|
Visitors enjoy the free fishing clinic at Hempstead Lake State Park.
Three Replacement Bridges Completed in Essex Chain Lakes
In October, DEC announced the completion of three new bridges in the Essex Chain Lakes Complex in the towns of Newcomb and Minerva, Essex County. The three bridges, Woody's Bridge, Cornell Road #1 Crossing, and Deer Pond Road Bridge, provide safe public motor vehicle access and will be accessible again in the spring.
Looking for cross-country ski trails in Essex Chain? Check out the 4.2 mile long Upper Hudson Loop Trailhead located off the Goodnow Road. Plan your Adirondack adventure in Essex Chain Lakes today!
Hempstead Lake Fall Fishing Festival Fun
DEC, in conjunction with State Parks, held a Fall Freshwater Fishing Festival at Hempstead Lake State Park on Saturday, October 20. Nearly 4,600 people attended the festival. DEC staff gave out a record number of rods - over 1,000 - to festival attendees, and nearly 100 people brought their own rods. DEC staff cleaned and filleted approximately 250 trout. DEC and State Parks had stocked the lake with approximately 1,600 trout earlier in the week. Find a free fishing clinic near you.
Find Your Next Hike in Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness
Looking for a piece of wilderness close to home? Check out the Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness with over 26,000 acres located in the western foothills of the Adirondack Mountains near Old Forge, Herkimer County. Ha-De-Ron-Dah features a variety of streams, swamps, meadows and lakes with scenic views and 35 miles of marked foot trails to explore. Big Otter Trail is 7.8 miles long and is closed to vehicular traffic extending from Thendara to Big Otter Lake. If there's snow, this trail is officially designated as a novice ski trail, with the Scusa Access Trail classified as intermediate for those looking for a bigger challenge. Check out DEC's new Facebook Group Adventure Adirondacks to see highlights of other ideas on places to visit in the Adirondacks.
Partner Profile: Catskill Mountain Search & Rescue
The Catskill 3500 Club formed a volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR) team earlier this year. Catskill Mountain SAR (CMSAR) is made up of seasoned hikers with extensive wilderness experience including New York State licensed hiking guides. The team's roster is currently at 16 mission ready members including two wilderness emergency medical technicians and one paramedic. All have first aid and CPR training. Members are DEC certified ground searchers and highly trained to be self-sufficient in wilderness search and land navigation. All are dedicated and trained, and they meet monthly to ensure proficiency in SAR skills required to be effective searchers. CMSAR is a proud member of the New York State Federation of Search and Rescue Teams (NYSFEDSAR) on call 24/7/365 to be dispatched as a resource to DEC rangers on searches and rescues serving the Catskill Mountains and surrounding areas.
Each year, hundreds of volunteer stewards help maintain DEC's nearly 5 million acres of land for the public to enjoy. This feature highlights the efforts of those partners and volunteers who are instrumental in protecting and providing stewardship of those lands.
Give the Gift of Nature
 *BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY SALE* Conservationist magazine- 7 Issues for only $6! Buy a subscription for yourself or give Conservationist as a gift, and enjoy New York's outdoors all year long!
Habitat Supporter Patch- Whether you are an angler or hunter, birder or photographer, purchasing a $5 Habitat & Access Stamp is the perfect way to help conserve New York's remarkable wildlife heritage and habitat. The 2018-19 Habitat & Access Stamp features a barred owl.
DEC Camping Gift Card- Campground gift cards are the perfect gift for those hard to buy outdoor-enthusiasts and are redeemable at all NYS DEC campgrounds.
Trail Supporter Patch- For just $5, anyone can support the maintenance and enhancement of hiking, biking, horseback riding and other non-motorized trails on State lands. The current patch design is a red disc with white lettering which resembles trail markers used by DEC to mark east-west directional trails.
Upcoming Events
Nov 24 - 10 a.m. Five Rivers - Naturalist as Reading Partners
Nov 24 - 10 a.m. Reinstein Woods: Outdoor Skills
Nov 24 - 2 p.m. Five Rivers - Guided Hike: Wild Turkey Trail
Dec 1 - 10 a.m. Five Rivers - Conservationist for Kids: Adventure Club
Dec 1 - 2 p.m. Five Rivers - Guided Walk: Service Road Loop
Dec 8 - 10 a.m. Five Rivers - Guided Walk: Sleepy Time
Dec 22 - 10 a.m. Five Rivers - Guided Hike: The Path Less Traveled
Save the date! January 1 - First Day Hikes
|
