Posted on

USPS in the News


The Huletts Landing Post Office as seen on July 4, 2024.

There has been a lot of discussion about reported potential changes at the United States Postal Service in the news.

It is important to keep in mind that more than any other agency, changes in the Postal Service are the most difficult. The USPS is the only agency mentioned in the US Constitution. Also, the USPS is the largest employer in the country. Unwinding it and making major transformations would be a massive undertaking that could not be accomplished in a few months. Additionally, whoever is in charge of delivering mail will need facilities to handle and distribute that mail.

The biggest cost for the USPS is labor costs and that would be the focus of any cost cutting moves. Rents on post office buildings are a small piece of the USPS budget, and therefore of less interest.

There has also been discussion of UPS, Amazon and Fed Ex taking over for the USPS because of how the mail has changed in recent years. However, none of those organizations will want to deliver six days a week to every address in the country. It is unlikely that Congress will accept that because of pressure from constituents. I will work diligently to inform everyone about the USPS as news happens.

Posted on

DEC Forest Rangers in the News

Town of Argyle
Washington County
Fire: On Feb. 10 at 10 p.m., Forest Ranger Carabetta responded to a request from Washington County to assist with a fire on Coach Road. The fire was approximately 40 feet in diameter and 15 feet high and was within 200 feet of a mobile home park. Ranger Carabetta worked with the Argyle Fire Department to put out the fire within an hour. Ranger Carabetta ticketed the person who started the fire with leaving a fire unattended. The fire remains in patrol status.

Posted on

Saturday Quote

“The quality of mercy is not strain’d, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes: ‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown; His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; But mercy is above this sceptred sway; It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God’s When mercy seasons justice.”

William Shakespeare

Posted on

Saturday Quote

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that but the really great make you feel that you too can become great. When you are seeking to bring big plans to fruition it is important with whom you regularly associate. Hang out with friends who are like-minded and who are also designing purpose-filled lives. Similarly be that kind of a friend for your friends.”

Mark Twain

Posted on

2024 Statewide Forest Ranger Actions

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) 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 across New York State.

In 2024, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,155 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.

“From wildfires, to floods, to search and rescue operations, whenever emergencies strike, DEC’s Forest Rangers are always the first to jump into action,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “I commend our Rangers for their heroic work to keep New Yorkers and our visitors safe in some of the most adverse conditions in the world, and for leading the state’s response to emergency situations. Their efforts to inspire the next generation of safe and responsible outdoor enthusiasts are instrumental in DEC’s efforts to support the outdoor recreation economy, and I encourage all New Yorkers interested in joining our ranks to visit DEC’s website to learn how to become the next New York State Forest Ranger and be part of their historic legacy of protecting New York’s forests.”

Posted on

Lake George Land Conservancy Protects 45 Acres in Bolton


Kayakers explored the area near the Homer Point Wetlands, shown here, during the LGLC’s 2024 Hike-A-Thon. Photo by Carl Heilman, II/Wild Visions, Inc. (Click image to see larger version.)

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has permanently protected 45 acres in Huddle Bay and along Homer Point Road in the Town of Bolton.

The protected land is nearly 90% wetlands, including emergent wetland that shares 2,500 feet of shoreline with Lake George. The wetlands preserve water quality by naturally filtering pollutants, sediments, and excess nutrients before they can enter the lake.

The wetlands on the property include several ecosystem types, including a black spruce-tamarack bog that is uncommon in the area. The conservation of this rare ecosystem provides critical habitat to a wide variety of animals for shelter, food, and breeding. Evidence of deer, black bear, bobcat, coyote, and small mammals has been observed on the property.

The LGLC purchased the land in a bargain sale from the Gillies family, who wished to see the sensitive land permanently protected from development.

“This natural land will forever protect the water quality of Lake George while providing important wildlife habitat and scenic enjoyment to residents and visitors alike,” said LGLC Executive Director Mike Horn. “We are grateful to the Gillies family for choosing to work with the LGLC and for their generous contribution towards this important project.”

“We are so excited to partner with the LGLC to make sure this sensitive wetland property is conserved in perpetuity,” said the Gillies family. “Our family has been enjoying Lake George for decades and we are pleased to be able to do our small part in protecting the lake. We would like to thank the LGLC for their efforts on this project and overall leadership to preserve important lands in the lake’s watershed.”

The protection of these 45 acres is made possible through a partial donation by the Gillies family, and through funding from a Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant, which is awarded and administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Posted on

The Golf Course in January


This picture was taken on Thursday, January 9, 2025 looking out over the golf course. There is still very little snow in Huletts. However, the temperature was about 20 degrees. (Click image to see larger view.)

Posted on

Update: Wilderness Recovery Near Black Mountain

Town of Dresden
Washington County
Wilderness Recovery: On Dec. 21 at 6:45 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a mother concerned about her son after not hearing from him for three days. Seven Forest Rangers responded to coordinate search efforts with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. The family indicated they often hiked Sugarloaf Mountain together, so search efforts focused on that area. At 10:20 p.m., Rangers found the 20-year-old from Whitehall deceased at the bottom of a cliff. Rangers conducted a carry-out operation back to the trailhead to turn the subject over to the County Coroner. The Washington County Sheriff’s Department is working with the DEC Division of Law Enforcement’s Bureau of Environmental Crime Investigations to investigate the incident.