The Beat

Prepare for Arduous Conditions; Pack out your Trash; Avoid Sensitive Ecology; Respect Fellow Visitors and Those Working to Protect Our Wild Places

With the recent increase in outdoor recreation leading to record numbers of visitors to areas of the Adirondack and Catskill Parks and issues with trash and unprepared hikers causing impacts to natural resources, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded hikers and other visitors to the High Peaks Wilderness to follow the common-sense rules and recommendations in place to protect public safety and the sensitive plants and wildlife. These measures are in place to promote a shared respect for the resources, as well as respect for other visitors and the workers and volunteers tasked with protecting the Adirondacks, Catskills, and the forests, trails, lakes, and rivers throughout the State.

While Keeping Natural Areas Litter-Free 

In response to increased litter left behind by visitors to New York’s natural areas, the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released a new PSA to remind outdoor adventurers to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. The PSA features images of trash in the Catskills and the Adirondacks with a reminder that litter is not only unsightly, but can be deadly to New York’s wildlife.

Improved DECALS Includes User-Friendly Features to Help Hunters Find License Sales Outlets, Keep Track of Licenses, and Harvest Information

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the launch of the State’s new system for the sale of fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses. The new DEC Automated Licensing System (DECALS) includes user-friendly information to help users locate vendors, receive instant copies of a license, enter and view harvest information, and more.

Phased reopening to begin with Wild Walk and outdoor experiences

Tupper Lake, N.Y. - The Wild Center is pleased to announce that they will be welcoming visitors back. The Wild Center will begin a phased reopening on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, starting with Wild Walk and outdoor experiences. As a continued commitment to the health and safety of visitors, staff and the wider community, The Wild Center has implemented limited capacity, enhanced operational procedures and cleaning protocols.

Opportunities Abound for New York’s Most Popular Freshwater Sportfish

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner (DEC) Basil Seggos announced today that the traditional harvest season for Largemouth and Smallmouth bass opens on June 20 and closes Nov. 30. In most waters, there is also a catch and release season starting on Dec. 1, and continuing until the start of the regular season, during which anglers can fish for bass using artificial lures. There are special fishing regulations for some waters, and  York anglers should check the current fishing regulations guide before heading out to fish.

Ithaca, NY—The Finger Lakes Land Trust today announced it has acquired 80 wooded acres off Eastman Hill Road, just south of Ithaca in the town of Danby, Tompkins County. The property borders Danby State Forest and is also adjacent to private property protected by a Land Trust conservation easement and two parcels of land previously acquired by the organization. Taken together, the Land Trust has protected 500 acres in this area.

The new acquisition is located within a habitat linkage zone identified by New York State and includes headwater wetlands and seasonal streams that drain to Catatonk Creek, a classified trout stream and tributary of the Susquehanna River.

Hosts Digital Day Full of Programs, Activities and Games

Tupper Lake, N.Y. - The Wild Center is throwing a Virtual Not Quite Open But Dearly Hopin' Spring Jamboree on Friday, May 1, 2020. The all-day event celebrates and symbolizes a new season at The Wild Center, which normally opens its doors on May 1st to reintroduce visitors to the wonders of the natural world on its campus. Although public operations are temporarily suspended at the Adirondack-based science center and outdoor nature experience, the virtual party invites visitors to participate in fun activities and programs - all from their living rooms.

During the current COVID-19 public health crisis, getting outdoors and connecting with nature is a way to help maintain our mental and physical health. Scientific studies show that time outside in nature, especially among trees, significantly reduces stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, improves mood, energy, and sleep, and boosts the immune system.

While indoor spaces and restrooms at DEC environmental education centers and other public facilities are closed out of an abundance of caution to prevent community spread of COVID-19, our grounds and trails are open to welcome visitors during daylight hours, seven days a week. Any entry fees are waived. Public trails in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks and State Forests throughout the state are also always open (please note: there is still snow in many areas, please check local conditions).

Ithaca, NY— The Finger Lakes Land Trust today announced it has acquired 5.5 wooded acres in the town of Hector, Schuyler County. The property includes more than 1,300 feet of shared boundary with the Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF) and approximately 1,000 feet of frontage on Vesa Road.

Protection of this parcel prevents future subdivision that would fragment wildlife habitat connectivity and disrupt recreational opportunities.

After 10 Years of Capital Projects, Entire 52 Acres of BBG Reopened Welcoming Visitors with More Gardens, More Hours, and More Programs

Brooklyn, NY–Brooklyn Botanic Garden is pleased to announce its 2020 calendar of special events, programs, and seasonal highlights. This year, there is more to explore and enjoy than ever before as BBG fully opens following the completion of ten years of site-improvement projects across all 52 acres of the Garden.
 
To welcome visitors to the new and restored gardens, the Garden is offering extended evening hours in spring and summer, a robust calendar of live performances, exciting festivals, seasonal culinary events, enriching tours and workshops, and year-round horticultural beauty in one of New York City’s cultural jewels.