Beginning with experimental motorized bicycles in the 1890s, New York’s motorcycle industry experienced its golden years for innovation and production in the 1900s and 1910s. From that promising start, the state’s motorcycle industry declined, when the public adopted automobiles for everyday transportation. However, since the late twentieth century, the rise of custom, one-of-a-kind motorcycles has brought a new focus toward the industry. Also, a new effort to reach mass production comes in the form of e-motorcycles and e-bicycles that are being designed in New York. [Read more…] about The Motorcycle Industry in New York State
Transportation
$8.3M Awarded for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Infrastructure Grant Program has awarded over $8.3 million in funding to 70 municipalities to install electric vehicle charging stations for public use. [Read more…] about $8.3M Awarded for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The History and Development of Utica Harbor
Utica 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
15th Annual Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings Project
Throughout New York State, community volunteers are getting out their flashlights, reflective safety vests, and raingear in anticipation of annual amphibian breeding migrations, which typically begin in March or April. Volunteers in the Hudson Valley document the migration and help salamanders and frogs as part of DEC’s annual Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings Project. [Read more…] about 15th Annual Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings Project
APA Plans For More Roads, Snowmobile Trails In Adirondack Park
The Adirondack Park Agency Board, at its March 16th, 2023 meeting, authorized a 30-day public comment period to solicit input to help inform the Board’s interpretation of the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan’s Wild Forest Basic Guideline No. 4.
The guideline sets the standard for how many miles of roads and snowmobile trails are allowed in the Adirondack Park. [Read more…] about APA Plans For More Roads, Snowmobile Trails In Adirondack Park
Adirondack Conservation: 5 Things You Need To Know
Willie Janeway details his decision to leave the Adirondack Council
Willie Janeway, who has been the Executive Director of the Adirondack Council for the past decade, will be leaving the organization this fall. Janeway is leaving the Council in excellent shape, and the dedicated staff will continue to work on behalf of the Adirondack Park on a daily basis. Raul “Rocci” Aguirre, who has served as Deputy Director, is now the Acting Executive Director, and the first person of color to lead a major Adirondack environmental group. [Read more…] about Adirondack Conservation: 5 Things You Need To Know
Albany Waterway Canal Project Could Return Historic Hudson River Access
A transformative project with hopes to revitalize downtown Albany’s access to the Hudson River is being proposed. Unlike past projects and proposals, it would bring the river to Albany instead of bringing Albany to the river.
The plan includes a re-imagining of what was once the Albany Basin, once a bustling harbor at the foot of State Street. The Albany Basin was bounded by Quay Street on the west side and an earthen-filled pier, that extended over 4,000 feet in length, on the east. Thousands of vessels passed through the basin’s entry points during the city’s golden age.
The proposal calls for the creation of a short canal that would include an entrance from the Hudson River through the original Lock 1 of the historic Erie Canal located near the Central Warehouse and another just north of the USS Slater. It would include a wider basin in front of the Delaware & Hudson Building, which now serves as the SUNY Administration building. [Read more…] about Albany Waterway Canal Project Could Return Historic Hudson River Access
Seeps Keep Erie Canal, Glens Falls Feeder Canal Levels Lower
The New York State Canal Corporation has announced that water levels this navigation season in the Erie Canal between Lock E-30 (Macedon) and Locks E-34/35 (Lockport) will be consistent with levels maintained throughout 2022 – approximately one foot lower than historic levels. [Read more…] about Seeps Keep Erie Canal, Glens Falls Feeder Canal Levels Lower
Parks and Trails New York Announces New Executive Director
Paul Steely White is the new executive director of Parks and Trails New York. The appointment comes after a search started in November 2022 when PTNY’s long-standing leader Robin Dropkin announced her retirement. [Read more…] about Parks and Trails New York Announces New Executive Director
I-87 Northway Emergency Call Boxes Being Dismantled
The New York State Police has begun removing the I-87 Northway emergency call box system in the Adirondacks.
In 1986, the State Police completed installation of the emergency telephones every two miles along the highway northbound and southbound from Northern Warren County to Clinton County. [Read more…] about I-87 Northway Emergency Call Boxes Being Dismantled