36 Bridge Replacements Completed Along Brookfield Trail System
 A three-year project is now complete in the towns of Hamilton and Brookfield, Madison County, along the Brookfield Trail System (PDF). The popular recreation trail provides more than 100 miles of opportunity for hikers, equestrians, snowmobilers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. DEC designed the new crossings for enhanced safety, longevity, and protection of water quality. Wooden boardwalks and bridges were replaced after age-related deterioration and flood damage made these structures unsafe. The 100-mile Brookfield Trail System crosses Charles E. Baker, Brookfield Railroad, and Beaver Creek State Forests in southeastern Madison County and is open free of charge for hiking, horse riding, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking.
New Clear Lake WMA Offers Recreational Opportunities in Western New York
 DEC recently acquired 525 acres in the town of North Collins, Erie County, to create the Clear Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The land offers hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife viewing, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing and becomes the largest State-owned WMA in Erie County. DEC also recently installed two parking areas to improve public access to the site. The parking area located on the lake's east side is designated for use by visitors’ hand-launching small boats, kayaks, or canoes. Please note that use of trailers is not allowed. Learn more about other WMAs near you.
Volunteers Improve Trails at Morgan Hill State Forest
Recently, volunteers from the bike group CNY D.I.R.T. worked together at Morgan Hill State Forest in southern Onondaga and northern Cortland counties to build an additional 1.3 miles of single-track multiple-use trail. The forest now hosts 10.8 miles of designated multiple-use trail, with another 4+ miles planned in the next few years.
This latest addition, Green 3 or just “G3,” is a fast twisting, single-track trail, with lots of steep drop-ins and plenty of technical sections. While geared specifically toward mountain biking, these trails can be enjoyed year-round by hikers, cross country skiers, and snowshoers. A unique gem in an ever-growing, local outdoor recreational scene, Morgan Hill will be a destination for years to come. Thank you, CNY D.I.R.T, for your hard work!
Free Outdoor Erie Canal Excursions this Summer
 From kayaking, biking, and boating, to fishing and birding—experience the great outdoors On the Canals this summer while enjoying the natural beauty and local history of New York State for free! As part of Governor Cuomo’s Reimagine the Canals initiative, the New York Power Authority and the New York State Canal Corporation are offering free excursions at canalside hubs to promote recreation, local business, and new camping destinations. Take a two-hour bird watching and wildlife tour via kayak on the Erie Canal and Clyde River adjacent to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Registration is required for most events, and space is limited. Sign up today!
Follow @NYSDECAlerts for Real Time Updates
 Planning an outdoor adventure this weekend? Follow @NYSDECAlerts on Twitter for real-time updates to help you prepare. @NYSDECAlerts provides updates for DEC-managed lands throughout New York State, including the High Peaks Region of the Adirondacks.
Peekamoose Blue Hole Permit Updates
 DEC issued special regulations for the Blue Hole and Peekamoose Valley because of the huge increase in visitors. The purpose of these regulations is to increase public safety and reduce impacts to environmental resources. Before planning a trip to these areas, please make sure to review the regulations. Some highlights you need to know before you go are below:
- Visitors are required to obtain a permit for a $10 fee through Reserve America seven days a week May 15 through September 15, consistent with fees for other recreation-oriented Day Use areas in the Forest Preserve;
- Each permit will be linked to a vehicle, and the permit must be displayed on/in the vehicle;
- Parking is limited to designated parking areas only. Parking along the shoulder of the road is prohibited by the Town and is a Tow Away Zone;
- Visitors are required to use portable restroom facilities for human waste disposal and the dumpster for all other waste;
- The following are prohibited at the Blue Hole (limited use will be allowed at the nearby designated camping area only):
- Except for the nearby designated camping area, the Blue Hole is only open to the public from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
- Camping
- All fires (including charcoal fires, wood fires, gas grills, propane stoves or other portable stoves)
- Use of portable generators
- Alcohol
- Glass containers
- Coolers larger than 12" in any dimension
- Radios and other audio devices.
Road Trip to Adventure: Everton Falls Preserve
 Looking for a scenic, family-friendly Adirondack adventure by foot or canoe? Check out The Nature Conservancy’s Everton Falls Preserve that protects a 1.5-mile stretch of the East Branch of the St. Regis River. From the parking area, there is a short trail through northern hardwood and conifer forests where you can enjoy a picnic lunch at the shoreline along the river. If you are looking to spend time padding, there is a boat access site across from the Everton Falls Preserve parking lot, which provides nine miles of flat-water paddling. For a weekend trip, book reservations at Meacham Lake Campground & Day Use Area and for other local amenities, visit the towns of Saint Regis Falls, Paul Smiths, or Saranac Lake.
Take the 2021 I Bird NY Challenge
 The 2021 I Bird NY Challenges are now open for beginning and experienced birders. Two levels of challenges provide the opportunity to identify birds, learn about birdlife, and win birding equipment. Birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing outdoor recreational activities in the U.S, so join in on the fun by getting a start on your life list!
Anyone 16 years of age and younger are eligible to take the Beginner's Birding Challenge (PDF) by identifying 10 common New York bird species and submitting their challenge sheet to DEC. Experienced birders can take the I Bird NY Experienced Birder Challenge (PDF). Birders of any age must identify at least 10 different bird species found across New York State. All participants in this challenge will also receive a certificate of participation and be entered into a drawing for birding accessories.
Upcoming Events
Moonlight Walk: Friday, July 23 at 9 p.m., Basha Kill Area Association
Birding 101: Saturday, July 31 at 9 a.m., Reinstein Woods (Registration Required)
How to do it: Hiking Basics: Saturday, July 31 at 2 p.m., Five Rivers (Registration Required)
Outdoors Accessibility Day: Sunday, August 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., John Dillon Park (Registration Required)
16th Annual Shorebird Festival at Jamaica Bay: Saturday, August 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hike the D&H Canal Towpath: Saturday, August 21 at 10 a.m., Basha Kill Area Association
Hike the D&H Canal Towpath: Saturday, August 28 at 10 a.m., Basha Kill Area Association
Great Adirondack Moose Festival: Saturday & Sunday, September 25 – 26, Indian Lake
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