New York Mixed Bag: New York’s Summer Free Fishing Days are June 29-30 – Outdoor News
Albany — New York’s annual summer free fishing days are June 29-30. During the last full weekend in June, anyone aged 16 and older can fish the fresh waters of New York State, and no license is required. All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.
Those without fishing equipment can borrow fishing gear for the day from one of many statewide providers through the I FISH NY program, which seeks to increase fishing participation and awareness of the many outstanding statewide fishing opportunities. The I FISH NY website also provides links to other fish education programs, free fish clinics and guides, as well as “How to” videos to get you started.
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Nearly 61-pound striped bass is biggest in tournament history at New York’s 23rd Manhattan Cup
New York kids fishing derby celebrates 30 years of angling fun on June 30
Poughkeepsie Journal And Sportsman’s Advocate Bill Connors Passes
Pleasant Valley, N.Y. — Just before press time, New York Outdoor News was informed that Bill Connors, of Pleasant Valley, had passed away suddenly on June 17. Connors was a regular outdoor columnist with the Poughkeepsie Journal, in the Hudson Valley. He also played several key roles during his life pertaining to sporting issues in New York, including being a member of the Conservation Fund Advisory Board. A more detailed report on Connors is planned for the July 12 issue of NYON.
DEC’s Annual Love Our N.Y. Lands Photo Contest Begins
Albany — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recently announced the launch of the 2024 ‘Love Our New York Lands’ photo contest. The online contest will feature five monthly themes through mid-October, with the winning images receiving prizes and being featured in statewide digital and print campaigns. Each month the contest will have a different theme.
Prizes are awarded to the winning entries. Photos will be judged on originality, artistic composition, technical quality, and whether the photograph showcases people enjoying New York’s outdoor activities safely and responsibly. The Love Our New York Lands campaign, launched in 2020 by DEC and State Parks, encourages all users of state-owned lands to recognize that these lands are shared by all. The campaign includes guidance on Leave No Trace principles.
Learn more at the DEC website.
Loon Conservation Group Asks Anglers to Participate in Lead Tackle Buy-back Program
Saranac Lake, N.Y. — The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is once again encouraging Adirondack anglers to participate in its Lead Tackle Buy Back Program. The program allows anglers to trade in an ounce or more of lead sinkers and jigs for a $10 voucher to use to purchase new non-toxic tackle and will also be entered into a drawing for several fishing related prizes.
The program is part of a regional effort to keep lead fishing tackle out of water bodies, thus protecting loons from lead poisoning when they accidentally swallow a piece of tackle with a fish. A growing number of tackle shops across the region are participating. Also, the ACLC’s annual loon census is July 20.
To learn more about the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation visit: adkloon.org, or call 518-354-8636.
Northville-Placid Trail 100th Anniversary Celebration Continues
Lake Placid, N.Y. — The Northville-Placid Trail (NPT) continues its 100th anniversary celebration with a series of hikes, exhibitions, community celebrations, and other events throughout the summer in the Adirondacks. The Northville-Placid Trail was developed in 1922 as one of the Adirondack Mountain Club’s first projects. Completed in 1924, the 138-mile route traverses the Adirondack Park, from the town of Northville to Lake Placid and is utilized year-round, including by hunters and anglers.
Among the numerous programs is the Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, which is hosting a special two-year exhibit, featuring information about the history of the NPT, the team that developed it, residents along the trail’s route and information about how the trail is used today.
The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) is hosting a series of volunteer projects, offering people an opportunity to take part in trail maintenance alongside experienced leaders. Trail maintenance opportunities include both one-day events and multi-day projects. Learn more at www.ADK.org.
New York City Birding Group Changes Name To Remove ‘Audubon’ Over Slavery
New York, N.Y. (AP) — The conservationist group known as NYC Audubon has changed its name to NYC Bird Alliance to distance itself from the pro-slavery views of ornithologist and illustrator John James Audubon, the organization announced. The name change, which was formalized by a June 5 membership vote, follows similar moves by Audubon Society chapters in Chicago, Seattle, Portland, Oregon and other cities.
“Names may be symbolic, but symbols matter,” said Jessica Wilson, NYC Bird Alliance’s executive director. “They matter to staff, to volunteers, to members, and to the larger conservation community. We collaborate widely with our partners across the five boroughs, and want this name change to signal how much we value and seek broadly cooperative efforts to save wild birds.”
The newly named NYC Bird Alliance formed in 1979 and calls itself an independent chapter affiliated with the National Audubon Society.
