New York Mixed Bag: DEC, DOH summer algal bloom online reporting system resumes – Outdoor News
Albany — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and State Department of Health recently announced the New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) is once again active, providing New Yorkers the ability to send reports of HABs to DEC electronically via a simple user- and mobile phone-friendly form.
DEC and DOH evaluate HAB reports and once confirmed, the reports are posted to the NYHABS page. The page hosts resources such as the online HABs map and reporting system, which features an interactive map of current and archived bloom locations to help keep New Yorkers informed about potential HABs.
When it comes to HABs, DEC encourages New Yorkers to “know it, avoid it, report it,” as they venture on or near water. HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water to long, linear green streaks, pea soup or spilled green paint, to blue-green or white coloration. However, people, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has algal scums on the surface. Symptoms or health concerns related to HABs should be reported to DOH at [email protected].
If members of the public suspect an HAB, it can be reported through the NYHABs online reporting form available on DEC’s website.
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REMINDER: ADK BROOK TROUT MANAGEMENT PLAN PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS JUNE 13
Ray Brook, N.Y. — DEC’s reminds anglers that the Draft Adirondack Brook Trout Pond Management Plan remains available for public comment through June 13. However, at press there was discussion to extend this deadline. The plan features many goals and future management objectives for brook trout, including further developing heritage strains and establishing a bait fish ban for all anglers within the Blue Line of Adirondack Park.
A link to the plan is available on DEC’s website. Comments can be submitted by e-mail to [email protected] with the subject line “ADK Brook Trout Plan” or by mail to the following address: Fred Henson, Coldwater Fisheries Unit Leader, NYSDEC-Division of Fish and Wildlife, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4753.
A.G. JAMES SETTLES WITH WALMART FOR SHIPPING REALISTIC-LOOKING TOY GUNS TO N.Y.
New York, N.Y. – New York Attorney General Letitia James on last month announced that her office secured a settlement with Walmart for shipping realistic-looking toy guns to New York. An investigation by her office found that third-party sellers on Walmart’s online store sold realistic-looking toy guns to New Yorkers and Walmart shipped nine of them to addresses in New York, including New York City, Westchester, and Western New York.
New York law prohibits retailers from selling or shipping toy guns that are black, dark blue, silver, or aluminum-colored and look like a real gun. Realistic-looking toy guns can be used to engage in unlawful activity and have led to several deaths and shootings across the state. Businesses that illegally sell or distribute realistic-looking toy guns in New York can be fined up to $1,000 per violation. As a result of this settlement, Walmart must pay $16,000 in penalties and fees and ensure that all its third-party sellers are unable to sell imitation toy guns to New York.
JUNE 14: VERMONT’S FREE FISHING DAY
Montpelier, Vt. — Vermont’s annual, state-wide Summer Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 14 and it will be highlighted by a free family fishing festival in Grand Isle as well as opening day of the state’s regular bass fishing season.
The “Grand Isle Family Fishing Festival,” will be held at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station at 14 Bell Hill Road in Grand Isle. The festival will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is designed for young or novice anglers and families. Activities include basic fishing instruction, fish biology and ID, crafts and lure making, and more. It also includes a chance for participants to catch big trout in a hatchery pond. No prior fishing experience is needed, and Vermont Fish and Wildlife will be supplying fishing rods, reels and bait for use by participants.
New York’s annual summer free fishing days are June 28-29.
NYS CHANNEL CATFISH RECORD BROKEN AGAIN
Dexter, NY. — Dylan Kampnich’s 37-pound, 9-ounce channel catfish is a new state record.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recently confirmed Kampnich’s May 3 catch, which he landed while shore-fishing with his son. Kampnich, of Dexter, landed the fish in Black River Bay in Jefferson County. The record surpasses the previous state record catfish caught in 2022, also from the Black River, by nearly two pounds (the previous record was 35-pounds, 12-ounces).
DEC said channel catfish are the largest members of the catfish species that live in New York. They feed primarily on the bottom at night and are most easily caught using live bait such as worms or baitfish. When hooked, catfish can provide a challenge for even the most experienced angler.
