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Entries Tagged as 'jefferson county'

Bartoszewski Named Officer of the Year

January 14th, 2011 · No Comments · Adirondack News

ECO Bartoszewski Recognized for Outstanding Efforts by NYS Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation

National Wild Turkey FederationThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that ECO Steven Bartoszewski, located in Jefferson County, DEC Region 6, was awarded the New York State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Officer of the Year Award for spearheading a youth turkey hunt in the Watertown area during this past April’s youth turkey hunting weekend. At the New York State Chapter of the NWTF’s annual dinner on Saturday, January 8, 2011, in Waterloo, he was presented a plaque and wild turkey print and recognition that he embodies the spirit of an ECO who loves his work, is an accomplished turkey hunter himself, is a great organizer, gets involved with the local organized sportsmen’s groups and inspires youth.


ECO Bartoszewski developed an idea for having a youth turkey hunt and ran with it from conception to implementation. He worked with fellow officers, landowners, the Federated Sportsmen’s Clubs of Jefferson County and The Watertown Sportsmen’s Club and the youths themselves for what was an amazingly successful first turkey hunt for the kids involved. Regional Law Enforcement Captain Stephen Pierson said “Everyone involved in this event was impressed with Bartoszewski’s abilities and desire to promote youth turkey hunting. He has had a positive impact with the youths involved, other officers, hunters and the public.”

Bartoszeski Award 2010For the 2010 youth turkey hunt, Bartoszewski enlisted the assistance of three other conservation officers who also are proficient turkey hunters as mentors for the young hunters. Through a raffle organized by the Federation, eight young hunters were selected to participate. They were instructed in the appropriate rules and regulations and allowed to target practice during the weekend prior to the youth turkey hunt. The youngsters also were introduced to host farmers, who graciously allowed them to hunt on their property. The following weekend, four lucky young hunters took turkeys.

Bartoszewski continues to promote youth hunting events and is currently busy with planning this year’s activities. This spring’s youth turkey hunt is April 23 and 24, 2011.

Watch the video: “Turkey Hunting”

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DEC Region 6 Upgrades Bridges and Trails on State Land

December 16th, 2010 · 2 Comments · Adirondack News

Trails Ready for Snowmobile Season

NYSDEC - Region 6The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that several upgrades have been completed on bridges and trails on state lands around Jefferson and Lewis counties in time for snowmobile season.

Many of these improvements provide essential linkages on primary and secondary snowmobile trail networks across the Tug Hill Plateau and through Lewis County.

“Completing such maintenance projects requires a range of DEC staff – including foresters, engineers and operations field crews – who all pitched in to make these improvements for the public,” Judy Drabicki, DEC Regional Director, said. “The quality of these structures is a clear reflection of the talent and abilities of our personnel. These new and upgraded bridges and trails are now open for the public – perfect timing with winter just days away.”

The projects completed in this past year are:

Gas Line Trail - Beartown State ForestIn November, operation crews completed a 20-foot long span of a 12-foot wide snowmobile bridge on the Gas Line Trail in Beartown State Forest in Croghan, Lewis County. This is part of the trail system maintained by the Missing Link Snowmobile Club, Inc. out of Carthage, NY. This bridge solves a significant water problem on Corridor trail C5, which is the only official east-west trail connection in northern part of Lewis County.

Otter Lake Outlet Bridge
Otter Lake Outlet BridgeIn August, work was completed on the Big Otter Lake Outlet Bridge – replacing a bridge that had been closed to the public seven years due to its poor condition. The bridge in Greig, Lewis County, restores a connection for Secondary Trail S77 and also provides a non-motorized connection for people walking or skiing from the Independence River Wild Forest to the Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness. This was a major project that involved the construction of two 40-foot spans and a connecting section. The stringers were brought to the site during the winter of 2009-10 with the much needed help of the Brantingham Snowmobile Club, Inc.

Hessel Road - Winona State ForestDuring July and October, a DEC Operations crew completed the replacement bridge on the Hessel Road in Winona State Forest, which is in Lorraine, Jefferson County. This project began in December 2009. This bridge project maintains the snowmobile trail connection on S55, in addition to a Public Forest Access Road and ATV trail system connection.

In September, a 3,200-foot re-route of a snowmobile trail onto Lesser Wilderness State Forest was designed and marked out. This re-route allowed for the re-establishment of Corridor Trail C4, which had been closed in this location. This trail is located in West Turin, Lewis County.

Fish Creek - Croghan Tract Easement LandsThis spring, DEC operations staff completed finishing work in order to open the Fish Creek Bridge on the Croghan Tract Easement Lands. This bridge had been closed for five years due to unsafe condition. A new 58-foot steel span was installed that reopens the direct connection of Secondary Trail S87 to Corridor Trail C8, which is the major north-south snowmobile connection in the eastern Adirondacks. It also reopened the Croghan Main Haul Road to public motor vehicle use.

Director Drabicki said: “Our Forestry and Operations staff ensure the success of these projects by fostering partnerships and continuing relationships with clubs and municipalities throughout the region.”

For additional information about snowmobile trails on state and conservation easement lands in Jefferson and Lewis counties, please call supervising forester Fred Munk at the Region 6 – Lowville DEC office at 315-376-3521.

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