12-pound, 6-ounce largemouth bass caught in Cayuga Lake

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Photo from DEC: James Britenbaugh of Pennsylvania holds a record-breaking 12-pound, 6-ounce largemouth bass he caught in Cayuga Lake.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced a new state record for largemouth bass was set on July 11.

James Britenbaugh of Pennsylvania reeled in the record-breaking 12-pound, 6-ounce largemouth bass from Cayuga Lake, Cayuga County while fishing in preparation for an upcoming bass tournament. The record-breaking catch surpasses the previous 37-year-old State record largemouth bass, caught from Buckhorn Lake, Otsego County, in 1987 by one pound and two ounces.

“It’s no secret that New York has the best bass fishing opportunities in the country and Mr. Britenbaugh’s incredible fish certainly confirms that,” Mahar said. “DEC encourages all anglers fishing in New York to check out the Angler Achievement Awards Program before dropping a line in the water. It’s an exciting program that recognizes sizable catches and shines a light on the numerous lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams producing trophy-sized fish right here in New York.”

This year, New York State landed five lakes on Bassmaster Magazine’s Top 100 Best Bass Lakes in the country. Among the New York waters included are the St. Lawrence River (Thousand Islands), ranked as the best bass water in the nation, and Lake Erie/Upper Niagara River, ranked as the seventh-best water. Lake Champlain, Cayuga Lake, and Oneida Lake made the list as well and are in Bassmaster Magazine’s Top 25 Northeastern Best Bass Lakes of 2024. Other waters across the state also offer exceptional bass opportunities and New York continues to be a destination for world class fishing.

The largemouth bass record comes weeks after a new state record for longnose gar was set. On June 21, 2024. Chuck Zimmerman of Hilton, Monroe County, reeled in a 15-pound, 14-ounce longnose gar from Butterfield Lake in Jefferson County.

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

State wants to celebrate canal’s 200^th anniversary in a big way throughout next year

File photo by Tom Rivers: Kathy Hochul, shown on June 15, 2021 when she was the lieutenant governor, rows in a kayak in the Erie Canal in Medina. She was helping to promote the “On the Canals” program that offered free rental of kayaks and hydro-bikes.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday announced the creation of the Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the completion of the original Erie Canal.

Initially introduced as part of the Governor’s State of the State Address in January, this new commission will ensure that the Erie Canal Bicentennial is recognized through community events, capital investments in canal infrastructure, and by telling the diverse stories that comprise the state’s relationship with this historic waterway. These tangible endeavors to be undertaken throughout 2024 and 2025 will set the tone and stage for the next century of operations and opportunities along the iconic New York State Canal system.

“The Erie Canal is an integral part of New York’s story, and as we commemorate the bicentennial of this important waterway, we will honor the Canal’s history while looking ahead to its vibrant future,” Governor Hochul said. “As a lifelong New Yorker and avid boater from Buffalo who has traveled the Canal, I understand the significance of this waterway on our State’s history, and what it means not only for the identity of so many upstate communities, but also their economic livelihoods.”

The celebration will culminate with the 2025 World Canals Conference in Buffalo, September 21-25, and the departure of the Seneca Chief, Buffalo Maritime Center’s replica vessel that will reenact Governor Dewitt Clinton’s 1825 inaugural cross-state journey along the Erie Canal to New York Harbor.

Leading up to the culminating events in Buffalo in 2025, the commission will support community events, capital investments in canal infrastructure, and the telling of diverse stories in recognition of the celebration’s theme, “Raising More Voices.” Some of these activities include:

• Community Events: Numerous events across Upstate New York funded by the New York State Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor grant program.
• Arts and Culture: Partnerships with New York State orchestras featuring emerging and diverse composers and offering canalside concerts and educational programing.
• Academic Forums: In partnership with the State University of New York and the Department of State, the SUNY / Erie Canal Bicentennial Forum Series will include a schedule of public lectures and panel discussions covering a range of topics and hosted at SUNY campuses. These sessions will explore how the Canal system can be revitalized and maximized as a driver of upstate economic development and environmental stewardship.
• Bicentennial Promotion Toolkit: Supported by funding from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and I LOVE NY, communities across the Canal can host local celebrations and promote consistent messaging, social media images and video, fact sheets, display banners and giveaways to build excitement and momentum toward September 2025.
• Legacy Projects: Ribbon cuttings for major community waterfront enhancements and new investments in preservation projects and recreational trails and amenities.
• Economic Development: Investment announcements from the New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation to ensure the Canal remains an economic driver for upstate communities as it enters its third century of operation.

These events will highlight the vital role of the Canal system as a historic example of New York’s spirit of ingenuity and its contemporary role as a driver of upstate economies and as a public recreational asset.

To be co-chaired on a volunteer basis by First Gentleman of New York William J. Hochul Jr., and New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton, the commission will be responsible for the planning, scheduling, and execution of a series of public meetings and commemorative events throughout 2024 and 2025.

The commission co-chairs will be joined by honorary commission members including New York State Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley; Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development; and Randy Simons, Commissioner Pro Tem of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation to set the stage for the next century of operations and opportunities along the 524-mile New York State Canal system.

First Gentleman and Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission Co-Chair William J. Hochul Jr. said, “As we near the 200-year mark of the Canal’s operation, I cannot think of a better group to lead our efforts in uplifting the diverse voices that make up the shared history of our canal. Growing up in Buffalo, I saw first-hand the significance of the canal to my community – not just for boating and recreation, but also as a steadfast driver of tourism and economic growth. I am proud to co-chair this commission alongside some of the brightest minds in our state, and I look forward to all the events and discussions to come.”

Canal Corporation Director and Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission Co-Chair Brian U. Stratton said, “On the eve of the Erie Canal’s 200-year anniversary milestone, we are excited to be working with Governor Hochul, the First Gentleman, and our stakeholders and agency partners to establish the Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission. The Erie Canal holds a special significance in New York’s history, and we will engage in a robust two-year plan to mark this anniversary and celebrate the next century of operations and opportunities along the entire Canal System to ensure a vibrant and more inclusive future. The Bicentennial Commission will acknowledge the historic waterway and its ongoing impact on upstate communities through community events, capital investments in canal infrastructure, and the storytelling of diverse narratives that tell New York’s and the nation’s profound relationship with this historic waterway.”

To stay informed of Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission activities and events, please visit www.canals.ny.gov.

Provided photo: Logan Sauer has helped lead a dramatic increase in attendance and participation in programs at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

BASOM – When Logan Sauer learned there was opening at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, he jumped at the chance to apply.

Sauer, 27, who grew up in Virginia, was working as a Visitors Services Specialist for the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in the Twin Cities and was anxious to return to the northeast.

He started his new position with the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in January 2023, and since then has broken records for attendance and participation in programs.

Sauer’s position is to work with the public and create programs to bring people to the refuge.

“I’m essentially a ‘people person,’” he said.

Sauer has revamped a lot of programming with the refuge open to visitors every Saturday.

“As a result, we’ve seen a high uptake in visitation and public programming,” Sauer said.

In 2022, the year before Sauer arrived at Iroquois, 857 people participated in programs, but the first year Sauer was here, that number jumped to 5,470, or a 538 percent increase. Likewise, visitation rose from 1,619 in 2022 to 2,549 (a 58 percent increase) in 2023.

One of the most popular new events was a Full Moon Luminary Night Hike, in which the Headquarters’ Trail was lined with ice lanterns and hot chocolate was provided afterwards in the Welcome Center.

“Four hundred and thirty people attended that and want to do it again,” Sauer said.

A Warbler Walk at Swallow Hollow on Knowlesville Road today (Saturday), led by photographer and professor at Buffalo State, Ruth Goldman, sold out.

Sauer, who also happens to be an artist, has incorporated art into events at the refuge.

“We started painting classes, free of charge,” he said. “People come here to bird and fish, and now they can paint what they see.”

Next Saturday (May 11) is the Spring Spectacular, the biggest event of the year, Sauer said. His goal is to have 1,000 visitors, and 800 have already signed up.

“We will highlight the interaction of nature, culture and arts,” he said.

Thirty exhibitors are expected, along with raptors, food vendors and special art projects by Friends of Iroquois Wildlife Refuge, funded by GO Art!

May programming will also include a beginner nature photography course from 9 a.m. to noon May 18 at the Visitor’s Center. Pre-registration is required.

On May 25, seed ball and paper making will take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Participants can drop in any time and materials will be provided.

More details on programs can be found on the Refuge’s Facebook page (click here). To pre-register for programs, e-mail Sauer at logan_sauer@fws.gov or call and leave a message at (612) 759-8662.

Sauer added he didn’t know much about Western New York when he came here and didn’t think he’d like it.

“But I’m happy to be here and I don’t plan to leave any time soon,” he said.

He said he is always open to new ideas and welcomes suggestions.

Press Release, Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

BASOM – Learn about wildlife and outdoor skills at a variety of free guided tours, trail walks, and classroom presentations provided by the Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors are able to stop by the refuge’s Cayuga Overlook on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see and learn about bald eagles from Friends volunteers. The Cayuga Overlook is located on Lewiston Road in the Town of Alabama, and offers excellent viewing of resident bald eagles flying near their nest.

Join experienced birders and outdoor guides to learn about the region’s wildlife. Birding By Car is an opportunity to discover the refuge’s overlooks in both Genesee and Orleans counties, and the birds found there. I

roquois National Wildlife Refuge includes 10,283 acres of federally protected lands that includes wetlands, forests, grasslands, and walking trails visited by 75,000 people each year.

As warblers and other songbirds return to the area, join a trail walk on the refuge to learn about their habitats and behaviors. Participants may also see herons, ospreys, hawks, swans, coots, geese, and a variety of ducks in the wetland areas.

The beginner survival skills and bird feeder workshops will teach you the how-to for enjoying the outdoors. These presentations are held at the visitors’ center at 1101 Casey Rd., Basom, NY. To register, call 585-948-5445.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge April Free Program Schedule:

Saturday, April 6

Eagle Watch 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Cayuga Overlook, Lewiston Rd.

Birding By Car 9 am – noon with Garner Light at Cayuga Overlook, Lewiston Rd.

Family Nature Walk 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. with Emma DeLeon at Kanyoo Trail, Lewiston Rd.

Saturday, April 13

Eagle Watch 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Cayuga Overlook, Lewiston Rd.

Bird Feeder Workshop – 1 p.m. with Orleans County Soil and Water at the Visitors’ Center.

Warbler Walk 10 a.m. – noon with Marvin Jacobs at the Headquarters Trail at the Visitors’ Center.

Saturday, April 20

Eagle Watch 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Cayuga Overlook, Lewiston Rd.

Birding By Car 9 a.m. – noon with Joel Strong at Cayuga Overlook, Lewiston Rd.

Family Nature Walk 9 a.m. with Bob Confer at Onondaga Trail.  Limit 12.

In Pursuit of Warblers presentation 1 p.m. with Moe McNalley Aderman at the Visitors’ Center.

Saturday, April 27

Eagle Watch 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Cayuga Overlook, Lewiston Rd.

Beginner Survival Skills presentation 10 a.m. – noon with Marvin Jacobs and Emma DeLeon at the Visitors’ Center.

2 new species – Ruddy Duck and Lesser Black-backed Gull – found in annual tally

Press Release from Celeste Morien, bird count compiler

Photos courtesy of Celeste Morien, not taken on bird count day: The Lesser Black-backed Gull was spotted for the first time during the Christmas Bird Count.

SHELBY – Despite a cold snap before the Oak Orchard Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 28, the weather was unusually warm, with a low of 48 and high of 50. There was no snow cover.

Open and moving water were not frozen. Rain occurred throughout the day and was occasionally heavy with the only break at midday. Ground fog reduced visibility at times.

Perhaps due to the warm weather, the 37 count participants reported high counts of ten species, and found two new species! These dedicated volunteers found 72 species and 19,890 individual birds. Counters logged 33 hours on foot and 67.75 hours by car. Counters walked 26.5 miles and drove 577 miles by car.

Ruddy Duck and Lesser Black-backed Gull were new species, and were also seen at other locations outside the count circle during the same time period.

Species that remained in the area in greater numbers were Tundra Swan (73), Herring Gull (764), Sandhill Crane (17), Barred Owl (4), Belted Kingfisher (5), Northern Flicker (59), Merlin (2), Common Raven (6), Tufted Titmouse (39) and Eastern Bluebird (86).

Here are the numbers for species seen in the count:

• Tundra Swan, 73
• Trumpeter Swan, 2
• Snow Goose, 1
• Cackling Goose, 3
• Canada Goose, 8,151
• American Wigeon, 4
• American Black Duck, 25
• Mallard, 365
• Redhead, 4
• Ruddy Duck, 3
• Common Goldeneye, 2
• Common Merganser, 63
• Ring-necked Pheasant, 1
• Wild Turkey, 78
• Great Blue Heron, 1
• Bald Eagle, 12
• Northern Harrier, 9
• Cooper’s Hawk, 5
• Accipiter sp., 1
• Red-tailed Hawk, 42
• American Kestrel, 6
• 

  Ruddy Duck is new to the Christmas Bird Count at the Oak Orchard Swamp.

  Merlin, 2

• Sandhill Crane, 17
• Ring-billed Gull, 44
• Herring Gull, 764
• Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3
• Gull sp., 3
• Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon), 409
• Mourning Dove, 235
• Eastern Screech-Owl, 14
• Barred Owl, 4
• Short-eared Owl, 1
• Belted Kingfisher, 5
• Red-bellied Woodpecker, 43
• Downy Woodpecker, 71
• Hairy Woodpecker, 16
• Northern Flicker, 59
• Pileated Woodpecker, 6
• Northern Shrike, 2
• Blue Jay, 215
• American Crow, 189
• Common Raven, 6
• Horned Lark, 14
• Black-capped Chickadee, 269
• Tufted Titmouse, 39
• Red-breasted Nuthatch, 3
• White-breasted Nuthatch, 55
• Brown Creeper, 12
• Carolina Wren, 4
• Golden-crowned Kinglet, 24
• Eastern Bluebird, 86
• American Robin, 421
• Northern Mockingbird, 2
• European Starling, 6,522
• Cedar Waxwing, 145
• Yellow-rumped Warbler, 11
• American Tree Sparrow, 165
• Song Sparrow, 18
• Swamp Sparrow, 8
• White-throated Sparrow, 70
• White-crowned Sparrow, 6
• Dark-eyed Junco, 193
• Lapland Longspur, 2
• Snow Bunting, 17
• Northern Cardinal, 92
• Red-winged Blackbird, 11
• Brown-headed Cowbird, 3
• House Finch, 95
• American Goldfinch, 220
• House Sparrow, 395
• Sparrow sp., 6

Provided photo: A group of middle school boys and 6th grade teacher Dustin Gardner found lots of trash and also a ski, a bat, golf balls and 13 dollars during last year’s Canal Clean Sweep in April. Holley had more than 100 students help with the annual spring trash pickup.

Registration has opened for Canal Clean Sweep 2024 with trash pickups welcomed from April 19-21.

Parks & Trails New York, in partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation, is organizing the 19th annual Canal Clean Sweep in celebration of Earth Day.

Community service clubs, co-workers at a business or organization, Scouts or even families are encouraged to register for a spot or section of the canal. Or they can check back later to register as a volunteer for a public event. Use the Event Finder Map on Parks & Trails website.

Most events will occur on Earth Day weekend. However, volunteers can pick another day if it works better.

Click here to fill out a form to register a Canal Clean Sweep event, indicating the clean-up location, how many volunteers are expected, and what t-shirt sizes are needed.

After registering for a Canal Clean Sweep event (click here), Parks & Trails will provide more information and materials.

Last year, not-for-profit organizations, civic groups, businesses, and social clubs took part in more than 130 events along the Canal System and the Canalway Trail as 2,700 volunteers helped pick up nearly 1,500 bags of garbage.

All local state parks see increase in visitors, except for Golden Hill

Photos by Tom Rivers: A motorist drives through Letchworth State Park on Oct. 28, 2023. The park had 975,406 visitors in 2023, up by more than 100,000 from the previous year when there were 869,513.

Attendance at the state park system set a new record in 2023 with 84.1 million, breaking the previous record set in 2022 by 4.7 million.

Most of the local state parks all saw an increase including Lakeside Beach State Park in Carlton and the Oak Orchard Boat Launch in Carlton.

Attendance at nearby state parks includes:

• Lakeside Beach State Park – 109,596 in 2023, 104,207 in 2022, and 116,817 in 2021
• Oak Orchard Boat Launch – 11,030 in 2023, 9,849 in 2022 and 10,940 in 2021
• Hamlin Beach State Park – 381,964 in 2023, 356,714 in 2022 and 367,960 in 2021
• Letchworth State Park – 975,406 in 2023, 869,513 in 2022 and 903,505 in 2021
• Golden Hill State Park in Barker – 48,694 in 2023, 50,065 in 2022 and 58,038 in 2021

Gov. Kathy Hochul highlighted the record attendance, which see said is the 11^th straight year of more people at the parks. Over the last two decades, state park attendance has climbed steadily, increasing nearly 60 percent, she said.

“These numbers reflect New Yorkers’ strong demand and appreciation for places to swim, hike, camp, gather with friends and family, and enjoy safe, healthy recreation,” Hochul said in a news release. “As we celebrate the New York State Park Centennial this year, my administration is committed to keeping this progress going to ensure New Yorkers have access to world-class recreational facilities for years to come.”

New York State Parks this year is celebrating of its 100th anniversary of the creation of the park system in 1924.

“State Parks is welcoming many millions more visitors than ever before to see all our improved facilities have to offer,” said State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid. “With continued support from Governor Hochul and the hard work of our State Parks team, more exciting projects and programs are coming as we celebrate our State Park Centennial this year, and I am confident we will keep seeing more visitors, who help drive many local economies across the state.”

Letchworth State Park in Wyoming and Livingston counties offers many gorgeous views.