New York Mixed Bag: DEC encourages New Yorkers to report harmful algal blooms

Albany — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recently announced the New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) is now active.

DEC and the State Department of Health (DOH) work closely to evaluate HAB reports and once confirmed, reports are posted to the NYHABS page. The system features an interactive map of current and archived bloom locations to help keep New Yorkers informed about potential HABs.

While cyanobacteria are naturally occurring in the environment, certain conditions lead to accumulations that become HABs.

Blooms are likely triggered by a combination of factors that include excess nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, lots of sunlight, low-water or low-flow conditions, calm water, and warm temperatures. HAB occurrence and reporting typically increase throughout the season with the most reports received during the warmest months of August and September. risk to public health.

For more information about HABs, including bloom notifications, which are updated daily through fall, visit DEC’s Harmful Algal Blooms webpage.

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FIRST TIME CAMPER PROGRAM RETURNS

Albany — DEC recently announced the return of the First-Time Camper Program for the 2026 season. Long-time campers know the enjoyment and rewards of camping, but for those who have never slept in a tent before, spending the night outdoors can be an unfamiliar adventure.

The program makes trying camping for the first time easy by providing a tent for their camping party, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp chairs, a lantern, and even firewood. A DEC Camping Ambassador meets participants at the campsite and helps them get their camp set up with a “Camping 101” lesson.

Participants are randomly selected to fill camper slots and may enter a lottery through June 12, and must choose one facility from the following dates and locations in the Adirondacks and Catskills: Meacham Lake, July 10-12; Kenneth L. Wilson, July 17-19; Ausable Point, July 24-26; Northampton Beach July 31-Aug, 2; Mongaup Pond, Aug. 7-; 9 Nicks Lake, Aug. 14-16 and Luzerne, Aug. 21-23.

For more information, visit here.

NWTF, DEC PARTNER ON HABITAT WORK AT CARLTON HILL MULTIPLE USE AREA

Middlebury, N.Y. — The New York State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is collaborating with DEC to complete a three-year habitat enhancement project within the Carlton Hill Multiple Use Area, in Wyoming County. The 2,500-acre area is strategically managed for habitat, hunting, fishing and other wildlife-dependent activities.

With funding assistance from the New York NWTF State Chapter’s Super Fund, the DEC has already completed a 5-acre patch-cut adjacent to a grassland field and European larch plantation. The work is allowing the young forest of aspen, black cherry and apple trees to regenerate, creating and maintaining a mosaic of early successional vegetation that benefits a variety of wildlife species.

Hand-felling techniques were used to minimize site disturbance and support healthy regrowth. Felled trees were left on the forest floor, providing valuable cover for wildlife.

By removing European larch, foresters aim to create a productive ecosystem that will enhance nesting and brood-rearing habitat for wild turkeys. Vegetation monitoring will continue beyond the three-year agreement to determine future management needs. The end goal of the project is to maintain the 5-acre treatment area while selecting for desirable species such as apple, aspen, black cherry, red oak and dogwood.

DEC TO MOTORISTS: GIVE TURTLES A BREAK

Albany — DEC says the warm weather makes this is a critical time of year for turtles as they migrate to find ideal spots for basking, foraging, and laying their eggs. Female turtles, in particular, are on the move, often crossing roads in search of suitable nesting locations. Many turtle, however, lose their lives each year after being hit by vehicles.

Motorist who wish to safely help should avoid picking turtles up by their tails. Most turtles, except snapping turtles, can be safely lifted by the sides of their shells. Use a firm grip since they may kick to escape. Dropping a turtle can harm their shell and developing embryos. Also, always move the turtle in the direction it is facing.

Snapping turtles possess powerful jaws and long necks, enabling them to strike defensively. They can turn and kick swiftly when handled, so proceed with caution Using thick gloves, grip the rear of the shell near the tail with both hands, and gently slide the turtle onto a mat or blanket, then across the road safely.

All native amphibians and reptiles in New York are protected under New York State Environmental Conservation Law.

JUNE 13: VERMONT’S FREE FISHING DAY

Grand Isle, Vt. — Vermont’s annual, statewide Summer Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 13, which will also feature the state’s free family fishing festival in Grand Isle, on Lake Champlain. The event takes place at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station, in Grand Isle, which is located very close to the Cumberland Bay – Grand Isle ferry station that connects New York and Vermont, near Plattsburgh.

Vermont’s free fishing day typically coincides with the state’s bass season opener, which takes place annually on the second Saturday in June. In New York, special regulations allow Lake Champlain’s bass season to also open all on this date. New York’s free fishing days are June 27-28.