DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Highlights
Wilderness Rescue in Fort Ann
Town of Fort Ann
Washington County
Wilderness Rescue: On Nov. 28 at 1:06 p.m., Warren County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch requesting assistance for a 57-year-old male hiker from Clifton Park with a possible leg fracture one mile from the summit of Buck Mountain. Forest Ranger Lt. Ganswindt and three Forest Rangers responded to assist. After locating the hiker, the Rangers splinted his injured leg and proceeded to carry him to a waiting ATV to drive him out of the woods. Once back at the trailhead, the hiker declined further medical assistance and the incident concluded at 5:14 p.m.
Wilderness Rescue in Fort Ann
Treating for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on Lake George
What is an HAB and Why We Should be Concerned?
The New York State DEC has confirmed and the Lake George Association has reported: An isolated harmful algal bloom appeared Saturday, Nov. 7, on Lake George on the northeast side (Harris Bay side) of Assembly Point. (In the southern end.) The bloom quickly dissipated, but reappeared on Monday, Nov. 9. LGA staff returned to the bay on Monday to sample the water, and saw that the bloom had reappeared and was no longer isolated.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur when algae — simple photosynthetic organisms that live in the sea and freshwater — grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, marine life and birds. There are many kinds of HABs, caused by a variety of algal groups with different toxins. The human illnesses caused by HABs, though rare, can be debilitating or even fatal. States have rigorous monitoring programs to ensure that commercially harvested fish are safe to eat. HABs have been reported in every U.S. coastal state, and their occurrence may be on the rise. HABs are a national concern because they affect not only the health of people and marine ecosystems, but also the “health” of local and regional economies.
People and animals should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has algal scums on the surface.
Lake George is not immune to HABs. The Lake George Association is seeking the extent of the problem by asking for two things:
1.) If you took a photo of the Lake surface, no matter where it was taken, anytime after October 20th, the LGA would like to see it. Please send the photo, the date it was taken and the photo location to Director of Education Kristen Wilde at kwilde@lakegeorgeassociation.org
2.) In addition, if you are at the Lake this upcoming week, please take a photo of the water along your shoreline or dock and send it to Ms. Wilde, as well.
The New York State DEC has confirmed and the LGA reports that the initial identification of the cyanobacteria that caused the Harmful Algal Bloom is a type of Dolichospermum.
Dolichospermumis planktonic – a single cell cyanobacteria that floats and moves on its own in the water like plankton. When it blooms, Dolichospermum can produce toxins that can affect nerves, liver, and irritate skin. Late on Friday afternoon, November 13th, the LGA reported the state Department of Environmental Conservation had determined the toxin levels in the water sample that LGA staff took from the Harmful Algal Bloom in Harris Bay on Monday, November 9th, were below the EPA Advisory level. The sample confirmed the presence of cyanobacteria and it was determined that the toxin level of the sample was below EPA’s 10-day drinking water health advisory level of 0.30 micrograms per liter for sensitive populations.
However, please be extra vigilant in preventing any types of pollutants from reaching the waters of Lake George.
DEC Announces Seasonal Closure of Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Parkway
A view from Prospect Mountain, looking down into Lake George Village, at the southern end of Lake George.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Parkway will close for the 2020 season at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11th.
Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Parkway climbs 5.5-miles from the entry gate to a parking lot just below the summit. There are three separate overlooks along the parkway – the Narrows, Lake George, and Eagle’s Eye – from which to enjoy the scenery of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake George. More adventurous visitors can hike to the summit on a 1.5-mile trail, which climbs 1,630 feet from its trailhead on Smith Street in the village of Lake George.
Prior to the seasonal closure, DEC helped to reduce the spread of COVID-19 at this site by implementing several precautions, including closing the roadway to the summit of Prospect Mountain to public vehicle traffic and not operating the shuttle from the parking lot to the summit. Visitors can park in the parking lot 155 feet below the summit and walk the 0.2-mile paved path to the top. Picnicking is prohibited and the public restrooms remain closed. View scopes at the pull-offs and on the summit have been temporarily removed.
Use of the parkway has been free this year as DEC encourages New Yorkers to Play Smart, Play Safe, Play Local and enjoy the outdoors responsibly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically, use of the parkway costs $10 for a car, $5 for a motorcycle, and $50 for a commercial bus.
If you’ve never been up Prospect Mountain, it offers beautiful views of Lake George, and is worth the trip.
Bald Eagle Spotted Nearby
The dot on top of the tallest tree in the center of the above picture is a bald eagle.
The picture here was taken on Monday, November 9th, from a boat passing by the Chapel Islands. The bird perched on the top branch was a bald eagle, which seemed to be on the lookout for its next meal. (Click image to see larger picture.)
DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Highlights
Town of Bolton
Warren County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 31 at 1:28 p.m., Warren County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch requesting Forest Ranger assistance with an ill hiker on the trail in North West Bay on Lake George. The caller advised that a 27-year-old woman from Katonah was conscious, but not responsive. Forest Ranger Donegan responded, along with members of the Bolton Fire Department and EMS squad using their fire boat from Green Island. The hiker was located at 2:15 p.m., and carried onto the fire boat by Forest Rangers, members of the Lake George Park Commission, and Bolton Fire and EMS. On the boat, the subject was transported to the landing zone to be airlifted to a local hospital by New York State Police Aviation. The incident concluded at 4:15 p.m.
DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Highlights
Town of Bolton
Warren County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 23 at 11:30 a.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a request for assistance for a 40-year-old woman from Schenectady who became disoriented while hiking Cat Mountain. Coordinates provided by Warren County 911 placed her in the area of Edgecomb Pond. Forest Ranger Lt. Ganswindt responded to assist, arrived on scene at 12 p.m., and headed in on the trail. Using the coordinates provided, Lt. Ganswindt located the hiker at 12:40 p.m., and escorted her back to the trailhead. The incident concluded at 1:10 p.m.
Mutual Aid Fire Drill Practiced in Huletts
The photos shared here are from a “Mutual Aid” fire drill, the Huletts Landing Fire Company and Dresden Fire Company participated in, the evening of October 6th. The exercise carried out was a simulated structure fire at a property in Indian Bay where the existing house was scheduled to be torn down. The owner graciously allowed both companies to carryout this exercise which was a great opportunity for the firefighters to apply their exterior and interior firefighting skills. (Click on all pictures to see larger versions.)
Both fire companies arrived and setup quickly.
“Mutual Aid” fire drills are designed to have volunteers from both companies work together.
The standby water source was provided by the HLVFC fire boat, drafting water from Indian Bay, and pumping that water to the on-station fire trucks discharging water to hose line teams at the scene.
Emergency escape routines were practiced from inside the building.
Smoke simulated the conditions of a fire.
All steps were planned and practiced thoroughly and properly.
Volunteers cut a hole in the roof.
Once the hole was completed, the smoke starting coming out the rooftop.
The hoses were turned on to simulate fighting an actual fire.
A quick escape was practiced from a burning building. First: fireman exits head first.
Second: fireman spins.
Third: fireman completes turn.
Fourth: fireman exits ladder feet first.
The drill was a success for both companies as they worked together to keep the town safe.
Critical actions for ladder deployment, roof venting, emergency escape routines on down ladders and through exterior walls were all tested. The mutual exercise was safely carried-out and the volunteers of both companies were judged by the chiefs of both departments, and their respective training officers, to have performed all steps of the operation as planned and directed.
The residents of Huletts Landing and Dresden are fortunate to have such outstanding volunteers serving our community.
DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Highlights
Town of Bolton
Warren County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 2 at 9:30 p.m., Warren County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch from two hikers who became disoriented on Pole Hill Pond. The hikers, from Brookhaven, did not have a light source or warm clothing with them as temperatures dropped. Dispatch advised the hikers to stay where they were until help arrived. Warren County 911 shared coordinates to the hikers’ location as their only working cell phone battery died. Forest Rangers Donegan and Kabrehl responded to assist, arriving on scene at 10:30 p.m. Voice contact was made at 12:15 a.m., and the hikers were found off the trail at 12:33 a.m. Forest Rangers escorted the couple back to their vehicle at the trailhead.
Town of Bolton
Warren County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 3 at 7:53 p.m., Warren County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch from a hiker stating that she and her eight-year-old daughter were stuck on the trail for Pole Hill Pond. The hiker stated that they did not have any light sources and that she had fallen, causing minor injuries. Forest Rangers Donegan and Kabrehl responded to the pair’s location along with Bolton Fire and EMS. Rangers proceeded up to the trail to locate the stranded family from Saratoga Springs and Ranger Donegan advised that he was with the pair at 10:48 p.m. After being assessed by Rangers, the mother and daughter were provided light sources and safely escorted back to the trailhead. At 10:58 p.m., the incident concluded and all emergency service providers were cleared the scene.
One Beautiful (Now Autumn) Day
While it is still warm, Autumn is now here.
DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Highlights
Town of Dresden
Washington County
Wilderness Rescue: On Sept. 19 at 7:43 p.m., Washington County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch from a hiker advising she was stuck on the trail on Black Mountain and two of her hiking companions were further up the trail. Washington County 911 provided coordinates that placed several members of the hike group from Mechanicville at the Black Mountain Point on the shore of Lake George. Forest Rangers O’Connor and Donegan responded to Black Mountain Point via a boat from Green Island, while Forest Ranger St. Claire responded to the marina at Hulett’s Landing. At 10:04 p.m., Ranger O’Connor advised that the two hikers had made their way back to the main group and that all seven hikers were on the boat and being transported to the marina. Once at the marina, Ranger St. Claire drove members of the hiking party to the trailhead to retrieve their vehicles.
Fire Destroys Popular Restaurant in Bolton Landing
A popular Bolton restaurant burned to the ground on Thursday, September 17th.
Many people from Huletts travel to Bolton Landing by boat to stop at local restaurants. One popular one, the Lakeside Lodge & Grille, located right in the heart of Bolton, burned early on Thursday morning, September 17th. Located next to the Bolton Chamber of Commerce on Lake Shore Drive and a short walk up through Rogers park, many people from Huletts are familiar with the Lakeside Lodge & Grille.
The above picture was taken Thursday morning with the fire department still on the scene. It was taken from across the street facing the restaurant and toward Lake George. The Chamber of Commerce and Rogers park would be on the right.
A report from Channel 13
13
Preserve at Pilot Knob to Reopen September 12
Visitors relax at the gazebo on the Lake George Land Conservancy’s Schumann Preserve for Pilot Knob in Fort Ann. View of Lake George is west toward Bolton and north up Lake George.
The Lake George Land Conservancy’s beloved Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob will reopen to the public on September 12th, five months after being closed due to concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic. Please note that guidelines for responsible recreation continue to be in effect, and the preserve will be monitored to make sure guests are complying and visiting safely. If visiting this or any of the LGLC’s preserves, please follow these basic rules so that they can continue to provide safe recreational opportunities:
Stay local;
Visit in small groups limited to immediate household members;
If you arrive at a preserve and crowds are forming, choose a different park, a different trail, or return another time/day to visit;
If parking lots are full, please do not park along roadsides or other designated areas. To protect your safety and that of others, please choose a different area to visit, or return another time or day when parking is available.
Practice social distancing by keeping at least six (6) feet of distance between yourself and others, while on a trail and in places where people tend to congregate, such as parking lots, trailheads, and scenic overlooks; and
Stay home if you are sick, or showing or feeling any COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, coughing, and/or troubled breathing.