News and Events for Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and St. Lawrence Counties (Region 6)
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 05/19/2021 05:18 PM EDT |
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Environmental News and Events for Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and St. Lawrence Counties (Region 6) |
In This Issue:
Public Comment Open on Draft Recreation Management Plan for the Western Lassiter TractsDEC's Region 6 office is seeking public comment on the development of a draft Recreation Management Plan (RMP) for the Western Lassiter Tracts, which is comprised of two privately owned conservation easements—the Beers Lot and Pine Hill conservation easements—that encompass approximately 2,200 acres in the town of Edwards, St. Lawrence County. We encourage the public to submit suggestions and comments related to the development of the Western Lassiter Tracts RMP by June 30, 2021 to: Peter D’Luhosch; Environmental Program Specialist, DEC Information about the Western Lassiter Tracts conservation easements is available on DEC's website. Love Our NY Lands
There are tens of thousands of acres of State lands to visit and thousands of miles of trails across the state for hikers of all abilities, whether you want to hike the Adirondacks or take the family and friends out for a short excursion to a scenic view in the Catskill Park. All of us have a responsibility to protect State lands for future generations. Follow the Hiker Responsibility Code, practice Leave No Trace principles, and consider DEC staff are here to keep you and our natural resources safe. Forest Rangers, Assistant Forest Rangers, Foresters, backcountry and front-country stewards, trail crews, and education staff are important resources for outdoor recreators and for the protection of our lands. These professionals are stationed across New York, and visitors can expect to interact with stewards at trailheads, rest areas, information stations, welcome centers, and campgrounds, as well as out on trails and summits. Forest Rangers provide more than enforcement and rescues. One of their primary roles is education, which is crucial to ensuring hikers have a safe experience. If you run into a Forest Ranger or Assistant Forest Ranger on the trail, use that opportunity to ask questions about safety and sustainable recreation. Trail crews work hard to build and maintain our trail systems across New York State. As you pass by crews out on the trail, take a moment to thank them for their commitment to protecting our lands and keeping users safe. If you need help planning an adventure, or have questions about equipment, safety, or trail conditions, stewards and educators are happy to assist. If you are headed to the Catskills or High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, you’ll find stewards and educators who can provide helpful advice or assistance. You can also find formal information stations at the following locations: Expansion Sites
High Peaks Information Stations
For more information, including how to become a steward and how you can protect New York's lands, visit DEC's website. Regenerate NY Cost-Share Grants Available for Forest Landowners
Applicants need to apply for the program through the New York State Grants Gateway DEC will be hosting a Grants Gateway training webinar on Friday, May 21 at 10 a.m. to assist applicants in navigating the grant process. Private landowners are encouraged to team up with a cooperating forester who may provide application support. Applications for the cost-share program will be accepted on a rolling basis until October 8 or until funds runout. Forest photo by Laura Heady Backyard Blue Bird
A DEC Region 6 forester recently spotted this bluebird in his back yard. “The bluebirds are our little buddies! I'm curious why they love perching on the weather station. They actually drink from the rain gauge,” the forester said.
Save the date for Outdoors Day June 12, 2021!DEC's Region 6 office will host an Outdoors Day event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lowville Forestry Demonstration Area. Region 6 Recognizes Arbor Day & Earth Day with Events
Mike Giocondo (far left), forester in Lowville, participated in a tree planting ceremony at Jefferson Community College in Watertown on April 24th. Steve Sherwood (second from the left holding sign) DEC representative on the village of Canton's Arbor Day Tree Committee, gathers with committee members to recognize their receipt of two NYS DEC Urban and Community Forestry Program grants totally $32,000. The grant monies will go toward tree maintenance. The grants are part of the second phase of grants through DEC's Division of Lands and Forests' Urban and Community Forestry Program, which works to increase public awareness of the importance of trees and help communities develop and implement comprehensive tree management plans to create healthy forests while enhancing quality of life.
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