Latest news with #NewYorkStateDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservation
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Shroom-tripping hikers falsely report wilderness death
A pair of hikers in New York called emergency services to report that a third member of their group had died, but when a park ranger responded to rescue them it turned out they were just high on hallucinogenic mushrooms, officials say. The third hiker was uninjured - and not dead - and the hikers were "in an altered mental state", according to a report issued by parks officials. The incident took place on 24 May on Cascade Mountain in the Adirondacks High Peaks of upstate New York. The third person also called 911 during the hike, "and was not injured," the report states. They were allowed to continue their camping trip, while the pair were taken to police. Details of the backcountry saga were reported on Wednesday in a weekly bulletin by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. It describes how a forest ranger responded to the 911 call of a "reportedly deceased hiker", after the pair called "to report the third member of their hiking party had died" and that they were lost. Before the ranger arrived to find the group, they met a "summit steward" whose job is to stand at the top of the mountain to ensure the conservation of the sensitive alpine habitat. The two hikers told the steward they were lost, the report chronicles. A ranger then arrived and "escorted the two hikers, who had ingested hallucinogenic mushrooms, to a waiting ambulance and New York State Police unit". The third hiker was taken back to their campsite, officials said. None of the hikers were named in the reports, and it is unclear whether they are in any legal trouble following the bad trip. Psychedelic mushrooms are illegal for recreational use in New York, however there have been several bills introduced in the state legislature to legalise it. Its use has been legalised in at least one US state, but it remains illegal across most of the US and is outlawed on the federal level. 'I felt more joy than I thought possible' What Western medicine can learn from the ancient history of psychedelics Magic-mushroom drug can treat severe depression
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Paul Smith's College launches watercraft inspection season
PAUL SMITHS — Paul Smith's College Adirondack Watershed Institute has opened its season of managing the largest aquatic invasive species spread prevention program in New York State. The college's team of watercraft inspection stewards recently gathered on campus for their intensive in-person training. During the training, AWI's Aquatic Invasive Species Program Director Brett Wimsatt welcomed the new cohort with a message from outdoor recreation and conservation advocate Doug Duren: 'It's not ours, it's just our turn.' This sentiment resonates deeply with the mission of AWI stewards, whose work protects water resources of the Adirondacks for future generations. Eurasian watermilfoil, variable leaf milfoil and curly-leaf pondweed are the most common invasives found in Adirondack waterways. Water chestnut, spiny water flea, Asian clams and zebra mussels are not as common but just are as threatening. These nonnative plants and animals degrade water quality, significantly limit fishing, swimming and boating opportunities, and cost towns and lake associations millions of dollars to manage. In continued partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Lake Champlain Basin Program, and numerous local towns, villages, and lake associations, AWI watercraft inspection stewards will offer free inspections and boat washing services to the public. Stewards will be stationed at more than 60 boat launches and road-side locations throughout the Adirondack region, educating boaters, anglers, and other visitors on the harmful impacts of aquatic invasive species and emphasizing New York State's crucial Clean, Drain, Dry standard. 'We deeply appreciate the boating public's active participation in this effort. When you take the extra few minutes to stop for a boat inspection or boat wash, you're not just complying with regulations, you are being a good partner in conservation,' Wimsatt said. 'Our collective responsibility makes a difference in safeguarding the waterways we all enjoy.' AWI's extensive spread prevention network strategically places stewards at both popular, high-traffic launches, including those on Lake Placid, Great Sacandaga, and Lake Champlain, and along key travel corridors across northern New York. This comprehensive coverage also extends to smaller, more remote water bodies, such as those found in the St. Regis Canoe Area, where the risk of invasive species introduction and rapid spread between interconnected lakes is particularly high. The boat inspection and decontamination stations are cooperatively funded by New York State's Environmental Protection Fund and the Lake Champlain Basin Program who encourage everyone to learn and practice Clean, Drain, Dry techniques. Information about inspection and decontamination station locations, aquatic invasive species ecology and steps the public can take to maintain the quality of New York's waterways is at The mission of Paul Smith's College Adirondack Watershed Institute is to protect clean water, conserve habitat, and support the health and well-being of the people in the Adirondacks through science, collaboration, and real-world experiences for students. Learn more at
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
NNY angler catches giant channel catfish in Jefferson County
DEXTER, N.Y. (WWTI) – A 19-year-old Dexter man has reeled the first record-setting fish of 2025. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the first state record fish of the year. On May 3, while shorefishing with his son, Dylan Kampnich of Dexter reeled in a 37-pound 9-ounce channel catfish from Black River Bay in Jefferson County. Spring trout fishing season begins in April His record-breaking catch surpassed the previous state record catfish caught in 2022, also from the Black River, by 13 ounces. Congratulations to Mr. Kampnich on his record-breaking catfish. This catch is a great example of what New York's abundant waterways have to offer and the thrilling news of this catch will certainly get anglers excited about getting on the water this season DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton Channel catfish are the largest members of the catfish species that live in the state. 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 anglers. Kampnich submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC's newly-revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state record fish and recognizes anglers who catch any of the 40 eligible fish species that meet or exceed the minimum qualifying lengths established for that species. Through theprogram, anglers can enter freshwater fish that meet specific qualifying criteria and receive official recognition of their catch along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their achievement. The program's three categories are: Angler Award; Youth Angler Award; and State Record. As part of the program revamp, anglers can now submit entries for qualifying catches from the convenience of their smart phone through an online entry form. For official program rules, eligible species, and associated minimum qualifying lengths, visit the Angler Achievement Awards webpage. (Courtesy of Dylan Kampnich) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
DEC officials host Youth Turkey Hunt in Jefferson County
SACKETS HARBOR, N.Y. (WWTI) – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officers helped young north country sportsmen late last month. On April 26, Environmental Conservation Officers in DEC Region 6 assisted youth hunters at the 16th Annual Jefferson County Youth Turkey Hunt hosted by the Sackets Harbor Sportsman's Club. Spring turkey hunting season begins May 1 in NYS A total of 11 youth hunters took part in the hunt, harvesting two birds. The young hunters attended a safety course at the sportsman's club in the town of Hounsfield a day before the hunt. The course focused on the rules and regulations of turkey hunting, hunting strategies and decoy use, calls and calling, hunting safety, marksmanship, and ethics. Conservation officers accompanied the youth hunters out in the field despite heavy rains that day. The New York Conservation Officers Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, and other generous sponsors made donations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
13-05-2025
- USA Today
Remains of Canadian hiker missing since December found in Adirondacks
Remains of Canadian hiker missing since December found in Adirondacks Hikers in New York state have found the remains of a Canadian man who was missing for five months in the Adirondack Mountains, officials say. The remains of 22-year-old Leo DuFour were found on May 10 off the Allen Mountain Trail, part of the Adirondack backcountry, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, or the DEC. A hiking party found the remains that morning and called officials, the department said. Forest rangers and New York State Police were called to work the case. DuFour is from Vaudreuil, in southwestern Quebec, Canada, and had previously set out to complete the 46 Adirondack high peaks. More news: High school student in critical condition after controversial 'senior assassin' game Man's father reported him missing 5 months ago According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, DuFour's father said he went hiking on Nov. 29 and was supposed to return on Nov. 30, but never made it. DuFour signed the Mount Adams trail register on Nov. 29, 2024 and wrote that he was doing a one-day solo trip to Allen Mountain, reported the Adirondack Explorer. New York State Police found DuFour's car at the Mount Adams trailhead near Newcomb, and the vehicle was covered in snow. Searchers also found a set of tracks in the trail leading from DuFour's vehicle, but recent snowfall made it difficult to track, officials said. DuFour was last known to be near the summit of the mountain, and rangers found a water bottle above 3,500 feet in the slide area. His cell phone connected to a satellite in two locations, reported the Adirondack Explorer. At least 59 forest rangers have searched nearly 400 miles by foot, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said. New York State Police also sent two helicopters to transport crews, drop off supplies, and conduct aerial searches. Officials eventually said the search had turned into a recovery. On Dec. 9, the search transitioned into a "limited continuous search," meaning officials had stopped active field search efforts but continued air searches and patrols. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said agencies continued to search this spring since snow receded across the Adirondack backcountry. Hiker had been in the area before The mountain DuFour was climbing, Allen Mountain, is 4,340 feet high, reported the Adirondack Explorer. Authorities said his car was found at the Mount Adams trailhead, while his remains were found on the Allen Mountain Trail. The trail where his remains were found is a 17.7-mile back trail that has a lake and is 'rated as difficult,' according to Newcomb officials. The trail is best taken between April and September. Back in November 2023, DuFour shared photos from a trip he'd made to the Adirondacks, captioning the post 'One of the best hikes I've done in my life.' He was also there in April 2024 and said the trips were part of his attempt to complete the 46 Adirondack high peaks. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@
