: One of New York’s DEC’s Largest

Adirondack Foothills Unit Management Plan Comments Sought

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Adirondack Foothills UMPThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking public comment on the draft Adirondack Foothills Unit Management Plan (UMP). The draft UMP includes six State forests — Hogsback, Popple Pond, Woodhull, Punkeyville, Black Creek, and Hinckley — as well as 24 separate parcels of detached Forest Preserve in Oneida and Herkimer counties and will guide management of these properties over the next 10 years. [Read more…] about Adirondack Foothills Unit Management Plan Comments Sought

New Barge Canal Boat Launch in Verona, NY

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Cove Road Boat LaunchA new boat launch has been completed on the Barge Canal at Cove Road in the town of Verona, Oneida County. The launch, which is expected to enhance fishing and boating opportunities, including for people with disabilities, connects to Oneida Lake’s world-class fishing. [Read more…] about New Barge Canal Boat Launch in Verona, NY

Wildfire At Bennington Battlefield One Of Several Across New York State

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wildfire at bennington battlefield state historic site in may 2023New 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

The History and Development of Utica Harbor

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Aerial View of Utica’s Inner Harbor c. 1940Utica Harbor is a unique feature of the NYS Canal System and was purposely nestled close to Utica’s major textile industries adjacent to the Erie Canal. The Utica Harbor is the only harbor on the Barge Canal with its own lock. It also possesses one of the largest branches leading from the main channel passing through the Mohawk River to its end, only a quarter mile from Utica’s downtown district. [Read more…] about The History and Development of Utica Harbor

Black Florence Farming Association Historic Marker Vandalized

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Students at Florence Farming Association historic sign dedication in 2017A historic roadside marker commemorating the Florence Farming Association (1845-1860), a community where free Blacks could own land and farm, was installed and dedicated in 2017 on Florence Hill Road in Oneida County. [Read more…] about Black Florence Farming Association Historic Marker Vandalized