Photos courtesy of Pixcams.com: (Left) The red arrow points to the egg that was spotted overnight. (Right) Mother Eagle incubates the egg.

Press Release, Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

BASOM – An egg has been sighted in one of the bald eagle nests at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

The Friends of Iroquois NWR observers whose camera is trained on the nest believe the female bald eagle laid her first egg at 5:05 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20. That belief was based on behavioral cues like fluffing of feathers, standing up and sitting down, and reaching under to rotate the egg.

At 1 a.m. Saturday, observers caught sight of the egg as the eagle parents switched places. Eagles typically lay 2-3 eggs and incubate them for about a month before hatching, so the Friends expect at least one more egg.

“Just because eggs are laid is no guarantee of hatching,” said Friends President Richard Moss of Medina. “Nature can be merciless, and all kinds of bad things can happen to prevent hatching. But this is definitely an exciting development.”

This year is the 250th anniversary of the United States, and the bald eagle has been seen as a symbol of the country for much of that time.

Moss wanted to send out thanks to Bill Powers and Pixcams Inc., out of Export, PA. Pixcams helped the Friends group set up the camera and has continued to provide logistical support. Moss also wanted to thank the Friends members who are moderating the eagle camera chat.

A link to the eagle nest camera is available at the Friends website, FINWR.org. Watching it should be very interesting for the next few months, Moss said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Anglers try to catch salmon and trout in the Oak Orchard River in Carlton on Oct. 20, 2023.

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today announced the 2026 dates for Free Fishing Days in New York.

The requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during the following six days in 2026: February 14–15, June 27–28, September 26 (National Hunting and Fishing Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day).

“Free Fishing Days provide the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors to affordably explore, unplug, and get outside,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State’s waters offer some of the best fishing opportunities in the nation, hosting memorable fishing experiences that increase tourism and benefit the economy. In addition to the many health benefits associated with recreating outdoors, fishing can provide more opportunities to connect with family and friends, something that seems harder and harder to do with increasing demands on time in today’s world.”

DEC’s Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give New Yorkers who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport of freshwater fishing at no cost, introduce people to a new hobby, and encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State Fishing License.

Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that although the requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. Outside of free fishing days, anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license. For more information on purchasing a license visit DEC’s website.

A year ago, volunteers identified 12,000 birds in annual count

Photos courtesy of Celeste Morien: A fox sparrow is shown in this photo. Volunteers will be out for the annual Oak Orchard Christmas Bird Count on Monday. Last year, 41 counters found 70 species and just over 12,000 individual birds.

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

BASOM – It’s nearly time for the Oak Orchard Christmas Bird Count! The count began in December 1968. The National Audubon Society has been sponsoring Christmas Bird Counts since their inception.

This map shows the area where volunteers will be out counting birds on Dec. 29.

Count compilers Celeste Morien and Brandon Connare would like the public to be alert for participants with spotting scopes and binoculars in on Dec. 29. We will be searching for birds inside the map circle from dawn to dusk.

Filling bird feeders now and keeping them stocked ahead of the count helps fulfill the count objective of counting all wild birds seen and heard within the circle.

The Oak Orchard count circle is centered on Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge at the Orleans and Genesee County line on Route 63. Count volunteers follow routes staying inside the designated 15-mile diameter circle. The day’s total is not just a species tally; individual birds are counted, giving an indication of the total number of birds per species in the circle that day.

If you are at home on count day within the circle, you may report the birds that visit your feeders. To do so, please contact celeste.morien@gmail.com.

According to the Audubon website, “Prior to the turn of the 20th century, hunters engaged in a holiday tradition known as the Christmas ‘Side Hunt.’ They would choose sides and go afield with their guns—whoever brought in the biggest pile of feathered (and furred) quarry won.”

Conservation was in its beginning stages in that era, and many observers and scientists were becoming concerned about declining bird populations. Beginning on Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, an early officer in the then-nascent Audubon Society, proposed a new holiday tradition—a “Christmas Bird Census” that would count birds during the holidays rather than hunt them.

So began the Christmas Bird Count. Thanks to the inspiration of Chapman and the enthusiasm of 27 dedicated birders, 25 Christmas Bird Counts were held that day. The locations ranged from Toronto, Ontario to Pacific Grove, California.

From December 14 through January 5 each year tens of thousands of volunteers throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Pacific Islands brave snow, wind, or rain, and take part in the effort. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this long-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations, and to help guide conservation action.

A blue jay is shown in this photo. Last year there were 283 identified during the annual bird count.

The data collected by citizen scientists allows researchers, conservation biologists, wildlife agencies and other interested individuals to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America. When combined with other surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, we are provided with a picture of how the continent’s bird populations have changed over the past 125 years.

The long term perspective is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat, and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well.

Please consider donating to the Christmas Count here since the Audubon Society no longer collects fees from each participant. www.audubon.org/GiveCBC

For past results of any Christmas Bird Count, the National Audubon Society website is an excellent resource. www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count

Volunteers counted 89 white-breasted nuthatch during last year’s count.

Sam Ramos of East Amherst took this photo of heron that won the $100 first prize in the birds category.

Press Release, Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

MEDINA – The winners of the 2024-25 photo contest held by Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge were announced Saturday at the nonprofit group’s annual meeting at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.

First, second and third place were chosen in three categories: birds, other wildlife, and landscape. Three professional photographers judged the photos: Max Schulte of WXXI in Rochester, Tina MacIntyre-Yee of USA Today Co., and Matt Wittmeyer of Matt Wittmeyer Photography in Rochester.

Tina Wescott of Clarence won first place in the “Other Wildlife” category for her photo of a frog.

Winning first place in the birds category and garnering the most support from the judges in the contest was a photo of a heron by Sam Ramos of East Amherst, who won a $100 prize. Second place and a $50 check went to Derick Dietrich of Newfane for a photo of a Sandhill crane; and third and a $25 check went to Jay Terkel of Corfu for his photo of a heron.

The winning entry in the other wildlife category went to Tina Wescott of Clarence for her photo of a frog, which gained the second-highest level of support among the judges. Second place went to Jessica Waite of Oakfield for her photo of a bee; and third to Sandy Geschwender for her photo of a butterfly.

Rudy Edlund of Lockport won first place in the landscape category for his dramatic photo of storm clouds over the refuge. Second place went to Kathy Robinson of Le Roy for a photo of Oak Orchard River; and third to Gary Robinson of Le Roy for a photo of trees mirrored in water.

To see all the winning photos, click here.

Photos for next year’s contest can be taken anywhere from August of this year through Sept. 1 of 2026.

“Thank you to all those who participated in this year’s contest. Photography is one of the many ways people enjoy using the refuge, and there are so many opportunities there,” said Richard Moss of Medina, president of Friends of Iroquois NWR. “If you are a photographer who uses the refuge on a regular basis, please consider participating in the 2025-26 version of the contest.”

FINWR, which works to support and enhance the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, is a 501(3)c corporation and is celebrating its 25th year.

Orleans County and Greater Niagara Region in peak foliage conditions

Photos by Tom Rivers: This tree has a full canopy of colorful leaves in Holley on Saturday. The East Avenue lift bridge is in the background.

The area may be in its peak for fall foliage, or slightly into “past peak.”

There are still lots of colorful leaves on the trees, but it may not last much longer.

I Love NY put Orleans County and the Greater Niagara region at peak conditions on Wednesday. Most other parts of the state – Chautauqua-Allegheny, Catskills, Central NY, 1,000 Islands and the Adirondacks – were deemed past peak.

This photo from today shows colorful leaves along the Erie Canal in Eagle Harbor with the lift bridge in the background.

Replica of Seneca Chief completes bicentennial voyage on canal, reaching NYC

Photos by Don Pollard/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul – Governor Hochul today marked the 200th anniversary of the opening of the original Erie Canal in New York City with the arrival of the Buffalo Maritime Center’s Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief. Hochul is speaking at Pier 26 at Hudson River Park in New York City

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

New York City – Governor Kathy Hochul today marked the 200th anniversary of the opening of the original Erie Canal in New York City with the arrival of the Buffalo Maritime Center’s Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief.

The boat is a replica of the original vessel Governor DeWitt Clinton traveled on from Buffalo to New York City in 1825. The current voyage began Sept. 24 in Buffalo. The Seneca Chief made 28 stops along the Erie Canal and Hudson River before ending its journey at Pier 26 at Hudson River Park in New York City.

Buffalo Maritime Center Founder John Montague said, “From the outset of this project, our aim was to commemorate the Erie Canal and raise awareness of its profound impact on American history. By building and voyaging across New York State with our authentic replica canal boat, we have succeeded beyond our dreams. At the same time, we’ve succeeded in reconnecting communities and individuals around our shared canal history and heritage. We have been amazed to discover on our voyage the public’s interest and commitment in shaping the canal’s future.”

Gov. Hochul congratulates Roger Allen, Master Boatbuilder of the Seneca Chief replica, for the successful 33-day trip, retracing the route of the original Seneca Chief that brought Gov. DeWitt Clinton on the freshly built Erie Canal. Brian Stratton, the state’s canal commissioner, is in back.

Today’s Erie Canal is now part of the 524-mile New York State Canal system managed by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and New York State Canal Corporation. As the Erie Canal enters its third century of operation, it has primarily become a recreational and cultural destination, with a focus on arts and culture, sustainability, and accessibility, while still moving cargo too large for other means of transportation.

“For two centuries, the Erie Canal has been a symbol of ingenuity and perseverance, shaping the economic and social landscape of New York and the United States,” Governor Hochul said. “As a Buffalo native, I have logged hundreds of hours on the canals and know first-hand of the impact and beauty. As we celebrate this incredible bicentennial milestone, we look forward to the Canal’s third century of operation and are committed to ensuring a resilient and accessible Canal system for all New Yorkers for centuries to come.”

The Governor was introduced at today’s event by DeWitt Clinton’s 15-year-old great-great-great-great-great-grandson, DeWitt Silber.

The Erie Canal has been a cornerstone in the development of New York State as we know it, and the nation. It has served as a vital connector for commerce, linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, and facilitating the movement of goods and people. Over the years, the Canal has played significant roles in major historical movements, including the Underground Railroad, Women’s Right to Vote, the expansion of religions, fostering communities and driving progress.

Through their More Voices initiative, NYPA and the Canal Corporation are working to share a more comprehensive narrative of the Erie Canal’s history. Topics include the stories of underrepresented communities including those of African Americans, women, immigrants, and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

Gov. Hochul pours water into a barrel in a ceremony that was done at each stop the Seneca Chief made along the canal as part of a 33-day trip to New York City. The “Gathering of the Waters” differed from the original “Wedding of the Waters” when Gov. DeWitt Clinton poured water from Lake Erie into New York Harbor in 1825, following the maiden journey along the completed canal.

To acknowledge the displacement of indigenous people during the building of the Canal, an Eastern White Pine Tree was planted at each stop of the current Seneca Chief voyage that represents the strength of the Haudenosaunee people, as well as a promise for a sustainable future for the Erie Canal. In Haudenosaunee culture, the White Pine also holds significance as the Tree of Peace.

New York State Canal Corporation Director and Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission Co-Chair Brian U. Stratton said, “The Erie Canal has been a testament to human ingenuity and the power of connectivity. As we look ahead, we are dedicated to enhancing its accessibility and resilience, ensuring it remains a vital resource for generations to come.”

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has emphasized the state’s continuing commitment to the long-term viability of the canal system, designating $50 million in each of the past two state budgets to rehabilitate reservoir dams, improve earthen embankment dams, and repair aging water control structures, many of which predate Clinton’s inaugural Erie Canal voyage. The funds are in addition to NYPA’s annual investment for canal system maintenance and operations.

Photo courtesy of NYS Canal Corp. – The replica of Seneca Chief passes by the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island.

As the Erie Canal’s third century of operation begins, the New York State Canal Corporation is gearing up to carry out the recently published Canal Recreationway 2050 Plan. Created with input from hundreds of stakeholders throughout the canal corridor, it is structured around seven guiding principles that together form a comprehensive vision for the 524-mile Canal system of waterways, trails and parks. The guiding principles include cultural heritage, accessibility, economic impact, ecological benefit, and environmental resiliency.

Most recently, the Canal Corporation began identifying property along the Erie Canal where pollinator meadows can be created. This endeavor not only aims to reduce maintenance needs, but also aims to enhance biodiversity, support vital ecosystems, and ensure the Canal’s ecological health for the next century. This sustainable approach honors the Canal system’s rich history while fostering environmental stewardship and resilience, contributing to a greener, more vibrant future for generations to come. 16 acres have been identified to date, with hundreds more to come.

The New York State Canal system endeavors to become a worldwide destination for accessible recreation through On the Canals, as well as NYPA and Canal Corporation’s On the Canals Accessibility Education Program. Now in its sixth year, On the Canals provides free programming across the Canal system through local providers to get people recreating on the water and the Canalway Trails.

With its relatively calm waters and level trail surfaces, it is an ideal location for people of all abilities to recreate. The On the Canals Accessibility Education Program, now in its second year, works with participating businesses to ensure they are receiving the correct tools and knowledge they need to guarantee that their facilities and programming are fully accessible for all who seek to enjoy recreation along the Canal system.

ALBION – Matthew Howell, a lift bridge operator in Knowlesville, sent in this photo of the sunrise. He took it on the Presbyterian Road bridge this morning.

The canal lift bridges and locks are currently operating from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The canal system will close to boaters at 6 p.m. on Nov. 3.

This year is the Erie Canal’s 200^th anniversary. It’s also the 201^st navigation season. The Canal Corp. anticipates opening the canal for its 202^nd season in May.

Peggy Barringer of Albion received an honorable mention in the annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest for her photo, “Winter Wonderland.” This is the area on the canal with the Medina Waterfalls and the Horan Road canal bridge.

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has announced the winners of its 20^th annual photo contest.

Peggy Barringer of Albion received an honorable mention for a wintry scene along the canal in Medina. It was the only photo in Orleans County recognized among 334 entries for the contest.

Judges select first, second, and third place winners in four contest categories as well as 12 honorable mentions.

“These award-winning images serve as a visual reminder of what makes New York’s canals distinctly beautiful and worth preserving,” said Bob Radliff, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “Thank you to the talented photographers who submitted images and shared their perspectives on these extraordinary places.”

Winning images can be viewed online and will be featured in the 2026 Erie Canalway Calendar, available at no cost in libraries, visitor centers, and by request starting Dec. 1. Funding support for the calendar is provided by the NYS Canal Corporation and the National Park Service.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “As we look ahead to our third century of operation, we are committed to celebrating canal-related arts and culture. These photographs, submitted by an ever-talented cadre of canal enthusiasts, embody some of the most beautiful aspects of our canals and support our mission.”

Winning photos can be viewed by clicking here.

Mark Maccio, of East Rochester won first place in the “Canal Communities” category for this photo of Schoen Place Twilight in Pittsford.

Photos by Tavi Moss: (Left) A bee hovers around a stuff goldenrod bloom at the Iroquois refuge’s new pollinator meadow. (Center) For the Pollinator Meadow dedication on Saturday, a group of UB students helped plant more native plantings and weeded the meadow pathways. (Right) UB sophomore Maddie Kennedy works an augur to dig a hole for a new ironweed planting under the supervision of Dave O’Donnell.

Press Release, Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

BASOM – Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge celebrated its new pollinator garden on Saturday at the Cayuga Overlook.

The meadow was mostly the work of Dave O’Donnell, president of the Eastern Monarch Butterly Farm in Clarence.

“This was a wonderful team effort, and we will continue to enhance this area to benefit pollinators and other wildlife,” said O’Donnell. “The vision was to create a minimal, maintenance, meadow. With funding from FINWR (Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge), and the support of USFW (US Fish & Wildlife Service) staff and volunteers, we have accomplished this.”

A group of students from the University at Buffalo attended and saw a butterfly banding — it’s really more of a sticker applied to a wing — planted some native plants, including ironweed, and contributed some much needed weeding to the path area.

FINWR President Richard Moss of Medina thanked the students for their efforts and O’Donnell for all his hard work on the project, which has been under way for at least three years. Moss also encourages the community at large to visit and make use of this new feature.

Dave O’Donnell, second from right, president of the Eastern Monarch Butterfly Farm in Clarence, tells a group of University at Buffalo students about some of the native plants he used in the refuge’s new pollinator garden.

The area where the pollinator meadow now exists had been part of the Cayuga Overlook parking lot, but the USFWS — which runs the refuge — decided that the lot was too big and let grass and hardpan take over a large section between the lot and Route 77. Using native plants and a lot of sweat, the area has been transformed into a small meadow with a path and benches where you can sit and watch the pollinators flit about.

Depending on conditions, the area is now abuzz with bees and other insects, and a walk through will send frogs and toads scurrying out of your way.

One of the cool events Saturday was O’Donnell’s demonstration of butterfly banding. O’Donnell, using a butterfly net, caught a pair of monarchs that were flying around the garden and showed how a tiny sticker with contact information can be applied to the wing of a butterfly so its journey can be traced if it is found in the future. These monarchs will be headed off to Mexico soon, one of nature’s epic migrations.

O’Donnell encouraged everyone to get involved in similar efforts to improve the environment.

“Now more than ever, with recent cuts to vital programs and services, we need to increase our presence and protect our environment for future generations,” O’Donnell said. “I encourage everyone to lend a hand and support these organizations however you can.”

Photos courtesy of Richard Moss: NY State Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt, left, presents a state Senate Commendation Award to Carl Zenger of Lockport. At right are Julie Hain and Dave Zenger, two of Zenger’s children who came from out of state to witness the presentation.

By Richard Moss, President of the Friends of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

LOCKPORT – Carl Zenger of Lockport has received a New York state Senate commendation from Minority Leader Sen. Robert G. Ortt in recognition of Zenger’s volunteer work at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

Zenger, a retired mechanical engineer, has been recognized by peers, staff and the community for his unparalleled dedication to conservation. Since starting his volunteer journey in 1997, Zenger, 87, has invested over 45,000 hours — equivalent to over 22 years of a full-time employee. This all occurred after his full-time career.

Zenger also served as a volunteer firefighter for most of his adult life. So volunteering is in his blood, as Ortt put it Friday, when he presented the award at his Lockport offices.

“If everyone gave 45,000 hours – heck, if everyone gave 5,000 hours – we’d be in a much better place,” Ortt said in citing Zenger’s achievement.

(Left) Carl Zenger displays his state Senate Commendation Certificate. (Center) The state Senate Commendation coin. (Right) State Senate Commendation Award desk plaque presented to Carl Zenger.

Ortt presented Zenger with a certificate, a state Senate commendation coin, and a desk plaque he can display.

“I counted it up and I’ve woken up at 5:30 a.m. to go to the refuge 5,000 times,” said Zenger, who is usually the first one at the refuge in the morning.

Zenger said he is extremely proud of the purple martin nesting program he helped start at the refuge. He also has been heavily involved in the bluebird and kestrel nesting programs at the refuge. But he also does a lot of maintenance work, mowing and plowing, and servicing the tractors. He also has built hundreds of bluebird houses over the years.

Among the accolades Zenger has been receiving is being named Refuge Volunteer of the Year in the 2025 National Wildlife Refuge Awards by the National Wildlife Refuge Association. That national award will be formally presented on Oct. 15 during an invitation-only luncheon at Bent’s Opera House in Medina, said Richard Moss, president of the Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, who is helping organize that event.

Zenger was also named 2024 Volunteer of the Year for the Northeast Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and has been recognized by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for his commitment to the community.

Sept. 6 open house will discuss efforts to support cavity-nesting birds

Photo by Dan Rosentreter: These are examples of cavity-nesting birdhouses made by Dan Rosentreter.

Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County

KNOWLESVILLE – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County is partnering with AviNest to launch a hands-on conservation effort that protects native birds, restores local habitats, and gets the community involved—starting with a new Bluebird Trail at the fairgrounds.

Cavity-nesting birds like bluebirds, chickadees, and wrens are losing safe places to raise their young, but a local AviNest is stepping in to help.

AviNest, led by Medina business owner hobby conservationist Dan Rosentreter, is now part of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension. Together, they’re expanding efforts to protect native bird species, restore habitat, and get the community involved in hands-on conservation work.

AviNest started with a simple idea: build and maintain safe nesting spaces for birds that need a little extra help. Today, Rosentreter maintains a network of 47 nest boxes across Medina, including in State Street Park, Pine Street Park, Lyons Park, Gulf Street Park and Boxwood Cemetery.

Now with support from CCE, AviNest is preparing to offer community classes and workshops covering topics like bird banding, nest box clean-outs, chickadee nest monitoring, invasive species management, working with 4-H youth, experimenting with new bird box designs, and eventually setting up a live-streaming bird box camera at the Orleans County Fairgrounds.

AviNest is also developing a new Bluebird Trail at the Fairgrounds and is currently seeking volunteers and donations to help bring the project to life.

“What began as a personal hobby with birds has grown into something much bigger,” said Rosentreter. “Now it’s about building community, supporting local wildlife, and making a real impact.”

Photo by Dan Rosentreter, Hi-Res Wildlife Photography: An Eastern Bluebird arrives at a nest box.

In addition to leading AviNest, Dan is a director of the New York State Bluebird Society and a talented wildlife photographer. His photo of an Eastern Bluebird taken right here in Western New York reflects the heart of AviNest’s mission—giving birds a safe place to call home.

The AviNest Open House is happening on Sept. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend, meet Dan, and learn more about how to support cavity-nesting birds in our region.

For questions, to get involved, or to donate, contact orleans@cornell.edu, call 585-798-4265. (Click here for more information to donate through PayPal).

Daniel Quatro of Albion took this photo of a starry night with an Erie Canal bridge. The photo, entitled “Star Trails,” won second place in the “Classic Canal” category of the annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest in 2024.

Press Release, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

WATERFORD – The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is calling for entries for its annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest.

Amateur and professional photographers are invited to submit up to three images that capture the canals’ beauty, vibrancy, and character. Winning photos will be featured in the 2026 Erie Canalway Calendar. Entries must be submitted or postmarked by Aug. 29.

Images will be judged in four contest categories: On the Water, Along the Trail, Canal Celebrations & Communities, and Classic Canal. Judges will select first, second, and third place winning images in each category, as well as 12 honorable mentions.

Submitted images must be horizontal format and taken within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, which spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York. It encompasses the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities.

Download official contest rules and an entry form at www.eriecanalway.org/get-involved/photo-contest.

Jules Hoepting, formerly of Albion and now a Perry resident, received an honorable mention in 2024 for this winter scene of the Erie Canal in the Gaines Basin. Her photo is entitled, “Winter Sunset.”

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Photo courtesy of DEC: Benjamin Ferguson, a fisherman from Lowville, holds his record-breaking brook trout.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced a new state record for brook trout.

Benjamin Ferguson, a dedicated brook trout angler from Lowville, Lewis County, caught a 22-inch, six-pound three-ounce “brookie” from the St. Regis Canoe Area in Franklin County on July 5, edging out the 2013 record by three ounces. The record-breaking fish was caught while slow trolling a Lake Clear Wabbler.

“This new state record brook trout is particularly special given our commitment to advancing the conservation of this iconic species,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Benjamin Ferguson’s record-setting catch further highlights this unique resource, which only the Adirondacks can provide.”

Ferguson 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 that catch any of the 40 eligible fish species that meet or exceed the minimum qualifying lengths established for that species. Anglers with qualifying catches receive official recognition, along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their achievement.

The program’s three categories are: Angler Award; Youth Angler Award; and State Record. As part of the program revamp, anglers are now able to submit entries for qualifying catches from the convenience of a smart phone through an online entry form. For official program rules, eligible species, and associated minimum qualifying lengths, visit the Angler Achievement Awards webpage.