January 2022 Outdoor Discovery

Watchable Wildlife: Mongaup Valley Wildlife Management Area

Sullivan and Orange Counties

Our national symbol, the bald eagle, is the star of this wilderness about 75 miles northwest of New York City. Mongaup was designated a Bird Conservation Area because of its unique combination of habitats important to bird species, including forests, reservoirs, and river habitat where the majestic birds nest and overwinter. Eagle viewing blinds are located on Mongaup Falls Reservoir and Rio Reservoir, allowing visitors to watch the eagles without disturbing them. Concentrations of eagles peak in January and February, and eagles are most active between 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. White-tailed deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, coyote, fox, porcupine, black bear, and waterfowl are also found at the area.

Take the 2022 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge

The 2022 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge is underway! The initial Challenge, launched in 2019, drew 878 finishers from every region of New York, 12 other states, and Canada. Past participants hiked over 21,000 miles in the Catskills.

To participate in the 2022 challenge, hikers must hike to all six DEC-owned fire towers in the Catskills between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022:

• Hunter Mountain Fire Tower
• Tremper Mountain Fire Tower
• Upper Esopus Fire Tower (New!)
• Overlook Mountain Fire Tower
• Red Hill Fire Tower
• Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower

Once completed, participants submit a log of their hikes, along with a favorite photo to: CatskillsChallenge@dec.ny.gov. or via regular mail. Entries must be postmarked by January 7, 2023. Finishers will receive a letter, commemorative patch designed with the 2022 completion year, and a one-year subscription to DEC’s Conservationist magazine. Upon completion, finishers will also be able to download a customizable certificate and will be eligible to win hiking accessories after the challenge period is closed.

New Recreation Management Plan for Flatrock Mountain Conservation Easement

A new Recreation Management Plan (RMP) for the Flatrock Mountain Conservation Easement has been released. The Flatrock Mountain Conservation Easement encompasses approximately 511 acres southwest of Old Forge in the Town of Webb, Herkimer County.

DEC and the property owner, the Northeastern Loggers’ Association, collaborated on the RMP for the conservation easement, which will increase opportunities for recreation in Herkimer County.

Visit DEC’s website for information about the Flatrock Mountain Conservation Easement, nearby DEC-managed lands, and the RMP.

Recreation Highlight - @NYSDECAlerts

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. Discover what parking areas are full before you arrive so you can move straight to your back-up location and get on the trail sooner. You can also check for special advisories or links to alternate hikes. We encourage you to Love our NY Lands by hiking responsibly and planning ahead with the help of the most up-to-date information.

Hike Smart & Be Prepared

Before you hit the trail, check out DEC’s Hike Smart NY webpage to learn about safety, best practices, preparedness, and the Hiker Responsibility Code. Discover trails less traveled and visit sites when trails may not be as busy.

Check the Weather: Check the National Weather Service for current conditions and forecasts for the locations where you plan to recreate. Check both daytime and nighttime temperatures. Expect conditions to be cooler and more exposed on mountain summits.

Manage your time wisely: Keep in mind that it gets dark early. Be mindful of sunrise and sunset times, and plan accordingly. Start long hikes early to maximize sunlight hours, and always bring a headlamp in case you are out longer than expected.

Essentials for Winter Hikes

• Waterproof hiking boots with wool socks;
• Traction devices, as there may be snow and ice on mountain summits;
• Warm layers, including a hat and gloves, to prevent hypothermia; wind protectant layers for open overlooks and summits;
• Gloves and a hat;
• Headlamp with extra batteries- even if you plan to be down in the daylight;
• Plenty of food and water;
• A thermos of hot cocoa, coffee, tea, or soup to warm up or in case of emergencies;
• First aid kit;
• Emergency essentials you should always have in your pack:
  • Space blanket
  • Matches and fire starters
  • Pocket knife
  • Paracord or rope
  • Iodine tablets or a water filtration system
  • Extra batteries.

Visit DEC's website for more information on Winter Hiking Safety.

Love Our NY Lands

All New Yorkers and visitors should be able to access, enjoy, and feel welcome on State lands. These lands belong to all of us, our families, and our neighbors. While enjoying these shared spaces, be respectful of other visitors. Share trails, treat people with kindness, and leave things as you found them for others to enjoy. All of us have a responsibility to protect State lands for future generations. Learn more about how you can Love Our NY Lands.

Safety & Education

Winter recreation is fun and exciting. It can also be challenging and dangerous. Whether you’re going for a hike, a bike, a paddle, or fishing, Hike Smart NY can help you prepare with a list of 10 essentials, guidance on what to wear, and tips for planning your trip with safety and sustainability in mind.

Avoid Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a well-known risk during extremely cold weather, but it is also a danger during cool, wet weather. With variable weather in the forecast, keep in mind that hypothermia can occur at almost any temperature if you fail to keep yourself warm and dry. Hypothermia is the result of your body losing heat faster than it can produce it. To prevent hypothermia, dress in layers that will keep you warm and dry, and change into dry layers if you sweat through clothes or get wet. Drink plenty of water and eat high-calorie, high-protein foods to maintain your energy. Being tired, hungry, or dehydrated makes you more susceptible to hypothermia.

Know the warning signs of hypothermia:

• Shivering
• Exhaustion or feeling very tired
• Confusion
• Fumbling hands
• Memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness

Hypothermia is a serious medical condition. If someone in your party begins to show signs of hypothermia in the backcountry, act immediately. Warm the person by getting them to shelter, lighting a fire, or wrapping them in a space blanket or bivy sack. Remove any wet clothing and replace it with warm, dry clothing. Warm the center of their body – skin-to-skin contact can help. Warm drinks will also raise core temperature, but do not give the person alcohol. Seek proper medical attention as soon as possible.

Nature Notes

Did you Know...

Feeding wildlife can change their natural behaviors. This is even true of inadvertent food sources like garbage or unsecured food items. Gulls, for example, can become "food-conditioned" and may look for food near snack bars or garbage cans. Food-conditioning can lead to undesirable and potentially unsafe human-wildlife interactions. For example, wild animals that visit a food source in groups are at greater risk of predation and disease. Food-conditioned wildlife may also be more likely to become entangled in fencing, approach humans, or be struck by a vehicle when in search of food.

Upcoming Events

Be sure to check out DEC's wide selection of outdoor activities on our events calendar. View activities for the upcoming month or all the planned events available, including public hearings and meetings.

For specific information about upcoming events at DEC’s Environmental Education Centers, see the following links:

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (Albany County)

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & Environmental Education Center (Erie County)

Rogers Environmental Education Center (Chenango County)

Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County)

Check Out Our Facebook Live Events

As always, be sure to visit our Facebook page for updates and to view our Facebook Live offerings. From adventures at fish hatcheries and nighttime hiking, to Q&As about black bears, there is always something to see and learn.

Conservationist

A new year is a time to explore great opportunities in nature. In the December/January Conservationist you can learn about fishing from an ice shanty, and how (and why) DEC tracks moose. You’ll also learn about the New York State Birding Trail, and how one man became “hooked” on birding, specifically a bird known as a glossy ibis. And we hope you’ll enjoy our annual calendar, which illustrates the beauty and diversity we can enjoy in New York.

Best wishes for a happy New Year!