September 2021 Outdoor Discovery

DEC Celebrates the Conservationist’s 75th Anniversary

DEC’s popular magazine, the Conservationist, turns 75 this year! The first issue of the magazine was published in August of 1946 and had some familiar themes, including an article about a new law called the Forest Practice Standards Act, articles promoting the many recreational opportunities found at Cranberry Lake in St. Lawrence County, and the challenges faced by the Conservation Department (DEC’s predecessor) in constructing fire towers in the Adirondack and Catskill backcountry.

In addition to the bread-and-butter natural resource articles of its early days (e.g., hunting, fishing, forestry), the magazine grew to include more articles about environmental quality (e.g., air, water, and land pollution control) as the nation’s environmental consciousness grew after the first Earth Day in 1970. That was also the day the Conservation Department became the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Throughout our 75-year history, the Conservationist has sought to entertain and educate, and to motivate people to make a positive difference in our world. To reference a concept that has been used to describe the cumulative impacts of water pollution runoff: while each of us may not think our individual actions make a difference, taken together, our voices and actions are magnified, and our collective efforts can bring about important environmental change for our local communities, which also benefits our state and nation, and our future.

To encourage new subscribers--and in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the magazine--DEC is offering a special $2 subscription rate, including gift subscriptions, to the Conservationist. This special rate will be limited to 7,500 subscribers. To start receiving the Conservationist at home and in your email box, subscribe today by visiting DEC's website or calling 1-800-678-6399.

Accessibility Resources in the Outdoors

Birdability is a nonprofit group that advocates and promotes a welcoming, safe, and inclusive atmosphere in the birding community for people of all abilities. Their vision is “birding truly is for everybody and every body, regardless of disability or other health concerns.” There are many resources on the site, including a Birdability map, documents to facilitate inclusion, including information on welcoming and inclusive birders, adaptive birding equipment information, and even upcoming event listings. 

Two resources available in the “More Resources” section worth further reading are Mindful Birding (great to use with students) and Racism in Birding (provides understanding about issues people experience and promotes diversity).

Take the 2021 I Bird NY Challenge

The 2021 I Bird NY Challenges are open for beginner and experienced birders. Two levels of challenges provide the opportunity to identify birds, learn about bird life, 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 is 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.

Now Open: Hashamomuck Marine Waterway Access Site

DEC announced the grand opening of Hashamomuck Marine Waterway Access Site in the Town of Southold, Suffolk County. The site is DEC’s first and only unrestricted waterway access site on the Peconic Bay and will provide public fishing and recreational boating access to this popular waterbody. The site is a 3.2-acre waterfront property located at 750 Old Main Road, Southold, and now includes a public boat ramp, canoe and kayak launch, accessible pathway, and 37-vehicle parking lot for 31 trailers and six cars. These amenities are universally accessible and available to the public free of charge. A boat pump-out station, washdown station, and additional plantings will be added to the site later this year. Learn about other Long Island waterway access sites and saltwater fishing opportunities.

Report Shark Sightings in New York

There are multiple shark species in New York's marine waters. Sharks are typically found in the deep waters offshore, but you can also find them chasing baitfish in the surf and coastal bays. Report any sightings of sharks to DEC's Shark Spotter Digital Survey  Information provided to DEC helps researchers better understand New York's shark populations. Check out the Shark Spotter Public Viewer to learn more about shark sightings that have been reported to DEC.

Before going fishing, make sure to visit our Recreational Shark Fishing webpage for information about permit requirements and regulations. Learn more about shark fishing and proper handling techniques by watching NOAA's Shark Endorsement Education video.

New Pilot Route 73 Shuttle System Launches

A pilot Route 73 Hiker Shuttle system launched on Saturday, August 21. The pilot will help provide safe, sustainable visitation along the busy Route 73 corridor and in the Adirondack High Peaks region.

The free shuttle system will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays through Monday, October 11. Users can park at Marcy Field and ride to the Rooster Comb, Giant Mountain/Ridge Trail, and Roaring Brook Falls trailheads. Parking is still available at the trailheads themselves.

All riders will be required to wear a mask. Stewards will be stationed at all drop-off and pick-up locations to assist with navigating the shuttle system and educate hikers on responsible recreation, including preparedness, hiking safety, and Leave No Trace™  principles. Pets are not permitted. View a map of the route (PDF), check out the shuttle schedule (PDF), and browse a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (PDF).

Nature Notes

Did you Know...

Based on fossilized teeth and scales, scientists believe that sharks have been around for more than 400 million years—long before the dinosaurs. Whale sharks are the largest fish species in the sea and can grow to more than 55 feet.

Upcoming Events

Five Rivers' 39th Annual Fall Festival
Saturday, September 18, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Join us for a family-oriented environmental celebration featuring hands-on educational activities, interactive exhibits, interpretive walks, and more. Enjoy opportunities to meet live hawks, owls, snakes, and turtles up close and personal. Meet Smokey Bear, cast for “backyard bass,” and enjoy staffed exhibits from a wide range of local conservation partners...all free of charge! There will also be live music, as well as sales of refreshments.

Reinstein Woods' Fall Festival
Thursday, Sept. 16, through Monday, Sept. 20
The festival kicks off on the 16th with a fall bird migration hike led by staff from the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. From Friday, Sept. 17 to Monday, Sept. 20, DEC staff and volunteers will lead a variety of nature activities for kids and families, and on Friday, Sept. 17, a DEC Forest Ranger will demonstrate how Rangers use drones to assist with search and rescue efforts.

Be sure to check out DEC's wide selection of outdoor activities on our events calendar. View 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, nighttime hiking, and Q&As about black bears, there is always something to see and learn.

Conservationist

Readers of the Conservationist can learn about the origin of the magazine in the August/September issue, including the story of its founder Clayt Seagears, and view some old covers dating back many years. There are also articles about striped bass and how a fisherman used a journal to become a better angler, and the partnership between DEC and land trusts to protect drinking water quality. This and more in the latest issue of the Conservationist.

Subscribe today by visiting DEC's website or calling 1-800-678-6399.