|
New York State Fair, August 21 through September 1
Syracuse, Onondaga County
Come visit DEC's exhibits at the Great New York State Fair! The DEC Aquarium will contain cold and warm water game fish raised at DEC's hatcheries, including prehistoric-looking lake sturgeon and the aptly named paddlefish. While at the fair, you can buy your new hunting and fishing licenses and get a great deal on a Conservationist magazine subscription.
The DEC Log Cabin is just a short walk away from the Aquarium, and features a full-size Adirondack fire tower, a display from the Big Buck Club and a Saratoga Tree Nursery seedling giveaway. Be sure to stop by and say hello.
Fishing on New York's Artificial Reefs
Long Island
Did you know that New York has artificial reefs in its Marine and Coastal District (MCD) that are available for fishing and diving? The DEC Artificial Reef Program uses "recycled" durable materials, such as rock and steel vessels, to enhance the bottom habitat in the Atlantic Ocean, Great South Bay and Long Island Sound. Artificial reefs are strategically located near inlets and harbor entrances for better access.
Reef sites are popular fishing destinations because structure-associated fish (black sea bass, tautog [blackfish], scup [porgy] and Atlantic cod) sought by anglers frequent reef habitat. Divers also fish on the reefs and often add lobster to their quarry. You can learn more about the fish that visit DEC's artificial reefs by reading Nearshore Saltwater Sportfish of New York.
Fishing in New York's MCD requires enrolling for free in the New York State Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. It is also a good idea to review the Recreational Marine Fishing Regulations webpage before going fishing. This site lists the current season size and bag limits for fish found on and near these artificial reefs. For more information, contact the DEC Marine Artificial Reef Program by calling 631-444-0438.
Enjoy Great Adirondack Vistas from Bald Mountain
Old Forge, Herkimer County
Deep in the Adirondacks, near Old Forge in Fulton Chain Wild Forest, rises Bald Mountain (aka Rondaxe Mountain) at 2,350 feet. Its popular mile-long trail rewards hikers with great scenery and a restored fire tower at the summit. The trail begins on a mild slope but quickly becomes steep and rocky as you ascend about 500 feet to the top. Enjoy wonderful views from several outcrops. As you climb the fire tower, marvel at both the scenery and those who built and staffed this sturdy structure in such a steep and rocky location. Trailhead parking is located north of Old Forge, off Route 28 on Rondaxe Road. See the CNY Hiking website for information on this and many other regional trails. Also see the Old Forge website for a wide variety of other attractions in the area.
Watchable Wildlife: Hanging Bog Wildlife Management Area
Allegany County
Hanging Bog's almost 4,500 acres contain a stunning array of habitat to suit almost every type of wildlife-and wildlife watchers. Hilly hardwood forests, park-like red pine stands, wetlands, open meadows and ponds attract species like beaver, cottontail rabbit, gray and red fox, gray squirrel, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, turkey, white-tailed deer, woodcock and many song birds and waterfowl.
DEC manages portions of the area to create and maintain habitat for ruffed grouse--round, plump birds a little larger than pigeons. A favorite of birders and hunters alike, grouse prefer the young forest thickets that flourish after logging. Look for grouse picking up grit (small stones) along the sides of gravel roads near these areas.
Canoeing the St. Regis Wilderness Canoe Area
St. Regis Canoe Area, Franklin County
The 18,400-acre Saint Regis Canoe Area, located in the heart of the Adirondacks, is the largest wilderness canoe area in the Northeast and the only designated canoe area in New York State. With more than 50 ponds and waterbodies (most are accessible only by carry), it is a great spot for canoe enthusiasts who enjoy a remote wilderness experience.
Two popular trips are the Seven Carries, which travels from Little Clear Pond to Lower St. Regis, and the Nine Carries, which passes through Fish Pond and connects two of three waters--Long Pond, Hoel Pond or Little Clear Pond.
Primitive canoe camping is permitted on many of the lakes and ponds, although the campsites can be hard to get in late summer. The area provides excellent opportunities for hiking (there are nearly 20 miles of trails), cross-country skiing, hunting and fishing.
Note that some canoe carries can be difficult and impractical for wheeled canoe carriers.
Read this Conservationist article for more information on the topic in this issue of Outdoor Discovery:
|
