NY-Outdoors.com News
DEC Announces Opening of Campgrounds
Campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks Open May 16th
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced that effective Friday, May 16, 2008, all DEC-operated campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks are officially open for the summer camping season.
"DEC campgrounds offer a unique opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful natural resources in New York State," said Commissioner Grannis. "In addition to hiking and fishing, DEC campground facilities offer a wide range of outdoor recreational and camping opportunities and activities which the whole family can enjoy."
Each year millions of people visit DEC facilities to enjoy the spectacular landscapes, lush forests and variety of fish and wildlife species that reside in the constitutionally protected "forever wild" campgrounds. Campers can also enjoy the many events, historical sites, and restaurants of nearby towns and villages.
New York Announces Suspension and Stop Sale/Use of Pesticide Products
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced that DEC has suspended the New York State registration of four pesticide products manufactured by the Scotts Company. Any unregistered product may not be sold, offered for sale, distributed, or used in New York State.
The Department's action immediately followed the United States Environmental Protection Agency's issuance of a national-level "stop sale, use or removal" order against Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and three affiliates for illegal, unregistered, and misbranded products. The products are: SLS Halts Pro 22-0-8 Plus .28% Halts Pro (EPA Reg. No. 538-304), SLS Halts Pro 14-2-5 Plus .28% Halts Pro (EPA Reg. No. 538-304), SLS Halts Pro 0-0-7 Plus .28% Halts Pro (EPA Reg. No. 538-304) and Shake 'N Feed All Purpose Plant Food Plus Weed Preventer (EPA Reg. No. 62355-4).
DEC Announces Free Fishing Events Throughout the State
Regional Activities Offer Opportunities To Try Fishing Statewide Free Fishing Weekend is June 28-29
New York State is among the nation's premier, year-round fishing destinations, and to help newcomers or those interested in learning how to fish, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has scheduled free fishing events in each of its nine regions. These events are in addition to the state's annual free fishing weekend being held on June 28 and 29, 2008.
"Few places provide the number, quality, and diversity of fishing opportunities like New York," DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said. "These free fishing events provide a great way for newcomers to learn more about the sport and the locations near every New York community to connect to nature and have fun."
Each DEC regional office sponsors clinics to help teach adults and children the basics of fishing. Participants are supplied with equipment and learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics and aquatic ecology. No freshwater fishing license is required at these events. A full list of events with contact information is attached.
Opening Day Approaches for Several Prized Freshwater Species
Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, and Tiger Muskellunge Season Opens on May 3 Catch-and-Release Bass Season is Open on Many of the State's waters
With the opening of the season for many popular warmwater and coolwater gamefish species, fishing season in New York State is now in full swing. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today provided some valuable tips for anglers looking towards the May 3 opener for Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, and Tiger Muskellunge, as well as the catch-and-release bass season already in progress in several state waters.
"I can think of no state in the country that can provide fishing opportunities as diverse as those found in New York," said DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. "Fishing is better than it ever has been in New York and I encourage all of you to go fishing and better yet, take a friend with you."
Information on all of DEC's fishing seasons and special regulations can be found in the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html on DEC's website. In addition, DEC suggests the following hotspots for the gamefish and provides additional important advice.
Many other waters throughout the State provide excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, chain pickerel and tiger muskellunge. For more information, anglers should contact their local DEC regional office, go to the DEC fishing hotlines website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishhotlines.html or visit DEC's fishing homepage at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html. For a listing of popular fishing waters go to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7912.html.
Fishing Hotline Numbers
| Location | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| DEC Region 7 | (607) 753-1551 |
| Orleans County | (585) 589-3220 |
| Lake Erie - Dunkirk | (716) 679-ERIE |
| Lake Erie - Buffalo | (716) 855-FISH |
| Erie County | (716) 844-1111, Ext. 4142 |
| Niagara County | (877) FALLS US |
| Wayne County | (315) 946-5466 |
