The Beat

DEC Encourages Anglers to Fish 'SMART' to Protect Resources and Other Anglers

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the Lower Fly-Fishing Section of the Salmon River will be open for catch-and-release fishing starting Saturday, Oct. 31, marking the success of actions taken by the Salmon River Flow Management Team to mitigate the impacts of low-water flows at the start of the salmon run. Recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 remain in effect to ensure the health and safety of the public.

Clayton, New York – The Antique Boat Museum and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Alexandria Bay Flotilla have partnered to offer remote learning opportunities through the end of 2020. More new and reimagined programming will continue to roll out in early 2021 as part of this partnership.

The final session of About Boating Safely for 2020 will be held on Google Meet from Monday, November 2 through Thursday, November 5 from 6pm-8pm. This is a more compact schedule than previous sessions of the class, lasting 2 hours per night for 4 nights rather than 1 hour a night for 8 nights.

Tug Hill, N.Y. – Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust (THTLT) is excited to kick off its three-year campaign, Tug Hill FOR Tomorrow. A campaign to save what matters most.

“This year, more than ever, people see that getting outside is critical to their health and wellbeing. That has meant a surge of interest in finding trails and accessible public open space.” Said Linda Garrett executive director of THTLT. “And it has also brought the realization that we need to create more trails, and public conservation areas, close to home.” …

Oswego, NY. – Did you know there is an island dedicated to a spy in Mexico, New York or that there is a World War II tug that shot down a Nazi plane now docked in Oswego’s inner harbor? The new Sailor Sam Canal to Shore Challenge program from the H. Lee White Maritime Museum in Oswego will help you answer all of these questions and many more. This program, sponsored in part by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the NYS Canal Corporation seeks to take participants of all ages, in groups or as individuals, on a quest to see and learn more about the hidden history along our local waterways.

The Museum’s Sailor Sam mascot identifies 23 historic points of interest along the Oswego Canal, Oswego Harbor and Lake Ontario in a Logbook available through the Museum. Individuals, family groups, youth groups, school groups and others can purchase this special Logbook and then visit all 23 sites, learning more about the fascinating and unique stories that unfold at each site.

Clayton, NY (July 21, 2020) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater boating museum based in Clayton, NY, announces the routes for the Boats on Parade taking place Saturday, August 1^st.  Antique and classic boats in the region as well as those able to come from outside the North Country are invited to join ABM in two parades around the Islands.

Upgrades at Southwick Beach Include New Bathhouse and Concessions, Restored Dunes for Storm Resiliency, Environmentally-Sensitive Parking Lot 

Westcott Beach Improvements Include Eight New Accessible Cottages with Full Kitchens and Bathrooms

 Photos Available Here 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of improvement projects at Southwick Beach State Park and Westcott Beach State Park, on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario. The first major improvements to the popular beachfront parks in 50 years, upgrades at Southwick Beach feature a new bathhouse and concession building, as well as restored dunes and new "green" parking lots that enhance resiliency and protection of water quality. At Westcott Beach, eight new accessible cottages, with fully equipped kitchens and full bathrooms, were built on a bluff with a commanding view of the lake.

Lighthouses, Shipwrecks, Recreational Boating, Naval Battle and More

Oswego, N.Y.  – H. Lee White Maritime Museum of Oswego and New York Sea Grant have announced a Virtual Exhibit Experience freely accessible at https://hlwmm.org/path_history.php and showcasing New York State's lighthouses, shipwrecks, naval military battles, and 100 years of freshwater boating. Teachers may contact the museum for assistance in using this resource in classrooms in the fall.

Clayton, New York (June 11, 2020) – The Antique Boat Museum and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 1-6 (Alexandria Bay) are collaborating to adapt “About Boating Safely”, the Auxiliary’s nationally recognized boater safety class to meet COVID-19 restrictions. All classes offered through the Alexandria Bay Flotilla will be offered via Google Meet through November. While this is a USCG Auxiliary class, registration through the Antique Boat Museum’s website is required to be added to the roster.

One of the biggest snowshoe events in the US !

Mannsville, NY (January 9, 2020) - Celebrating its 10th year anniversary, the Stone Wall Snowshoe Event on January 26, 2020, is a NOT TO MISS winter event, right here on the Tug Hill. Hosted by Winona Forest Recreation Association (WFRA), this year's event features a "Snowshoe for Charity". WFRA will donate 50% of registration fees and a $1000 grand prize will be awarded to the largest groups' favorite charity!…

Announces Free Fishing on Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and Lower Niagara River through Labor Day as well as 50% Off Camping and Vehicle Entrance Fees at State Parks along Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River

New Television Spot Promotes Travel to Lake Ontario and Surrounding Attractions - View the Ad Here  

Hatchery Improvements and Resiliency Grants Will Bolster the $121 Million in Regional Economic Benefit  

Furthers Mission of the REDI Commission to Build More Resilient and Stronger Local Communities along the Shoreline by Strengthening Local Economies

NEW YORK – August 2, 2019 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday announced the launch of a new campaign to boost tourism in the Lake Ontario region following recent flooding that has hampered tourism in communities along the shoreline. The new initiative includes free fishing on Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and Lower Niagara River through Labor Day as well as 50 percent off State campgrounds and vehicle entrance fees along the lake and river.