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Entries Tagged as 'dec'

Moose Alert

September 23rd, 2008 · No Comments · News

DEC WARNS MOTORISTS TO BE ALERT FOR MOOSE IN THE ADIRONDACKS

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

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

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A Big Boating Party at Log Bay

August 8th, 2008 · 6 Comments · News

Log Bay - Lake George NYWow, I had no idea that this was going on every year.  I guess it’s just not part of my milieu.  Check out the recent enforcement report for this year’s LAKE GEORGE LOG BAY DAY that happened on July 28, 2008, the emphasis is mine:

NYSDEC Environmental Conservation Officer Lt. Tom Caifa, assigned to the Lake George Park (LGPC) Commission Marine Patrol, reports that there were 26 law enforcement officers on 15 vessels patrolling the Log Bay Day event. The vessels included four DEC Environmental Conservation Police personal watercraft.

Breakdown of Law Enforcement Personnel on the water

  • 10 LGPC Marine Patrol – 8 officers & 2 sergeants
  • 10 DEC Environmental Conservation Officers, 6 officers, 2 Lieutenants, and 2 Investigators
  • 4 Warren County Sheriff Deputies
  • 2 NY State Troopers

It is estimated that approximately 1200 people on 300 to 400 vessels participated in the event.

A total of 23 violations including 2 for reckless operations and 5 for boating while intoxicated, the remainder dealt with navigation law. The patrols also rendered first aid to 6 people, investigated 2 boating accidents, assisted 4 disabled vessels, dealt with 6 fights and participated in one rescue involving a near drowning.

NYSDEC Forest Ranger Lt. John Solan reports that 16 DEC forest rangers, including two Forest Ranger Lieutenants patrolled the state lands along the entire Shelving Rock shoreline, focusing on a 5 acre strip along Log Bay. DEC forest rangers also assisted Washington County Sheriff Deputies with a motor vehicle checkpoint at the intersection of Sly Pond and Shelving Rock Roads.

It is estimated that 275 cars, carrying approximately 1000 people, entered the Shelving Rock area throughout the day.

Forest rangers issued 30 tickets for various offenses including underage possession of alcohol, unlawful possession of marijuana, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and fighting on state land. Forest rangers made two arrests for driving while intoxicated.

Forest Rangers and local emergency response teams also rescued two individuals that were injured when they fell from the Shelving Rock Falls. Dorleen Weslang, 20, of Lake George and a 16 year old male from Lake George were both carried to the top of the falls and then transported by ATVs to ambulances on the Shelving Rock Road. Both were determined to have been drinking at the time of their fall.

Washington County Sheriffs Deputies issued 38 traffic tickets at the road check. Deputies also made 2 arrests for unlawful possession of marijuana and 4 arrests for driving while intoxicated.

Washington County Emergency Services, West Fort Ann Volunteer Fire Department, Fort Ann Emergency Medical Services, Bay Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, and Bay Ridge Emergency Medical Services participated in efforts in the Shelving Rock area.

Now, I’m all for having a good time, but this seems a little excessive.  Is there economic impact surrounding this event?  Is everyone over 21?  Only 5 violations related to boating while intoxicated?  What’s the cost of providing all the law enforcement and fire/rescue coverage?

To bad they didn’t film a Cops episode.

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A Motorless Movement

June 3rd, 2008 · 3 Comments · News

The NYS DEC announced the formation of an interagency “Quiet Waters Working Group for the Adirondack Park”.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis and Adirondack Park Agency (APA) Chairman Curt Stiles today announced the formation of an interagency “Quiet Waters Working Group for the Adirondack Park.” The working group will evaluate lakes, ponds and rivers in the Park for potential designation as “quiet water,” meaning that motorized craft would be prohibited.

The working group will be comprised of staff from DEC and APA, and will actively solicit input from local officials, community groups, outfitters, sportsmen, and other stakeholders.

Alright everyone, form a circle, join your hands, and let’s do some inputting!

“There are too few places in the Adirondacks where paddlers can experience the tranquility of a motorless water body,” Commissioner Grannis said. “With the increasing popularity of paddling, DEC wants to explore the possibility of expanding ‘quiet waters’ opportunities. This is part of our effort to increase opportunities for all recreational users of the Adirondacks. DEC is committed to involving local communities, outfitters, sportsmen and paddlers in this process.”

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