$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
Schoharie County
Injured Bald Eagles Found in Upstate New York
New York State Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) responded to two cases involving injured bald eagles in early July. On July 5, ECO Scalisi responded to the town of Newfield in Tompkins County to assist New York State Police Trooper Hugg with an injured eagle that was unable to fly. [Read more…] about Injured Bald Eagles Found in Upstate New York
Schoharie Valley & New York’s Western Frontier, 1687-1702
The Schoharie Valley is one of New York’s three great colonial valleys, its history closely connected to, but overshadowed by, the more famed Hudson and Mohawk Valleys. When the Palatines arrived there in 1712, the world they stepped into was a century in the making. Until now, this formative period of the valley’s history has never been fully told, nor has the true impact these rebellious German refugees had on New York’s western frontier. [Read more…] about Schoharie Valley & New York’s Western Frontier, 1687-1702
Multiple Upstate NY Wildfires Keep Rangers Busy
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers were kept busy last week suppressing numerous wildfires around New York State as very dry conditions persisted and drove the Fire Danger to HIGH. Fires were reported in at least five towns in four counties, including in Clinton, Sullivan, Schoharie, and Albany Counties. The fires burned about 50 acres total including a large 30-acre fire that burned ion the town of Black Brook, Clinton County, for two days. At least two fires were caused by illegal debris burning despite the high danger for fire spread.
What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers. [Read more…] about Multiple Upstate NY Wildfires Keep Rangers Busy
3-Year-Old Lost in Adirondacks Located; Angler Rescued From Icy Waters; Rescues in Ulster, Greene Schoharie Counties
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents throughout 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 3-Year-Old Lost in Adirondacks Located; Angler Rescued From Icy Waters; Rescues in Ulster, Greene Schoharie Counties
Abandoned Stone Quarries of Schoharie County
Late in the 19th century, stone was king of building materials and much of the cut stone which helped transform New York into the Empire State came from Schoharie County. There were eight limestone quarries in the town of Cobleskill, with six in the village alone. The largest, located near Barnerville, employed 450 men to fulfill a huge contract with the city of New York, worth the equivalent of approximately $65 million today. [Read more…] about Abandoned Stone Quarries of Schoharie County
26 Wildfires in 16 Counties Burn Nearly 1,000 Acres
From April 11 to 17th New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers were called to 26 wildfires in 16 counties that burned nearly 1,000 acres of land. The largest fires were in the town of Deerpark in Orange County at 300 acres, and in the town of Richmondville where the fire totaled 241 acres and spanned Otsego and Schoharie counties. [Read more…] about 26 Wildfires in 16 Counties Burn Nearly 1,000 Acres
Bodies Recovered, Others Rescued From Icy Upstate Waters
Upstate New York first responders and water rescue crews spent a busy Saturday on April 1st as thin ice and frigid and swollen waters led to several incidents in which two people were drowned and six more and a dog were rescued. [Read more…] about Bodies Recovered, Others Rescued From Icy Upstate Waters
New Book on the Schoharie Valley & New York’s Western Frontier, 1609-1731
The new book Skohere and the Birth of New York’s Western Frontier 1609-1731, Vol. I 1609-1686 (self-published, 2022) by Jeff O’Connor is a history of the Schoharie Valley and the people who helped shape its earliest colonial history.
The Schoharie Valley is one of New York’s three great colonial valleys, its history closely connected to, but overshadowed by, the more famed Hudson and Mohawk Valleys. This first volume begins a sweeping narrative that connects a far-reaching network of people, places, and events to an expansive view of New York State history. [Read more…] about New Book on the Schoharie Valley & New York’s Western Frontier, 1609-1731
Museum Acquires Revolutionary Era Powder Horn Reproduction
The Old Stone Fort Museum and Schoharie County Historical Society have received a donation of a Revolutionary War era powder horn.
Skillfully created by horn craftsman Hank Yost, the piece presented reflects the architecture and engraving styles of the Revolutionary period and was specifically designed to represent the life and times of the Hartmansdorf House’s original occupant Philip Bartholomew. [Read more…] about Museum Acquires Revolutionary Era Powder Horn Reproduction