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Entries from September 30th, 2014

Adirondack Forest Ranger Search and Rescue Highlights: 9/16-9/28/14

September 30th, 2014 · No Comments · Adirondack News

NYSDEC LogoNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people from the backcountry. “DEC Forest Rangers’ knowledge of first aid, land navigation and technical rescue techniques are often critical to the success of their missions,” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. “Search and rescue missions often require Rangers to function in remote wilderness areas from rugged mountainous peaks to white-water rivers, and through vast forest areas from spruce-fir thicket to open hardwoods.”

Recent missions carried out by DEC Forest Rangers in the Adirondacks include:

Clinton County
Chazy Highlands Wild Forest, Town of Saranac
Injured Hiker: On September 27, 2014 at 2:17 p.m., DEC Dispatch in Ray Brook received a report from Clinton County 911 of a confirmed lower leg injury near the summit of Lyon Mountain. Jennifer Collins, 24, of Plattsburgh, NY slipped on wet rocks and fell. Three DEC Forest Rangers responded and arrived on scene with necessary equipment including a six-wheeler at 4:30 p.m. Forest Rangers hiked up roughly two miles to reach Ms. Collins. She was secured on a stretcher by Lyon Mountain Fire Department and Forest Rangers assisted with the carry out. She was carried down to a 6-by-6 UTV and driven out the last mile. Ms. Collins was transported by ambulance to Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh, NY for treatment at 8:30 p.m.

Essex County
High Peaks Wilderness, Town of Keene
Lost Hikers: On September 19, 2014 at 8:15 p.m., DEC Dispatch in Ray Brook received a call from a member of a hiking party reporting they were lost. Adrienne Licari, 31, of Wappingers Falls, NY, Marlania Moreno, 29, of North Las Vegas, NV, and Brenda Ramos, 27 of Endicott, NY were descending The Brothers when darkness caused them to lose the trail. The women did not have flashlights and were unable to continue to the trailhead. A DEC Forest Ranger responded and located the hiking party just off the main trail of The Brothers. The Forest Ranger escorted the three women back to the Garden parking area in Keene Valley without further incident at 10:00 p.m.

High Peaks Wilderness, Town of North Elba
Lost Hiker: On September 26, 2014 at 10:15 a.m., DEC Dispatch in Ray Brook received a call from Jeffery Kellogg, 51, of Adams, NY. Mr. Kellogg was off trail on Mount Marshall and unsure on how to get back. Mr. Kellogg advised Dispatch that he spent an unexpected night near the summit. He brought proper gear and when darkness fell, he set up camp. A DEC Forest Ranger and two DEC Assistant Forest Rangers walked from the Lake Colden Outpost to where Mr. Kellogg’s believed location; however, Mr. Kellogg was not near the summit. The Lake Colden Caretaker proceeded to Algonquin Junction. At 2:30 p.m., two more Forest Rangers were dispatched to check the Upper Works. A Forest Ranger walked into Stewart’s Landing from Adirondack Loj, while another Forest Ranger made her way down Herbert’s Brook. A Forest Ranger located Mr. Kellogg on Indian Pass in good health at 4:10 p.m. The Ranger escorted Mr. Kellogg back to the Adirondack Loj where his vehicle was parked.

Dix Mountain Wilderness Area, Town of Keene
Injured Hiker: On September 28th, 2014 at 1:10 p.m. Essex County 911 contacted DEC Dispatch in Ray Brook regarding an injury near the summit of Noonmark Mountain. Ms.Pascale Libersan-Laniel, 43, of Montreal, Quebec slipped on a rock and suffered a lower leg injury. Two Forest Rangers responded on foot from the Adirondack Mountain Reserve and two Rangers responded with State Police Aviation. A Forest Ranger entered by helicopter to the summit and prepared Ms. Libersan-Laniel for hoist. State Police then transported her to Adirondack Medical Center in Lake Placid, NY for treatment at 3:15 p.m.

Herkimer County
Queer Lake, Town of Inlet
Lost Hikers: On September 28, 2014 at 5:15 p.m., Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office per State Police Communications Section in Albany contacted DEC Dispatch in Ray Brook requesting assistance for a lost hiking party at Queer Lake in the Town of Inlet. DEC Dispatch in Ray Brook established phone and text contact with Ms. Rose Morton, 53, of New Hartford, NY who stated she was lost with a party of four adults and a minor. Ms. Morton stated the group was at the lean-to at Queer Lake but were unable to get back to their vehicle. A DEC Forest Ranger was dispatched and entered the woods at 6:09 p.m. for the 3.5-mile hike to the Queer Lake lean-to. Ms. Morton was advised at 7:00 p.m. via text that a Forest Ranger would be at their location soon. The Forest Ranger located the party at 7:30 p.m. The Ranger escorted them to their vehicle at 9:15 p.m.

Warren County
Prospect Mountain, Town of Lake George
Injured Hiker: On September 16, 2014 at 12:17 p.m., Warren County Dispatch contacted DEC Dispatch in Ray Brook reporting an injured hiker on Prospect Mountain. Marguerite Walton, 59, of Lake George, NY, had suffered a lower leg injury. Two DEC Forest Rangers responded, assisted by the Lake George Fire Department & EMS and the North Queensbury Fire Department. Ms. Walton was located, secured and carried out to the Prospect Mountain Road, reaching the trailhead at 1:47 p.m. The North Queensbury Ambulance Squad transported Ms. Walton to Glens Falls Hospital for treatment.

Prospect Mountain, Town of Lake George
Lost Hiker: On September 20, 2014 at 2:29 p.m., Warren County Dispatch contacted DEC Dispatch in Ray Brook regarding a lost hiker. Brian Hall, 26, of Towland, CT, was lost on Prospect Mountain for roughly two hours. Two DEC Forest Rangers responded, calling out for Mr. Hall near the summit parking area. Voice contact was made and he was located 200 yards off the road near a rocky outcrop. Forest Rangers escorted Mr. Hall out and reunited him with his family at 3:02 p.m.

Wilcox Lake Wild Forest, Town of Johnsburg
Dehydrated Hiker: On September 27, 2014 at 4:04 p.m., DEC Dispatch in Ray Brook received a call from a hiker advising she was with a 65-year-old male who was light headed half way up Crane Mountain. Raymond Grela, 64, of Oswego, NY was drinking water and resting at the time of the call. Two DEC Forest Ranger made their way to the trailhead and located Mr. Grela at his vehicle. Other hikers had escorted Mr. Grela to his vehicle. He was evaluated by Warrensburg County EMS and released at 6:00 p.m.

Prospect Mountain, Town of Lake George
Lost Hiker: On September 29, 2014 at 7:10 p.m., the Million Dollar Beach caretaker contacted DEC Dispatch in Ray Brook reporting a lost hiker on Prospect Mountain and advised that one of his park rangers was in cell phone contact with Ms. Jennifer Landroche, 26, of Grand Island, NY. The park ranger was at the summit in case she came out there. Two DEC Forest Rangers responded to Prospect Mountain for the search. Ms. Landroche had hiked from the Village of Lake George trailhead and gotten lost on a herd path without a light. Forest Rangers located Ms. Landroche at 9:00 p.m. and escorted back to her vehicle.

Washington County
Lake George Wild Forest, Town of Fort Ann
Lost Hiker: On September 17, 2014 at 3:25 p.m., DEC Dispatch in Ray Brook received a call from Washington County Dispatch reporting a lost hiker near the top of Buck Mountain. Theresa A. Ellis, 54, of Glens Falls, NY, was on the trail but was not clear how to get back to the trailhead. A DEC Forest Ranger was dispatched to the Buck Mountain Trailhead near Fort Ann Beach. He located Ms. Ellis after on the trail approximately 20 minutes from the trailhead. He escorted her out of the woods and back to her vehicle at 5:15 p.m. No medical attention was required.

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hiking Safety and Adirondack Trail Information website for more information.

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Photographing Fall Foliage in the Adirondacks

September 21st, 2014 · 1 Comment · Destination Marketing

I wanted to share a fantastic resource that I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing.

Photographing the Adirondacks: Fall in the High Peaks Region
by Chris Tennant and Adam Baker (cover)

Adirondack Foliage - www.adkbook.com Adirondack Foliage - www.adkbook.com Adirondack Foliage - www.adkbook.com

According to NYS research, not only does 25% of travel in New York State occur in Fall, “In 2013 alone, it is estimated that travel spending in New York State from September through November had a $15.67 billion total economic impact, with $25.28 billion in direct spending.” This means leef peeping in NY is big-business. I know, because this is the busiest time of year for me with inquiries about travel in the Adirondacks, requests for travel planning assistance, and reporting of timely information. It’s super-easy to inspire, but helping people implement takes a lot of effort.

A big part of “inspiration” marketing these days is through the use of photography. Also, with the prevalence of cameras and social media, it is easier now than ever for travelers to share their experiences both during and after their visits. Great photography is also the #1 way people memorialize their travel experiences. Providing travelers with the tools and information about where, when, and how to photograph your destination should be high on every DMO’s priority-list. This is service for your customers, but also with proper monitoring and community management, provides the DMO with shareable content for future marketing. “By amplifying this year’s foliage report with social media, more people will see what New York has to offer and I have no doubt that they will want to experience it for themselves.”

Adirondack Foliage - www.adkbook.com

As mentioned, Fall Foliage tourism is a huge part of NYS travel both statewide and in the Adirondacks. This season has long been considered “shoulder”, between Summer and Winter, but with current spending data – I think it is something very worthy of strategic focus and effort. After all, “The Adirondack Region Boasts ones of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country.” The Adirondacks, with its vast-size, does have the opportunity to take advantage of this most lucrative of travel seasons.

So, let me tell you about Chris and Adam’s great guide for photographing the Adirondacks during Autumn.

  • For amateurs and professional photographers. Save time and maximize your opportunities.
  • Selection of places to go. Including: Description of location, directions, and geographic coordinates.
  • Gear and photography tips. Based on typical Adirondack weather, place, and type of shots desired.
  • Examples. Beautiful shots taken on location and with technique described. This is inspiration.
  • Cost and Format. $10 PDF e-book (DRM-free). Inexpensive and portable.

Best of all, even if you’re not a photographer, this guide will help you find beautiful foliage this season. It also makes a great-gift!

Email Chris if you are interested in a copy.

(Thanks guys for use of the photos!)

More Resources:
Fall Foliage Report – I LOVE NY
Our Fall Foliage Guide – Wild Center
Guide to Fall Colors in Upstate New York (PDF) – SUNY ESF

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DEC Warns Motorists to be Alert for Moose in the Adirondacks

September 19th, 2014 · No Comments · Adirondack News

NYSDEC LogoMotorists should be alert for moose on roadways in the Adirondacks and surrounding areas at this time of year – a peak of moose activity – warns the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Early fall is the breeding season for moose in northern New York. During this time moose are wandering looking for mates, leading them to areas where they are not typically seen. While this improves the opportunities for people to enjoy sighting of a moose, it also increases the danger of colliding with one on the roadway.

MooseMoose are much larger and taller than deer. Their large body causes greater damage, and, when struck, their height often causes them to impact the windshield of a car or pickup truck, not just the front of the vehicle. Last year ten moose vehicle accidents were reported in New York. However, there has not been a human fatality from an accident with a moose, a record DEC hopes to retain.

Moose are most active at dawn and dusk, which are times of poor visibility. Moose are especially difficult to see at night because of their dark brown to black coloring and their height – which puts their head and much of their body above vehicle headlights.

DEC advises motorists to take the following precautions to prevent moose vehicle collisions:

  • Use extreme caution when driving at dawn or dusk, especially during September and October;
  • Reduce your speed, stay alert, and watch the roadsides;
  • Slow down when approaching moose standing near the roadside, as they may bolt at the last minute when a car comes closer, often running into the road;
  • Moose may travel in pairs or small groups, so if a moose is spotted crossing the road, be alert for others that may follow;
  • Make sure all vehicle occupants wear seatbelts and children are properly restrained in child safety seats;
  • Use flashers or a headlight signal to warn other drivers when moose are spotted near the road;
  • Motorcyclists should be especially alert for moose;
  • If a moose does run in front of your vehicle, brake firmly but do not swerve. Swerving can cause a vehicle-vehicle collision or cause the vehicle to hit a fixed object such as a tree or pole;
  • If a moose is hit and killed by a vehicle, the motorist should not remove the animal unless a permit is obtained from the investigating officer at the scene of the accident.

More information about moose can be found on the DEC website.

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