New York Mixed Bag: DEC holding virtual waterfowl information meeting on Sept. 23 – Outdoor News
Albany — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife biologists are holding a virtual meeting on Sept. 23, to advise the public of a variety of regional and statewide waterfowl news and updates.
The meeting topics will include: highlights of wetland management, expected impoundment fall water level status; research programs at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, and the Tonawanda, Oak Orchard, Northern Montezuma, and Braddock Bay wildlife management areas, Atlantic Flyway waterfowl populations and the upcoming duck and goose hunting seasons.
The meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For general questions, contact DEC’s Iroquois Wildlife field office at 585-948-5182.
Register using this link to receive instructions on joining the webinar.
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Next Round Of Regenerate NY Grants Available To Private Landowners
Albany — DEC recently announced that $500,000 in funding is now available for the fourth round of the State’s ‘Regenerate NY’ Forestry Cost Share Grant Program. The grant program assists private landowners with growing the next generation of resilient forests to mitigate climate change, provide wildlife habitat, protect air and water quality, and supply a critical renewable resource.
Private landowners planning to restore or establish five or more acres of forest land in New York State may apply for grant awards ranging from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000. A 10% match is required. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, planting trees, soil scarification, removing competing or invasive vegetation that interferes with seedling establishment and growth, and installation of deer fence.
Applicants must work with a forester or a qualified natural resource professional to develop their project. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 6, or until funds are depleted. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. For more details about the grant opportunity including application criteria, visit here.
Lampson Falls Trail In Grass River Wild Forest Closed Temporarily Due To Flooding
Clifton, N.Y. — DEC recently announced the temporary closure of the Lampson Falls accessible trail at the Grass River Wild Forest, part of the Grass River Complex, effective immediately. This indefinite closure is necessary to accommodate trail repair work following recent extreme flooding events.
Visitors who do not require use of the accessible trail will continue to be able to reach the falls and the beach area using the alternate trail. DEC encourages visitors to consider accessing other State properties across the Western Adirondacks and Eastern Lake Ontario Region. DEC lands and facilities offer many recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities including camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, hiking, and nature viewing.
Explore the DEC Accessible Recreation Destinations Map to locate wheelchair-accessible features at education centers, campgrounds and day use areas, waterway access sites, and land areas.
DEC Releases Tiger Muskies in Conesus Lake
Caledonia, N.Y. — In early August, DEC’s Region 8 Fisheries and Caledonia Fish Hatchery staff collaborated to successfully release approximate 9,500 nine-inch-long tiger muskellunge into Conesus Lake, in Livingston County.
The tiger muskie is a hybrid sterile cross between a muskellunge and a northern pike. Tiger muskies are stocked to serve as top predators of alewives and provide recreational fishing opportunities where present, including Conesus Lake. These fish average 18-20 inches at 2-years-old and 25 to 30 inches at 3-years-old. Mature adults are 35 to 45 inches and can grow to an excess of 30 pounds.
Conesus Lake is the westernmost of New York’s 11 Finger Lakes.
It is 8 miles long and encompasses 3,420 acres. Along with tiger muskies, anglers often target largemouth and smallmouth bass, and northern pike. DEC’s website lists walleyes as a species as well. There are four public boat lunches on Conesus Lake. Learn more at: https://dec.ny.gov/places/conesus-lake.
Annual Fish Art Contest Gets Started
White Bear Lake, Minn. — Wildlife Forever recently announced the opening of the 2024-25 Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest. The annual program invites youth from around the world to connect with nature and learn about fish and aquatic habitats while exploring creative art and writing. Since its founding in 1997, the Fish Art Contest has reached more than 85,000 youth in 46 countries, building future stewards of the outdoors The free contest is accessible to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Each year, thousands of entries pour in from across the globe, reflecting the program’s widespread appeal and impact on youth.
“The Fish Art Contest offers a unique opportunity to connect students to the outdoors through science and creative art. Through hands-on learning, students may explore the beauty of the natural world while learning about the importance of conservation,” said Veronica Mangio, marketing and communications manager at Wildlife Forever.
The 2024-25 contest is open for submissions until Feb. 28, 2025.
Participants can find more information, educational resources, and submission guidelines at www.FishArt.org. Contact Veronica Mangio at [email protected] for any questions or concerns.
