June 2014 Outdoor Discovery Newsletter

Department of Environmental Conservation
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Waterfall at Thacher State Park.


New York State has wonderful recreational opportunities which will be highlighted for you each month. Start planning your next adventure now!


Cover of June 2014 Conservationist.

Don't miss the June issue of Conservationist! In it, you can: read about biking to the famous Utica Boilermaker Road Race; enjoy beautiful photos of Adirondack Loons; learn about the eastern coyote; celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Northville-Placid Trail; and much more! Subscribe online or call 1-800-678-6399.

DEC Events

Select Recreation Events
Adirondack Birding Festivals - 6/6-6/8
Nature Night Walk - 6/13
How to do it: Hiking/Backpacking Safety - 6/14
How to do it: Let's Go Camping - 6/14
Father's Day Free Fishing Clinic - 6/14
Frog Hunting Season - 6/15
Black Bass Fishing Season - 6/21
Gardening Fun - 6/28
Free Fishing Weekend - 6/28-29

See more upcoming events


Nature Notes

Watkins Glen State Park.

The gorges that Ithaca is famous for were created nearly 15,000 years ago. Glaciers retreated from the area, leaving behind Cayuga Lake and steep-walled valleys. Erosion carved deep gorges and created the area's famous waterfalls.


Safe and Sound

A hiking safety kit.

Before you leave on a hike-even a short one--make a plan first. Visit DEC's Hiking Safety webpage for tips.


Explore for FREE

You can explore many state lands free of charge. However, some state campgrounds and day-use areas charge a small fee, depending on the season (campsite rentals extra).


Let Us Know

We hope you enjoy this newsletter and will share information about your favorite hiking spot or recreation activity, or an outdoor tip with us. Your feedback is always welcome. E-mail us.

If you like this newsletter, please forward it to your friends.


Photo Credits

Banner: Sarah Shepard
Watkins Glen: Sarah Shepard
Hike of the Month: Local Hikes - George Senft


I LOVE NY logo.


New York's Free Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Smartphone App

App promo.

A new, free mobile application provides current information on fishing, hunting, wildlife watching and other outdoor adventure opportunities in New York State. The New York Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife App is part of Governor Cuomo's NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative. DEC developed the app in partnership with the Parks By Nature Network® at no cost to the state. It is a free download in the iTunes App Store and in the Android Market for iPhone and Android devices.

This app provides advanced GPS mapping and many other features to maximize all types of outdoor adventures. It offers detailed species information, news, advisories and weather alerts, social networking and photo sharing, and cacheable map tiles for offline use.

With the app's advanced GPS, users can locate New York's numerous world-class fishing, hunting and wildlife-watching sites. Official GIS data enable users to access in real time their location, trail information, and nearby sites and amenities, including boat ramps, parking and restrooms. For hunters and anglers, GIS data provide geographic spatial information, making it easy to identify county borders and units where specific regulations, permits and licenses for various species apply.


Lake Erie's Smallmouth Bass Bonanza

A girl holding a smallmouth bass.

Bass fishing is a sure sign of summer in New York State. Many waters provide bass fishing opportunities before the traditional bass opener on the third Saturday in June, including the Early Bass Season on Lake Erie.

Lake Erie offers world-class smallmouth bass fishing and is ranked #3 on Bassmaster Magazine's list, "100 Best Bass Lakes of 2014." During June, anglers enjoy excellent smallmouth bass action in harbors and in open waters 15-25 feet deep around the rocky reef structure off Erie and Chautauqua counties. Anglers readily catch smallmouth bass averaging 3 to 4 pounds, with the occasional 5 or 6-pound lunker!

See Smallmouth Bass Fishing on Lake Erie for more information and maps. Weekly fishing updates can be found via the Lake Erie Fishing Hotline.

Camping is available nearby at Lake Erie State Park and Evangola State Park.


Hike of the Month: Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area

Waterfall at Partridge Run WMA.

Berne, Albany County
Located on the Helderberg Escarpment, Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area in Berne comprises about 4,500 acres of primarily hardwood forests and wetlands. Parking areas offer access to the substantial and well-maintained trail network.

Some trails are part of the Long Path, a 343-mile trail between Altamont (outside Albany) and Fort Lee, New Jersey. One short trail runs from the parking area at Partridge Run Rd. and County Rte. 6, around White Birch Lake to Fawn Lake. Elevation varies from about 1,600' to 1,900'.

Partridge Run is part of the Helderberg Bird Conservation Area. Waterfowl, songbirds and raptors take advantage of the variety of habitats found here, as do mammals and other wildlife.

Nearby Attractions: John Boyd Thacher State Park (including Thompsons Lake Campground) and the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center.


Watchable Wildlife: Nelson Swamp Unique Area

A beaver swimming in the water.

Cazenovia, Madison County
Wildlife watchers don't have far to search for subjects at central New York's Nelson Swamp. Its wet meadows, woods and dark cedar and pine groves teem with wildlife. Listen for the smack of a beaver's tail, and watch for sunning turtles as you hike the abandoned railroad grade or stroll the .7-mile accessible interpretive trail. Songbirds call from every branch while, overhead, red-shouldered hawks and northern harriers scan for prey.

This northern white cedar swamp is also rich in interesting plant life, from massive 400-year-old white pines to 11 types of orchids. A pair of binoculars and some insect repellent will enhance your enjoyment. A parking area is located adjacent to Stone Quarry Road off State Rte. 20, east of the Village of Cazenovia.


Watkins Glen: Unparalleled Natural Beauty

Gorge at Watkins Glen State Park.

Watkins Glen State Park near Ithaca, NY is the crown jewel of the Finger Lakes region's state parks. The stream that carved this natural wonder descends 400 feet in just 2 miles, creating 19 waterfalls surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Hike the gorge path, pausing near each mesmerizing cascade. Or take the high road and gaze at the view from the rim trails. Amenities include an olympic-size pool, guided tours, tent and trailer campsites and picnic facilities. Fishing is also excellent in nearby Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek. The Cities of Watkins Glen and Ithaca include attractions to satisfy a wide range of tastes. See the Watkins Glen State Park webpage for more information.

Nearby Attractions: Visit the legendary Cornell Lab of Ornithology.


Celebrate National Trails Day

A group walking on a trail.

Head out on an organized hike or take a casual stroll on National Trails Day, June 7. The American Hiking Society initiated National Trails Day 22 years ago, and it is now America's largest trail and outdoor celebration.

Show your appreciation for New York's trail system and the people who maintain it by joining one of the following events: Canal Walk at Letchworth State Park, Length of the Gorge Hike at Artpark State Park or a hike at Thacher Park.

Check the following websites for trails and parks near you:

 
June 2014 DEC Outdoor Discovery Newsletter © New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

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