New York Mixed Bag: Adirondack Brook Trout Management Plan public comment period extended to June 30

Ray Brook, N.Y. — Seeking more input from anglers, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has extended the public comment period for the recently released Draft Adirondack Brook Trout Pond Management Plan through June 30.

Brook trout are not only New York’s state fish, but also an iconic species of the Adirondacks that have faced many challenges over the last several decades, including acid precipitation and the introduction of incompatible fish species. The most recent brook trout management plan was undertaken in 1979.

Expected benefits of the draft plan include protection of existing and establishment of new self-sustaining populations and the reduced spread of incompatible and detrimental fish, including baitfish. With the exception of several lakes, the use of baitfish is proposed to be banned within the blue line of the Adirondack Park under the new plan.

Comments can be submitted by e-mail to fishplans@dec.ny.gov 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 link to the plan is available on DEC’s website.

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New York’s High School clay target league wraps up season with its state tournament

REMINDER: NEW YORK’S FREE SUMMER FISHING DAYS ARE JUNE 28-29

Albany — New Yorkers, and those visiting New York State, are reminded that New York’s annual summer free fishing days are June 28-29. During this time anyone can fish in New York for free – no freshwater fishing license or enrolment in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry is required. Future free fishing days are Sept. 27 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and Nov. 11 (Veteran’s Day).

DEC RELEASES DRAFT 2026-2030 HUDSON RIVER ESTUARY ACTION AGENDA

Albany — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has released a Draft Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda 2026-2030, a five-year blueprint for conserving and restoring the Hudson River estuary and its watershed. The Hudson River watershed is nearly 13,400 square miles and the Estuary Management Program focuses on the 5,200 square miles from the Verrazzano Narrows below Manhattan Island to the head of tide at the federal dam in Troy. The full estuary stretches 153 miles, from Troy to New York Harbor – nearly half of the river’s 315-mile course between Lake Tear of the Clouds in the Adirondacks and the tip of Manhattan Island.

The Action Agenda is updated every five years to address current trends and opportunities. Highlights include strategies to ensure robust fish populations – including striped bass, protect river habitats, and maintain clean water suitable for swimming, recreation, and drinking water. Other action include focusing tributaries and public outreach.

Public comments are being accepted through Aug. 11.

Comments can be emailed with “Action Agenda” in the subject line to hrep@dec.ny.gov. Comments can also be mailed to: Hudson River Estuary Program, NYSDEC Region 3, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, New York 12561. The plan is available online.

TRAIL CLOSED DUE TO BULL MOOSE PRESENCE

Tupper Lake, N.Y. — DEC recently closed the Goodman Mountain trail in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest in the northern Adirondacks, near Tupper Lake, effective immediately, due to the presence of a bull moose observed over an extended period of time. The closure is a precautionary measure to protect public safety and minimize disturbances to the animal as moose can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous when approached.

DEC is monitoring the situation closely, and Forest Rangers will be actively enforcing the closure. The trail will remain closed until DEC determines it is safe to reopen, at which time an update will be issued.

For more information, contact the Region 6 Office of Natural Resources at 315 785-2263.

DELAYED MOWING TACTIC TO HELP GROUND NESTING BIRDS ENCOURAGED

Albany — DEC is encouraging landowners who mow clearings to do so sparingly. Small grassland songbirds nest on, or close to, the ground in grassy and shrubby fields. Mowing and bush-hogging during the spring and early summer can destroy nests and remove the habitat required to successfully raise their young. In New York, the time where ground-nesting birds can be critically impacted by mowing runs from approximately late April to mid-August. Grassland birds have been declining in New York for decades and the timing of mowing can make a difference.

DEC suggests delaying the mowing fields greater than 25 acres until after mid-August to help these species nest successfully. Mowing as soon as possible after that time can help reduce the spread of invasive plants before their seeds spread. Also, mowing in the early fall can interfere with overwintering birds in fields.

While larger fields are particularly important for grassland songbirds, even smaller grassy and shrubby openings can contain songbird and wild turkey nests. DEC said landowners should carefully consider when and where they focus their mowing efforts during the spring and summer.