Seeks special coins to honor Erie Canal’s 200th 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:
Photo by Tom Rivers: A snowmobiler heads west on the Erie Canal towpath on Jan. 24 in Albion at a spot just east of the Ingersoll Street lift bridge.
Posted 15 February 2025 at 9:25 am
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced two free snowmobile weekends for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers to rev their engines and explore what New York has to offer.
New York State will waive registration fees for out-of-state snowmobilers Feb. 28-March 2 and March 7-9, encouraging out-of-state visitors to come ride the more than 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails in New York State.
“New York is home to more than 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails, making it the perfect place to explore everything from snow peaked mountains and endless forests to pristine valleys and the Great Lakes,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of the beauty our state has to offer, and we’re making it easier with free snowmobiling weekends for adventurers to see it for themselves.”
During the weekends, the registration requirement in New York is waived for already properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts. Participants in these free snowmobiling events must operate a snowmobile that is registered in their home state/province and must carry any applicable insurance as required.
Outside of this promotion, out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers are required to register their snowmobiles with New York State before hitting the State’s trails — from the Hudson Valley to the North Country to Western New York.
Photo by Tom Rivers: An angler tries a catch a fish in the Oak Orchard River in Carlton on Nov. 10, 2023.
Posted 11 February 2025 at 9:49 am
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the six designated Free Fishing Days in New York State, encouraging New Yorkers to get offline and get outside to enjoy these affordable outdoor recreation opportunities statewide.
Free Fishing Days will take place on: Feb. 15-16 (Presidents’ Day Weekend), June 28-29, Sept. 27 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day).
During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters.
“Free Fishing Days in New York’s waters are a great, affordable way for residents and visitors to explore new places and provide an opportunity for anyone looking to get outside and enjoy nature,” Governor Hochul said. “Whether casting a line in freshwater lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers, New York offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the nation and allows for memorable fishing experiences that increase tourism and benefit the economy.”
The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give people who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport of freshwater fishing at no cost, to introduce people to a new hobby, and to 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 the DEC website.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 February 2025 at 9:02 pm
Stratton announces Albany Symphony will perform in Medina on July 2
Photo by Tom Rivers: Brian Stratton, commissioner of the Canal Corp., said there are over 400 events celebrating the Erie Canal’s bicentennial this year. He spoke during Friday’s Legislative Luncheon for the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
MEDINA – It’s going to be a big year celebrating the Erie Canal in 2025, which is the 200th anniversary of the completion of the 363-mile-long waterway.
Brian Stratton, the canal commissioner, said there are over more than 400 programs and events along the canal system in 2025, including many in Orleans County. He announced the Albany Symphony will be performing in Medina on July 2 to celebrate the canal’s bicentennial.
Stratton said the canal is an “economic engine” going across the state. He noted in Orleans County, canal water is used to supplement the tributary fishery, providing steady streams of water into December. The canal water also is used to irrigate farmland.
Those are just two ways the canal is used outside of navigation and recreation, the canal commissioner said on Friday when he spoke at the Legislative Luncheon in Medina, an event organized by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
He spoke at the Bent’s Opera Hall, which has seen a dramatic restoration led by Roger and Heather Hungerford. Stratton highlighted a $4.5 million Forward NY grant from the state that will spur more investment in the community with nine different initiatives.
This year the canal will have a longer boating season than usual, opening May 16 and going until Nov. 3. There won’t be any tolls or fees for recreational use of the canal system this year.
“We’re extending the season because this year is such an important year,” Stratton said. “We’re going to have a huge celebration all year long.”
In 2024 the navigation season ended Oct. 16, and in 2023 it closed for the season on Oct. 11.
Stratton said he looks forward to the Erie Canal hosting the World Canals Conference in Buffalo from Sept. 21-25, with about 500 people expected. Many of them will make an excursion out to Medina and Orleans County, Stratton said.
Some of the local events highlighting the canal, in addition to the Albany Symphony concert on July 2, include:
Erie Canal Arts & Craft Festival led by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council from Sept. 26-28 at Medina, Albion and Holley. The event will be a celebration of heritage, creativity, and community spirit along the canal. It will feature over 400 artisan vendors, a theatre and car showcase, a headline concert with The Voice’s Ddendyl Hoyt, and a festive boat parade, and boat taxis for attendees to get from each village.
Erie Canal Bicentennial Building Bricks Event organized by the Village of Medina Tourism Committee. The event will be Sept. 20-21 at the Sacred Heart Club in Medina. Participants will create canal-themed boats, bridges, and landmarks using LEGO bricks, while competing for awards based on age and creativity.
The Erie Canal Family Concert at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina on June 23.
Holley’s June Fest on June 7.
Albion Strawberry Festival on June 13-14.
St. Rocco’s Italian Festival in Hulberton on Aug. 31.
Blue Thursdays concert series at State Street Park in Medina this summer.
‘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.”
Bald eagle can be seen up close in nest from camera perched high in tree
Provided images: The nest cam shows a bald eagle on Friday afternoon, not long after the camera was mounted in a tree.
By Dick Moss, Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge board member
BASOM – After an absence of more than 20 years, there is an eagle nest cam once again at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
The eagle camera was installed Friday morning and will begin streaming online soon after. The old eagle cam, which used vastly outdated technology in today’s terms, ceased operating over 20 years ago for technical reasons. Because of the expense and a variety of other reasons, the refuge has not had an operational eagle cam since that time.
The new camera and equipment were made possible through funding by Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, a nonprofit group associated with the refuge, and by donated expertise from Bill Powers of PixCams and Treeman Tom LLC.
“After one year of planning and with much cooperation with the New York State DEC and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, a new eagle nest cam was installed at the Cayuga Pool bald eagle’s nest today,” said Garner Light, president of the Friends group. “This nest has been actively used by bald eagles for most of the last 24 years. This was determined to be the most accessible and successful nest to install a nest cam at.”
Photos by Emma DeLeon – (Left) Logan, an employee of Treeman Tom LLC, and Bill Powers of PixCams straighten out the cable to the eagle cam as it is raised into the tree. (Right) Gary Pocziwinski works his way up a nearby tree to install the eagle cam. The camera is now mounted in a tree about 70 feet from the eagle nest, but its zoom function will allow for a good view of the nest activity.
The eagle cam proved to be quite popular with refuge visitors and others, and Light and his associates are hoping it will prove to be so again.
“We still have refuge visitors inquire about being able to view the live feed to the eagle’s nest,” Light said.
“We are all looking forward to seeing the first footage of the eagles,” said FINWR board member Emma DeLeon. “It’s going to be a great opportunity for people to observe their natural behavior up-close. Hopefully it will be both entertaining and educational, and will help inspire a love for birds and nature and an appreciation for wildlife conservation.”
Photos by Dick Moss: Bill Powers, Gary Pocziwinski, FINWR board member Emma DeLeon and FINWR President Garner Light hook up the batteries for the solar panel (background) that will power the eagle nest cam.
Bill Powers, of Murrysville, PA, is the founder of PixCams, www.pixcams.com, which has set up numerous wildlife cam projects and streams them online. Streaming of the Iroquois cam will be available there first. The Friends group website, FINWR.org, is currently undergoing a redesign, but once that is done it will carry a link to the streaming. There are also plans to put a TV monitor in the refuge headquarters facility so visitors can see what is happening at the nest.
Update at 6:01 p.m.: Click here to see the link to the eagle cam.
The actual installation of the camera was carried out by Treeman Tom LLC, which provided the necessary tree climbing services to get the camera into an appropriate position. Owner/crew leader Gary Pocziwinski did the climbing.
There is no guarantee the eagles will have chicks is the spring – the pair that used the nest last year laid eggs, but they never hatched. But the nest has a good track record, indeed one of the bald eagles was perched in a nearby tree watching part of Friday morning’s installation. If all goes according to plan, the eagles will start being active around the nest in December and January, lay eggs in February and have hatchlings in March.
The eagle cam before installation.
A bald eagle, left, perches near the Cayuga Pool nest Friday morning.
File photo by Tom Rivers: Dean Marine & Excavating Inc. from Michigan dredges the Oak Orchard Harbor on Aug. 26, 2021. The dredging barge is near the breakwall at the end of the Oak Orchard channel. The harbor was previously dredged in August 2014, when it was done for the first time in 10 years.
Posted 16 October 2024 at 3:53 pm
Press Release, Orleans County Legislature
ROCHESTER – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson and Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey presented to the Great Lakes Commission at the group’s annual conference last week at the Strathallan Hotel in Rochester.
The legislators were invited to present on the innovative Regional Dredging Management Plan (RDMP), an initiative began by the Niagara Orleans Regional Alliance.
Provided photo: Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey, Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson and Carolyn Ryan from the NYS REDI Commission present at the conference.
“The RDMP is a comprehensive approach for the on-going maintenance dredging of harbor access channels, utilized primarily for recreational boating, along the south shore of Lake Ontario,” Johnson said. “Our goal is to have multiple counties working in partnership to help jointly fund dredging projects across our communities through annual appropriations, thereby keeping the cost of any single project manageable for individual counties and ensuring dredging is performed on schedule.”
The presentation covered the formation of the RDMP and the creation of a Lake Ontario Regional Dredging Management Council. Initial dredging was funded by a grant from the New York State Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI).
Niagara County Legislator Dave Godfrey said the next step is Wendel Engineering updating the RDMP with information from the REDI Commission to revise dredging statistics and projected ongoing costs. From there, participating counties will enter into formal Inter-municipal agreements and an RFP will be issued to hire a dredging contractor to perform the work.
“Recreational boating activities generate nearly $100 million annually for our communities and that number will continue to grow, provided harbor access is maintained,” said Godfrey. “That means we must keep our harbors dredged and the most efficient and cost-effective way to do so is through collaboration among local governments.”
The eight Great Lakes states created the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) in 1955 via the Great Lakes Basin Compact. In 1968, Congress provided its consent to the Compact and the interstate compact agency it created. The eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces are represented on the nonpartisan GLC by a delegation of government-appointed commissioners.
The GLC recommends policies and practices to balance the use, development, and conservation of the water resources of the Great Lakes and brings the region together to work on issues that no single community, state, province, or nation can tackle alone.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 October 2024 at 8:49 am
Photos courtesy of Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy
BUFFALO – A 266-foot-long bridge was set in place last weekend over the I-190 near the Niagara Street exit.
The bridge for pedestrians and cyclists links to the Ralph Wilson Park and provides an iconic structure in the city.
Construction crews installed the bridge overnight last Saturday into Sunday.
The bridge was installed overnight last Saturday. The bridge gives access to a 100-plus acre waterfront park. The park is expected to open in stages starting in late 2025 and early 2026
Photos by Tom Rivers
The bridge was made in Italy and was transported over about three weeks across the Erie Canal. The bridge was in four pieces on two barges for the trip.
This photo shows the bridge being moved on the canal near the Keitel Road on July 15.
Carver Companies from near Albany pushed a 195-foot-long barge with a tugboat.
The transport of the bridge drew lots of interest from the public and media throughout the journey on the canal.
A second barge with two sections of the bridge heads west near the curve in the canal in Gaines Basin on July 19.
This is close to the historical marker that notes this spot is the northernmost point on the Erie Canal.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 October 2024 at 8:44 am
Photo courtesy of Orleans County SWCD: Shoreline volunteers pick out trash from Glenwood Lake in Ridgeway.
ALBION – Volunteers collected nearly 400 pounds of trash on Sept. 14 during the 23rd annual shoreline cleanup in Orleans County.
The Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District leads the effort in connection with the American Littoral Society’s International Coastal Cleanup.
These events are held around the United States with volunteers cleaning up their local waterways and reporting their findings back to the society. The Littoral Society asks for specifics including trash items found and total weight, the data creates statistical analysis and trends in discarded trash for our population.
The volunteers gathered at 9 a.m. in Bullard Park in Albion and divided up the waterways that include the Canal Wide Waters, Glenwood Lake, the Waterport Dam and Point Breeze.
“Although this year’s crew was small, we managed to collect almost 400 pounds of trash, with quite a few tires contributing to the total weight this collection,” said Katie Sommerfeldt, the Soil & Water district manager. “Thank you all to who participated, you play an essential role in the preservation of our shorelines and we couldn’t do it without you.”
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 October 2024 at 7:54 am
The winners have been announced in the annual Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor photo contest and two scenes in Orleans County are among the honored images.
Daniel Quatro of Albion won second place in the “Classic Canal” category while Jules Hoepting received an honorable mention.
In the 19th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest, judges select first, second, and third place winners in four contest categories as well as 12 honorable mentions from a field of 329 entries.
Jules Hoepting, formerly of Albion and now a Perry resident, received an honorable mention for this winter scene of the the Erie Canal in the Gaines Basin. Her photo is entitled, “Winter Sunset.”
“These exceptional images are a perfect invitation to visit the Canalway Corridor and discover the richness of its history, recreational offerings, and communities,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “We congratulate the winners and appreciate everyone who entered and shared the places and activities they love along New York’s extraordinary canals.”
Winning images can be viewed online and will be featured in the 2025 Erie Canalway Bicentennial calendar. The popular calendar will be available at no cost at libraries, visitor centers, and by request beginning in December. Funding support for the calendar is provided by the National Park Service and NYS Canal Corporation.
“Year after year the stunning images contained throughout the calendar never cease to amaze me and Canal and history enthusiasts across New York State, as they showcase the diversity of the Erie Canal’s landscape, architecture, history, flora and fauna,” said Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. “As we approach our bicentennial year, this year’s calendar is arguably the most important and exciting edition yet, and I can’t wait for you to see it.”
Sarah Woodhams of Pittsford won first place in “Canal Communities” with this photo of the Fairport Lift Bridge.
Photos by Tom Rivers: A canal boat is docked in Holley on Sunday afternoon with the lift bridge in the background.
Posted 8 October 2024 at 12:58 pm
Press Release, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
WATERFORD – The New York State Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor are offering competitive grant funding to support tourism, recreation, and events along the New York State Canal System including canal waterways and Canalway Trail. Applications are open now through Nov. 15.
As New York State commemorates the bicentennial of the Erie Canal in 2025, the grants program will emphasize infrastructure and amenity improvements that boost tourism, and events that commemorate the canal’s 200th anniversary or expand the audience of canal users.
Funding is open to counties, municipalities, units of local government, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes located within the Canalway Corridor. Applications for infrastructure projects located on land owned by the New York State Canal Corporation are open only to federal/state/local governments, unless a nonprofit applicant is currently named as a permittee on an existing Canal Corporation Use and Occupancy Permit.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “As we approach the Erie Canal’s 200th birthday, the Tourism Infrastructure and Events Program is a fantastic way for communities and organizations to join in the commemoration of this milestone. The Canal Corporation is proud to be working on this impactful program with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor for another year as we help the municipalities and stakeholders that line the Canal’s banks bring their ideas to life. I can’t wait to see what this year brings.”
The grant program includes two funding categories: Event Support, with an award range of $500 to $3,000, and Tourism Infrastructure & Amenity Support, with an award range of $5,000 to $24,000. Applicants may apply for one or both categories.
Interested applicants are invited to attend a virtual information session on Wednesday, October 16, at 10 a.m.
Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor said, “We look forward to supporting community investments in infrastructure and amenities that prepare the canal corridor for its next century of service. Equally important, event support is critical for commemorating the Erie Canal’s 200th year and contributing to a thriving and vibrant waterway.”
In 2024, 43 nonprofit organizations and municipalities received NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure and Event Grants totaling $196,349. The grants supported eight tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements and 36 events.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Some of the leaves at Mount Albion cemetery are starting to change from green to bright orange and yellow. This photo was taken on Thursday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 September 2024 at 12:55 pm
The leaves are starting to change color in Orleans County and in several upstate regions.
The first 2024 I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report for New York State includes reports from volunteer field observers and reflect expected color conditions.
That first report from last week states the Adirondacks, Catskills, Thousand Island-Seaway, Capital-Saratoga, Central New York, Finger Lakes, and Greater Niagara regions “are all beginning to show indication of autumn’s brilliant palette,” according to the report from Empire State Development Division of Tourism’s I LOVE NY program.
It’ s still early in the foliage season, with 5 to 25 percent foliage change in some regions and just touches of seasonal colors in other areas, according to the report.
Leaves are starting to change color on this tree next to a private bridge along the canal in Albion between Main Street and Gaines Basin Road. This photo was taken on Sunday afternoon.
Photos by Tom Rivers: The sun sets on Lake Ontario in this photo on Aug. 9 at Lighthouse Christian Camp in Barker.
Posted 30 August 2024 at 9:21 am
Press Release, International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board
Recent Lake Ontario forecasts indicate that under average water supply conditions, water levels are expected to remain near average through November 2024 and well within the expected range for this time of year.
“Water supply conditions have resulted in one of the longest periods of sustained near long-term average water levels on Lake Ontario,” said General Quander, United States Co-Chair of the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board.
Lake Ontario, which has been within (+9 cm/- 15 cm and +3.5 in/- 5.9 in) of the seasonal long-term average since the start of calendar year 2024, is anticipated to continue its gradual seasonal decline through the fall months. The risk of high-water levels remains low for the six-month forecast period.
In consideration of the current and projected conditions, the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board plans to use its minor deviation authority to deviate from Regulation Plan 2014 through October 18, 2024.
This minor deviation is expected to provide more predictable water levels on Lake St. Lawrence and the upper St. Lawrence River for recreational navigation, while having minimal impacts on other interests throughout the system. The Board also plans to use its minor deviation authority to conduct a temporary flow reduction in early September to facilitate in-water inspections of Hydro-Quebec facilities.
Regulation Plan 2014 is the set of rules that govern Lake Ontario outflows, which influence water levels across the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system. A rule within Plan 2014 known as the “September Rule” prescribes flow increases through the Moses-Saunders Dam if the water level of Lake Ontario measures above 74.8 m (245.4 ft.) at the beginning of September.
This photo from Aug. 9 shows the sunset from the shore in Barker.
Increased Lake Ontario outflows cause water levels of Lake St. Lawrence, immediately upstream of the Moses-Saunders Dam, to decrease. This reduction in Lake St. Lawrence water levels could negatively impact the recreational boating community in the final weeks of the season.
Therefore, the Board will use its authority to deviate from Plan 2014 and adjust flows through October 18, 2024, to target a minimum weekly mean water level of Lake St. Lawrence of 73.1 m (239.8 ft). The Board cautions that levels may drop below this minimum target for periods during the week if strong easterly winds occur. As required by the Directive, the Board plans to fully offset the impacts of the deviation by increasing flows starting on October 19, 2024.
“As water levels throughout the system continue their gradual seasonal decline, the Board encourages recreational boaters to monitor the water level forecasts to determine the optimal time to remove their vessels and equipment for the season”, said Dr. Wayne Jenkinson, Alternate Canadian Co-Chair of the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board.
BASOM – Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge held its annual meeting Saturday, Nov. 23, to elect officers and several new board members.
