File photo by Tom Rivers: These cyclists stop by an interpretive panel in Ridgeway above the Canal Culvert on July 11, 2022. This is the only spot where you can drive under the Erie Canal.

Press Release, Parks & Trails New York

BUFFALO – The state’s largest multi-day bike tour kicks off on July 12 from Buffalo arriving in Albany on July 20.

Organized by Parks & Trails New York, the 27th annual Cycle the Erie Canal  bike tour brings together cyclists from 37 states between the ages of 8 and 84. Nearly 600 cyclists will travel 40-60 miles per day, visiting historic towns along the Erie Canalway Trail.

This year, the tour celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal and will culminate at a finish line festival at Quackenbush Square in Albany.

“The Erie Canalway Trail transports riders back in time,” said Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks & Trails New York.  “The welcoming communities, captivating natural environment, and rich history of the region make Cycle the Erie Canal an experience like no other. Our cyclists ride away with lifelong memories and a new appreciation for the state.”

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, July 12 – Pre-rides through the city of Buffalo.

Overnight location: Nichols School in Buffalo

Sunday, July 13 – Buffalo to Medina

Overnight location: Medina Central School

Monday, July 14 – Medina to Fairport

Overnight location: Center Park West in Fairport

Tuesday, July 15 – Fairport to Seneca Falls

Overnight location: Elks Lodge in Seneca Falls

Wednesday, July 16 – Seneca Falls to Syracuse

Overnight location: Burnett Park in Syracuse; Highlight: Erie Canal Birthday Party, Burnett Park

Thursday, July 17 – Syracuse to Rome

Overnight location: Fort Stanwix in Rome; Highlight: Rome Block Party, 100 – 200 blocks of West Dominick Street

Friday, July 18 – Rome to Canajoharie

Overnight location: Canajoharie High School in Canajoharie

Saturday, July 19 – Canajoharie to Schenectady

Overnight location: Schenectady Jewish Community Center in Schenectady

Sunday, July 20 – Schenectady to Albany

Finish Line: Quackenbush Square

“Cycle the Erie Canal is among the very best ways to discover all there is to love about the Erie Canalway Corridor: friendly people, extraordinary history, unbeatable recreation, charming towns and vibrant cities, and bucolic scenery,” said Bob Radliff, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “It’s also one of the best supported rides in the country. Parks & Trails New York does an incredible job of introducing hundreds of people each year to the joys of long-distance cycling along the canal that transformed America.”

Author says connecting with ‘blue space’ is good for physical, mental health

File photo by Tom Rivers: Dan Rubinstein of Ottawa is shown on Aug. 1, 2023 on the Erie Canal in Albion headed west. The canal was part of a 1,200-mile adventure two years ago. His book Water Borne: A 1,200-Mile Paddleboarding Pilgrimage has just been released and is available from several sources, including Author’s Note Bookstore in Medina, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

In June 2023, writer Dan Rubinstein of Ottawa lashed camping gear to his stand-up paddleboard and embarked on an improbable solo voyage which would take him more than 1,200 miles on rivers, lakes and canals of a landlocked region.

During the 10-week journey, he explored the healing potential of “blue space,” the aquatic equivalent of green space, and sought out others drawn to their local waters.

The cover of Dan Rubenstein’s book shows him on a paddle board. The 336-page book was published last month by ECW Press, an independent book publisher in Canada.

Rubinstein has announced his book, Water Borne: A 1,200-Mile Paddleboarding Pilgrimage,  has been published and is available from several sources, including Author’s Note Bookstore in Medina, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Click here for more information.

Rubenstein turned 50 on the trip, on which he traveled the waters to Montreal and New York City, then took a Greyhound bus to Albany, where he entered the Erie Canal, which took him to Buffalo and the Niagara River above the Falls. Here, friends took him to Lake Ontario, and he spent two days getting around the western tip of the lake to Kingston and the Rideau Canal.

Rubinstein said the farther he paddled, the more he realized that being in, on or around water does more than boost mental and physical health and prompt stewardship toward the natural world. He discovered that blue spaces are also a way to connect with the kaleidoscopic cross-section of people he met and the diverse geographies and communities he passed through.

His love of paddleboarding stems from the fact he can jump in and swim if he wants to; he can see down in the water; and he can see all around.

“Everyone knows what green space is,” Rubinstein said in a phone call from his Ottawa home. “But blue space is good for your physical and mental health. It makes us want to take better care of our planet.”

During his journey, Rubinstein said he arranged interviews with people along his route whose whole lives revolve around water.

“I met so many strangers who were kind, welcoming and generous,” he said. “They gave me food, cold water, let me stay in their spaces (most of the time camping), but some let me stay in their houses and hotels. It’s really about community and people when we meet by the water. The Erie Canal might be the most beautiful and where I met the most amazing people.”

He described Tomtuga campground at Gasport, where he spent a night, and the canal basin in Medina where two men he met on a boat sent him up the hill to the Captain Kidz restaurant.

Paddling down the canal, he was enchanted with the towpath, where he could look over and see beautiful farm country. He said the locks in Lockport were fun to go through, but he was also taken in by the culvert.

Rubinstein said he took a year off from his job as a writer for a university to write his book. He has one explanation for what he did:

“I love stand-up paddleboarding,” he said.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Photo by Tom Rivers: Logan Cole, 8, of Kendall goes fishing on Aug. 13, 2022 at the Daniel Spierdowis Memorial Fishing Derby. Logan was one of 63 kids in the derby at the Albion Sportsmen’s Association.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that June 28-29 is a free fishing weekend in New York State, encouraging New Yorkers to get offline and get outside to enjoy opportunities for affordable outdoor recreation across the state.

During free fishing days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters. The weekend is one of six designated Free Fishing Days that take place each year in New York State.

“There’s no better time for aspiring anglers to try freshwater fishing than a free fishing weekend,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is home to numerous freshwater lakes, ponds, streams and rivers, allowing for memorable fishing experiences for angler experts and novices, as well as friends and family.”

No rod? No problem. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) partners with libraries across the state to provide a fishing rod lending program. Instead of borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This affordable program provides an opportunity for people to try fishing before deciding to purchase their own gear. For more information on the program and a list of participating libraries visit DEC’S website.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Whether anglers are spending time with family and friends outside in nature or experiencing the thrill of catching a fish, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy fishing. I encourage participating anglers to share their love of fishing by introducing someone new to the sport during New York’s Free Fishing Weekend.”

Photo courtesy of DEC: A historical marker notes the fish hatchery at Caledonia.

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton on Friday announced the launch of a nation-leading $100 million freshwater fish hatchery modernization plan.

The funding supports the first of three phases of modernization projects for 12 hatcheries operated by DEC across the State. The hatcheries are integral to effective fisheries management and conservation, and contribute up to $5 billion in economic benefits provided by New York’s recreational freshwater fishing industry.

“DEC’s fish hatchery system serves as the backbone for the management and restoration of our freshwater fisheries,” Commissioner Lefton said. “With the $100 million announced today, DEC and Governor Kathy Hochul are recognizing the incredible contributions these facilities provide to sustain New York’s world-class destination fisheries and boost local economies statewide. Today’s launch of the hatchery modernization plan will further strengthen New York State’s commitment to the angling community and the continued stewardship of our fisheries resources far into the future.”

First established in 1864, New York’s fish hatchery system is the oldest in North America. DEC operates 12 hatcheries that annually produce up to 850,000 pounds of fish that are stocked into more than 1,200 waterbodies for recreational and restoration purposes.

The average age of DEC’s hatcheries is 93 years and the integrity of many buildings, water supply assets, and fish-rearing structures are at risk. In recent years some of the most crucial needs have been addressed with a steady flow of DEC capital funding, but more extensive work is needed to sustain and improve operations to truly modernize the hatchery system for the future.

The historic $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 dedicated up to $75 million for hatchery improvements as part of the $650 million specified for improving access to and protecting nature.

This funding, combined with funding from New York Works and other capital funds, provides a solid foundation for creating a modern hatchery system that is technologically advanced, more efficient, adaptable, and environmentally responsible.

DEC will use Bond Act monies and capital funds to leverage other State and federal funding to modernize the hatchery system in multiple phases over the next 10 years. Improvements center on employing contemporary culture technologies to maximize fish production and ensuring greater sustainability by using the best technology available to reduce energy use and minimize the facilities’ carbon footprint.

DEC will implement its modernization plan in three phases, with Phase 1 beginning immediately. Highlights of Phase 1 include:

• Covering the rearing ponds to exclude predators, reduce sunlight, and provide a surface for a photovoltaic system at the Caledonia Hatchery;
• Refurbishing ponds at the South Otselic Hatchery for increased walleye production;
• Overhauling the water supply system at the Salmon River Hatchery;
• Building a new hatch house at Chateaugay Hatchery; and
• Replacing the existing hatchery at Randolph with a brand-new facility.

“This plan not only ensures the continued health and sustainability of our state’s freshwater fisheries but also preserves critical recreational and economic opportunities for future generations,” New York State Conservation Council President Dr. Keith Tidball said. “New York’s fish hatchery system is a vital part of our state’s natural heritage and supports recreational fishing that benefits local communities, small businesses, and tourism across the state. The hatcheries are not just facilities—they are centers of fisheries conservation, education, and economic vitality. This modernization plan will allow New York’s hatcheries to adopt contemporary technologies, enhance fish production, and minimize environmental impact, all while ensuring the integrity and longevity of these crucial facilities.”

Press Release, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Photo from DEC: Dylan Kampnich is shown with his son and a record-setting 37-pound, 9-pound catfish.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the first state record fish of the year.

On May 3, while shorefishing with his son, Dylan Kampnich of Dexter reeled in a 37-pound 9-ounce channel catfish from Black River Bay in Jefferson County. Mr. Kampnich’s record-breaking catch surpassed the previous state record catfish caught in 2022, also from the Black River, by 13 ounces.

“We are so fortunate to have incredibly diverse and affordable fishing opportunities across the state,” DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Congratulations to Mr. Kampnich on his record-breaking catfish. This catch is a great example of what New York’s abundant waterways have to offer and the thrilling news of this catch will certainly get anglers excited about getting on the water this season.”

Channel catfish are the largest members of the catfish species that live in New York. They feed primarily on the bottom at night and are most easily caught using live bait such as worms or baitfish. When hooked, catfish can provide a challenge for even the most experienced anglers.

Mr. Kampnich submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC’s newly revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state record fish and recognizes anglers who catch any of the 40 eligible fish species that meet or exceed the minimum qualifying lengths established for that species.

Through this program, anglers can enter freshwater fish that meet specific qualifying criteria and receive official recognition of their catch along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their achievement.

File photo by Tom Rivers: A canal boat named Canandaigua takes a leisurely trip on the Erie Canal in this photo from Sept. 23, 2015. The photo was taken from the Presbyterian Road canal bridge in Albion.

The Canal Corporation was planning a big celebration on May 16 in honor of the 200^th anniversary of the historic waterway’s opening day of the season.

But “relentless rain” affected eastern and central New York will delay the opening of the canal at Lyons heading east. That has made the water levels higher than usual.

The Erie Canal will open as scheduled in Orleans County and the western end.

Here is the statement from the Canal Corporation about the opening of the season:

The New York State Canal Corporation today announced that the New York State Canal system will open in phases beginning Friday, May 16th due to severe weather that has necessitated a delay in the opening schedule for the Canal system.

Specifically, significant rainfall has created high flows and unsafe conditions along the Eastern and Central Erie Canal, Champlain Canal, and Oswego Canal.  

The opening schedule is as follows –

Friday, May 16th –

Erie Canal Lock E-28A (Lyons) will be operational through Locks E-34/35 (Lockport)

Boaters should be aware of floating debris generated by recent heavy rainfall and proceed with caution, at a “No Wake” speed, as some debris may be hard to see. Some buoys (Aids to Navigation) may be off station and are being relocated by Canal forces.

As conditions safely permit, additional openings of the Canal system will be announced in subsequent Notice to Mariners.

The Canal Corporation appreciates the patience of mariners and the public while crews work to prepare the waterway for navigation once conditions are safe. 

Upon opening, all locks and lift bridges will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily with some locks and lift bridges operating until 9:00 p.m. Mariners are advised to check the Canal Corporation’s Notice to Mariners for the latest information.

There are no tolls or fees for recreational use of the Canal system this year.

As part of the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial commemoration, the Canal Corporation is extending this year’s navigation season. The Canal system will remain open for both recreational and commercial vessels until Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 pm. 

Seeks special coins to honor Erie Canal’s 200^th anniversary

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

OSWEGO – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today reintroduced the Erie Canal Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act to design and produce a series of commemorative coins to honor the Erie Canal’s bicentennial and its monumental impact on our country.

Specifically, this bill instructs the U.S. Treasury Secretary to design and produce a commemorative $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin, and a half-dollar coin to honor the canal’s bicentennial. This coin will celebrate the monumental impacts the Erie Canal has had on New York and our nation’s economic success.

All proceeds of the coin will benefit the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, which is the official nonprofit 501(c)(3) partner for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

“The Erie Canal was a critical component to our nation’s rise to power,” Tenney said. “At the epicenter of the Industrial Revolution, it helped spur the spirit of innovation, hard work, and perseverance that made our country what it is today. I am honored to introduce this legislation to celebrate the Erie Canal’s historic bicentennial and recognize the profound impact it has had on our region and country’s history.”

Total number down about 8,000 from previous year; Iceland Gull joins the count for first time

Photos courtesy of Celeste Morien: Bird counters spotted a Northern Cardinal, left, and a Blue Jay.

By Celeste Morien, count compiler for Oak Orchard Swamp Christmas Bird Count

BASOM – The Audubon Oak Orchard Swamp Christmas Bird Count was held on Dec. 27. Weather was warm for the date, with an actual low (26F) higher than average and an actual high (43F) much higher than average.

The maximum snow depth was 2 inches. Moving water was partly open and marshes were frozen following cold earlier in the week. The day was precipitation free and clear until afternoon clouds moved in over the region.

Forty-one counters found 70 species, two less than last year and just over 12,000 individual birds, almost 8,000 fewer birds than in 2023. Counters logged 49 hours on foot and 57 hours by car. Counters walked 58 miles and drove 494 miles by car.

 A celebratory dinner was held at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge after the count. Hearty thanks go out to the many participants who volunteered to devote their day to an assessment of local bird populations. Many thanks to our sponsor, Friends of Iroquois NWR, for graciously providing the meal for all who participated. Special thanks to Iroquois Refuge Staff Manager Tom Roster for providing the venue. Many thanks to Park Ranger/Visitor Services Manager Logan Sauer for managing our arrangements and to Refuge Biologist Paul Hess for coordinating coverage with enthusiastic Fisheries Staff in covering the many diverse areas of the refuge. Last but not least, a big thank you to NYSDEC Winter Raptor Survey Coordinator Elena Greco for coordinating, and raptor survey volunteers for counting on the winter raptor survey team that evening.

Participants made high counts of 16 species and found one new species, Iceland Gull on Glenwood Lake in Medina.

High counts for the following species were Cackling Goose (34), Bald Eagle (32), Sandhill Crane (18), Iceland Gull (1), Rock Pigeon (689), Red-bellied Woodpecker (94), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4), Merlin (4), Blue Jay (283), Common Raven (9), Tufted Titmouse (46), Carolina Wren (14), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1), Golden-crowned Kinglet (39), White-throated Sparrow (125) and Hermit Thrush (2).

There were 965 Dark-eyed Juncos in the annual bird count.

The lower count of total individuals can mostly be attributed to lack of open water for any lingering waterfowl. A good number of our high counts can likely be attributed to our warming winter temperatures and southern species that have moved northward and successfully adapted.

Here are the numbers for species seen in the count:

• Cackling Goose – 34
• Canada Goose – 794
• American Black Duck – 23
• Mallard – 21
• Common Merganser – 11
• Great Blue Heron – 2
• Northern Harrier – 5
• Sharp-shinned Hawk – 6
• Cooper’s Hawk – 4
• Accipiter sp. – 4
• Bald Eagle – 32
• Red-tailed Hawk – 62
• Buteo sp. – 1
• Sandhill Crane – 18
• Ring-billed Gull – 24
• Herring Gull – 13
• Iceland Gull – 1
• gull sp. – 5
• Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) – 689
• Mourning Dove – 363
• Eastern Screech-Owl – 3
• Great Horned Owl – 2
• Barred Owl – 1
• Long-eared Owl
• Short-eared Owl – 2
• Belted Kingfisher – 2
• Red-bellied Woodpecker – 94
• Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – 4
• Downy Woodpecker – 129
• Hairy Woodpecker – 36
• Northern Flicker – 47
• Pileated Woodpecker – 13
• American Kestrel – 9
• Merlin – 4
• Peregrine Falcon – 1
• Northern Shrike – 6
• Blue Jay – 283
• American Crow – 243
• Common Raven – 10
• Horned Lark – 347
• Black-capped Chickadee – 319
• Tufted Titmouse – 46
• Red-breasted Nuthatch – 16
• White-breasted Nuthatch – 89
• Brown Creeper – 18
• Carolina Wren – 14
• Winter Wren – 1
• Golden-crowned Kinglet – 39
• Ruby-crowned Kinglet – 1
• Eastern Bluebird – 79
• Hermit Thrush – 2
• American Robin – 768
• Northern Mockingbird – 3
• European Starling – 3,904
• Cedar Waxwing – 27
• Yellow-rumped Warbler – 17
• American Tree Sparrow – 440
• Field Sparrow – 2
• Song Sparrow – 18
• Swamp Sparrow – 33
• White-throated Sparrow – 125
• White-crowned Sparrow – 3
• Dark-eyed Junco – 965
• Snow Bunting – 833
• Northern Cardinal – 189
• Red-winged Blackbird – 131
• Common Grackle – 1
• Brown-headed Cowbird – 25
• Purple Finch – 2
• House Finch – 67
• White-winged Crossbill – 2
• American Goldfinch – 193
• House Sparrow – 238
• Other unidentified bird species – 150

‘I don’t think enough people, in the immediate area or across Western New York, know what a gem this place is’

Press Release, Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

BASOM – Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge held its annual meeting Saturday, Nov. 23, to elect officers and several new board members.

Elected to a two-year term as president was Richard Moss of Medina. Emma DeLeon of Williamsville was elected vice president; Betsy Black of Lockport was elected treasurer; and Kim Mansfield of Newfane and Joe Fell of Buffalo were elected to the nominating committee.

Members also voted for five new board members and re-elected one board member, Seneca Wolf Clan Elder Marve in Jacobs of Cheektowaga. The newly added board members are Chris Hollister of Cheektowaga, Bernadette Clabeaux of Orchard Park, Tim Elliot of Medina, and Pamela Reed Sanchez of Rochester.

Moss replaces Garner Light of Gasport, who led the group through the lean pandemic years and was instrumental in developing and installing the refuge’s new eagle nest camera (click here), among his numerous accomplishments while president.

“The last four years were challenging and invigorating at the same time,” Light said. “The first two years of my term were during the pandemic. Everything changed. In the time since, we have worked hard as an organization to revitalize, reconnect and become even more active and relevant. I am greatly encouraged to pass the reigns onto Dick Moss, who I’m confident will be an excellent president for FINWR.”

Moss said he is looking forward to working with the board and the group’s volunteers.

“I’ve been walking the refuge trails for more than 30 years,” Moss said. “I don’t think enough people, in the immediate area or across Western New York, know what a gem this place is. I hope to be part of changing that.”

Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Inc. (click here) has about 150 members and is a not-for-profit corporation organized by volunteers dedicated to supporting the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (INWR) via fundraising, education, enhancement and preservation of the refuge and its wildlife.

“Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge  have been an intricate part in accomplishments at the refuge, both in funding for projects but also their volunteerism,” said Tom Roster, refuge manager. “I look forward to working with the newly elected officers and board members to continue this partnership.”

Camera was installed 2 weeks ago after 20-year absence

Provided photo from Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge: A still from the nest camera showing the female eagle in the nest just before the tree came down.

By Dick Moss, Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge board member

BASOM – The bald eagle nest that Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (FINWR) had trained its new nest camera on blew down this morning in high winds.

The old cottonwood near the Cayuga Pool that the nest was perched in came down at 5:58 a.m. It broke off near the base of the tree and was clearly hollow and rotten inside.

The female had roosted in the nest overnight and was in it when the tree blew over. There was concern about her safety until dawn broke and the camera could see both male and female perched together on a different tree branch.

Photos by Emma DeLeon: (Left) FINWR President Garner Light surveys the damage from the toppled tree. (Right) The base of the cottonwood clearly shows why it came down.

Bald eagles have nested in this same tree line for the past 25 years.

“Hopefully they build a new nest in the same tree line,” said FINWR President Garner Light.

Two weeks ago on Oct. 18, the nest camera was mounted in a different tree, so that equipment is still functional. Light said FINWR, in concert with refuge staff, the DEC and others, would determine whether the camera can be properly repositioned once the eagles build a new nest.

The tree line the cottonwood was part of has other possibilities for the pair to nest in.

“It’s such a shame that this happened right as we were getting going, but it could have been worse and hopefully both we and the eagles will move to plan B for the season!” said FINWR board member Emma DeLeon.

“Unfortunately, this kind of situation is not uncommon for nesting eagles,” DeLeon said. “The birds tend to build in large, old, trees in exposed areas, and the nests themselves can get quite heavy as the birds add sticks year after year. Luckily for our pair, there is still plenty of time to build a new nest, and many similar trees in the area to select from.”

There have been other positive signals.

“We observed a strong pair bond on camera over the past few weeks with the birds roosting together most nights and actively bringing in nest material,” she said. “We are hopeful that they will still have a successful nesting season whether we are able to catch it on camera or not.”