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Entries from February 20th, 2009

Adirondack Campgrounds Slated for Closure

February 20th, 2009 · 15 Comments · News

Updated 3/24/10: 7 Adirondack Campgrounds to Stay Closed

Updated 5/7/09: DEC Revises Campground Closure Plan

151 sites and 15 Lean-to’s

ClosedFour of the oldest campgrounds in the Adirondack Park are closing due to low occupancy and state budget constraints.  There is no doubt that these two factors are undeniable, but part of me wishes it wouldn’t be so.  Two campgrounds in Essex County will be closed – Poke-O-Moonshine and Sharp Bridge and two in Hamilton County – Point Comfort and Tioga Point.  The full DEC press release is after the jump.


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In 1912, the fire tower at the top of Poke-O-Moonshine Mt. was established.   This is likely one of the most well-known short hikes in the Northern Adirondacks.  Incredibly, the campground is almost 80 years old.  I’m sure it was a much nicer location before the Northway was built.  I can imagine doing a tour of Ausable Chasm, dinner in Keeseville, and a nice quiet camp at the base of the cliffs.  Now you can hear the trucks 24/7 and if you go to Keeseville…lock your doors.  Historical occupancy figures would be interesting – for all of the state campgrounds.  Probably the most impacted by this closure might be the rock climbers, or not.  Eh, I’m not a climber and I have no idea if they stay there.  Any way you look at it, 8% occupancy is more than enough reason to close this facility.

Sharp Bridge Campground - Historic MarkerSharp Bridge.  Another old one – 1920.  Imagine driving up Route 9 from “the city” for the one site they had there that year.  North Hudson is now a location better known for the potential of a Northway border checkpoint and the recent tragic accidents there.  A whole bunch of people also remember it for being the location of the Frontier Town theme park.  I’m kind of surprised about this one.  Maybe less people are camping these days.

I don’t know much about the Hamilton County campgrounds. Given the fact that 1/3 of the DEC campgrounds (?) are in that county, likely they won’t be missed.  However, I regret never having visited Tioga Point with its 15 Lean-to’s and 10 sites.  Sounds like a pretty neat setup.

Now, the big question is what will be the fate of those facilities?  I suppose that information may be buried in some Unit Management Plans, but I’m too lazy to look.  Back to nature?  Yes!

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Adirondack Missile Camp

February 9th, 2009 · 4 Comments · Adirondack Life

Adirondack Airpark EstatesDork that I may be, I admit to flying many a bush-plane on Flight Simulator; I discovered one of my favorite local landing spots is up for sale.  There’s a craigslist ad which seems to confirm this.

Dude!  I totally want this place.  It might sound quite “Adirondack” at first, but read on for a really mind-blowing treat:

ESCAPE TO YOUR OWN MOUNTAIN GETAWAY

Nestled in the Adirondack State Park between Lake Champlain and Lake Placid along the Saranac River valley in Saranac, NY.   Adirondack Airpark Estates (NY17) is the perfect getaway .  Abundant wildlife and tall pines grace the property.  The area offers endless outdoor activities year-round including golf, world class skiing, fishing, boating, kayaking , backpacking, hunting, horseback riding and more… A short drive brings you to Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake and Montreal.  Local fire emergency and medical help are within five miles. (link)

Sounds pretty dang awesome.
http://youtu.be/ATy2E-c9u7c
It gets even better – Missile Silo Luxury Home:

LOCATION

  • Exclusive Airport Subdivision Nestled in Upstate NY’s Adirondack State Park

FEATURES

  • FAA/DOT approved private paved runway
  • Up to 100 acres of manicured ground, forest and trails
  • Privacy, security and low taxes. Year-round activities.
  • Knowledgeable caretaker available.

ATLAS-F MISSILE SILO HOME FEATURES (above ground)

  • 2000 sf 28 window open floor plan home w/ kitchen, island fireplace and wrap around covered porch and hanger/garage.
    Master suite and 2 additional baths complete the surface part of this beautiful mountain chalet.
  • Surface home acts as surface entrance to  large 125′ long stairwell leading to LCC and Silo or use a  unique escape hatch which will bring one to the upper  LLC.

LAUNCH CONTROL CENTER (LCC) (below ground)

  • 2 Story 3′ thick epoxy resin formulated concrete reinforced with stainless steel mesh structure is 40′ diameter containing 2300 sf luxury home with full kitchen, dinning, entertainment center, with 2 private suites and exquisite marble baths with Jacuzzi.
  • Contemporary fiber optic effect lighting along with natural sunlight rendition back lighting. Has escape hatch leading directly to surface home garage above. High circulation venting (two 18″ vent tubes.)
  • Video surveillance exposing 360 degree view of surface.

UTILITIES

  • 4 wells / 200 amp electrical / phone / satellite / 1800 gallon septic

SILO

  • Climate constant/approx. 58 degree earth ambient temperature.
  • 50′ Diameter X 185′ / 9 floor steel superstructure.
  • Entire steel superstructure hangs from gigantic spring suspension system designed to absorb shock of a direct nuclear hit.
  • Unlimited Possibilities!!!

Price

  • Original Gov’t cost for complex in 1958
  • $18 Million (Present value is near $100 Million)
  • “2.3M CASH only.”

So cool.  These features would surely satisfy my every need.

I wonder if I can get a loan?

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DEC ANNOUNCES SPECIAL SNOW GOOSE SEASON

February 3rd, 2009 · No Comments · News

New York Hunters Encouraged to Help Control Population Beginning Spring 2009

Snow Goose
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced that a special snow goose hunting season will begin March 11 in most areas of the state. Federal and state regulations were amended last fall to allow this special season, under the authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to control certain wildlife populations.

Populations of snow geese (also referred to as “light geese” because of their white plumage) have grown to historic highs, and their feeding has negatively impacted natural vegetation found in coastal marshlands during breeding, migration and winter.

“The overabundance of snow geese, which nest in far northern regions of North America, is harming their fragile Arctic breeding habitat,” said Bryan Swift, DEC bird biologist. “Returning the snow goose population to sustainable levels is necessary to protect this delicate habitat, and every species dependent on it. Serious damage to agricultural crops, such as hay, winter wheat, barley and rye, occurs on migration and wintering areas as well.”

The Atlantic Flyway population of snow geese, composed mostly of “greater” snow geese, increased from approximately 50,000 birds in the mid 1960s to more than 1 million birds in recent years. Most of these birds pass through New York during spring and fall migrations and spend the winter in New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Wildlife managers have been concerned about the impacts of too many birds for many years and they have recommended a population goal of 500,000 in the Atlantic Flyway.

New York has had a lengthy hunting season for snow geese for many years, but until now, federal regulations did not allow the season to be open after March 10, when large numbers of birds begin migrating north from their wintering areas.  From mid-March to mid-April, more than 100,000 snow geese may spend time in New York, fueling up for their return to the Arctic breeding grounds. During the normal season, hunters harvest 5,000-10,000 birds annually.

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