Daily Archives: April 14, 2011

Gary Lee’s Daybreak to Twilight

Statewide deer harvest up slightly in 2010, bear harvest down

Karen and I just came back from dinner here on Sanibel Island, with a temperature reading of 82 degrees. It was well over 90 degrees today with no snow on the ground.

We had a good trip south to Florida from the north country last week—though it snowed while we were going through the mountains of Pennsylvania.

We visited Savannah on the way and took a trolley ride around the old part of the city. The azaleas were in bloom as well as flowers in the gardens around many of the old houses.

I saw a variety of birds along the way south. Barn Swallows were checking out some bridges in Virginia and I saw some Purple Martens fly over the highway in North Carolina.

I heard my first warbler, a Common Yellow Throat, singing in South Carolina.

On my first trip to the lighthouse here on Sanibel there were a few warblers: Prairie, Palm, Indigo Buntings, female Orchard Oriole, Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireo.

On a trip off the island today (4/11) we saw Black and White, Pine, Parula, Yellow-rumped, Common Yellow Throat Warblers, Painted Buntings, Meadow Lark, Bluebirds, Screech Owl, Swallow-tailed Kite, and a Loggerhead Shrike feeding young in a nest. In all, we saw a total of 44 species.

Bear-take numbers from last fall’s harvest have been released with a total of 1,064 taken in the state.

The bear-take is broken down statewide. In the Southeastern region, 401 Bears were taken; in the Central-western region, 142; and in the Adirondacks, 521 were taken.

A further breakdown shows that in the Southeastern region, half of the Bears were taken during the bow hunting season and the other half were taken during the gun season.

In the Central-western region bowhunters were responsible for 65% of the harvest. Both of these harvests were down approximately 20% from 2009.

In the Adirondacks the take was down approximately 35% from 2009, but is consistent with the long term average for that area.

Bear harvest in the Adiron-dacks seems heavily influenced by variations in key food resources and this year’s harvest follows those trends.

In years when the soft mast (apple, cherry, raspberry) is abundant, bear harvest during the early season tends to decrease.

This year these crops were available in September and October and bear-take during the 2010 early season dropped approximately 40% from 2009.

That was a year with a poor soft mass crop and a high early season bear harvest.

Conversely, in years when beech nuts are abundant, bear-take tends to increase during the regular season.

This past fall was lacking for beechnut production, and bear-take during the regular season dropped about 25% from 2009.

Hunters play a pivotal role in bear management by reporting their harvests. Hunters are also asked to submit a tooth sample from their bears for DEC to determine the age of bears.

DEC uses these ages to determine age profiles and population numbers in all these areas.

A complete summary of the 2010 Bear harvest with a breakdown by county, town, and Wildlife Management Unit is available from the DEC website.

The 2010 statewide Deer harvest is up slightly from last year’s totals. DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced on March 28 that hunters harvested just over 230,000 deer in the 2010 hunting season.

That is up about 3% from 2009.

The Junior Big-Game License was popular again this year, with over 16,000 junior hunters taking advantage of this opportunity to hunt big game.

That group harvested approximately 4,900 deer.

The 2010 deer-take included approximately 123,100 antlerless deer (adult females and fawns) and just under 107,000 adult bucks. Deer harvest in the Northern Zone were very comparable to 2009, with adult buck-take (approx. 16,100) essentially unchanged and antlerless take (approx. 12,500) increasing about 3%.

In the Southern Zone, excluding Long Island, adult buck-take (approx. 89,900) increased nearly 6% while antlerless-take (approx. 108,600) increased only about 2%.

Deer populations and harvest vary widely across the state. The 2010 and previous year’s Deer harvest by county, town and Wildlife Management Unit are also available from the DEC website.

Some new things have been seen here in Florida, but that’s another story. See ya.

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Growing up Adirondack by Mitch Lee

Dreams of dashing around the yard get the boot

It was mid-April of 1970 and the thermometer at our Limekiln Lake home had hit a warm 50 degrees. The spring birds could be heard chattering with excitement. I could not wait to join them outdoors.

I dug around for the sneakers I had stashed under my bed late last fall. Up until now I had no use for them as boots were the only thing that had covered my feet for months.

I located the sneakers and dragged them into the living room along with my blue windbreaker.

It wasn’t until I started to get dressed that I realized that I had grown considerably since last fall.

I sat on the entryway carpet for some time, struggling to pull a shoe over my heel. But it was definitely a no go.

All I wanted to do was get outside and run around as fast as I could, but those sneakers were standing in my way.

My mother was at the kitchen sink washing out the coffee pot. I dangled the too-small footwear in front of her and said, “Look, they don’t fit!”

“Well, you’re just going to have to wear your boots then,” she replied.

My heart sank. There was nothing like the feeling you got when you were able to wear sneakers outside again. It just wasn’t going to be the same.

I tossed the sneakers against the back wall of the closet. With much disgust I pulled on my all-too-familiar heavy black boots.

When I went out to play I felt like I was weighed-down by two giant black stones. Out of utter disdain I didn’t even bother to zip or tie them. I just let them flop around my ankles.

All I wanted to do is sprint around the bare lawn as fast as my legs could carry me, but that just wasn’t going to happen. I finally gave up.

I sat on the warm flagstone porch with my chin cupped in my palms and my elbows on my knees.

The sun and warmth seemed so inviting yet I felt so disconnected from this perfect day.

Just then my mother came out and shook a rug over the edge of the porch.

“What’s the matter?” she asked.

“These darn boots just don’t go fast,” I answered.

I sat there a little bit longer. Then my mother came out again.

“Let’s go for a ride,” she said.

We hopped into the car and drove downtown to Kalil’s Department Store. I browsed the display of Pro Keds sneakers and chose a pair from the three-color assortment. They fit me well, with a little extra room to spare.

Once we returned home I spent the rest of the afternoon breaking them in by running crazy wind sprints all over the yard.

Mitch Lee, Adirondack native & storyteller, lives at Big Moose Lake.ltmitch3rdny@aol.com

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Talkin’ Code with Andrew Getty

Tree removal: Good stewardship at heart of all timber laws

A few years ago—October 9th, 2007, to be exact—the Town of Webb adopted a rather comprehensive amendment to the Local Zoning Ordinance.

The procedures of review for a Conditional Use Permit were revised.

A Conditional Use is a particular use or activity that is almost approvable with just the Code Officer’s approval.

That means the activity is not prohibited, but is worthy of due Public Notice and review and approval of the Planning Board.

In the 2007 revision, a number of issues were identified as outdated and then re-written.

There were also a number of issues that were included for the first time; things like:

• Adult Entertainment Establishments;

• Convenience store with gasoline sales;

• Home Occupations;

• RV vehicle parking and use on vacant lots;

• Telecommunication Facilities;

• Tree Preservation and Land-scaping;

• Wind Power Generating Facilities.

A number of definitions were added or amended, as well.

All of these are typical “hot-topics” in most municipalities, not only in the Adirondack Park, but around the state.

But there is one that may stand out as being substantial, especially for the Adirondacks.

That is Tree Preservation.

Trees are one of our two most valued natural resources, the other being our water.

Certainly the harvesting of trees has been a substantial industry in the Adirondacks for well over one hundred years.

Many stories have been derived from the logging camps and practices of years gone by.

Today’s logging industry is heavily regulated because of poor harvesting practices of years ago.

Hopefully the lessons learned from those years past will better ensure the integrity of our forests of the future.

Back to the Zoning Ordinance amendment that included Tree Preservation…

Why did the Town of Webb feel it was needed to draft local legislation to regulate tree cutting?

Unfortunately, just like so many other rules and regulations, there have been a number of events that prompted action.

These events include the harvesting of trees, clear cutting parcels of land without any plan in place to re-plant, provide erosion control, redevelop, prevent sediment from getting into waterways or any other kind of mitigation whatsoever.

This type of activity strikes at the heart of good stewardship of our natural resources.

There have been certain activities involving clear cutting of shoreline properties, mountain top lands, large acreage parcels or just the small half acre lots.

Each of these has different potential impacts on the environment and may have direct impacts on adjoining seasonal or more densely populated residential areas.

Here is a portion of the language of the new Tree Preservation regulation:

REGULATED AREA:

0–1 acre…….50%

1–3 acres…..20%

Over 3 acres….Planning Board approval required with the following exceptions:

1. Trees may be cleared within twenty (20) feet of any principal structure, and within five (5) feet of any accessory structure.

2. Trees may be cleared within five (5) feet of any roadway, driveway, or path to the main structure.

—

The whole intent of this is to prevent removal of trees, especially clear cutting of any land, allow uncontrolled logging that may impact surrounding properties, neighborhoods, lakes, rivers, the environment or the community in general.

It is not intended to prevent the lawful, regulated, reviewed and approved logging practices currently in operation in wild forest areas.

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Spring Officially Arrives: ARO opens rafting season on Moose River

Eight wetsuit-clad adventurers loaded into one of Adirondack River Outfitter’s iconic green buses in the Enchanted Forest/Water Safari parking lot early Friday, April 8 to embark on the rafting company’s first whitewater trip of the season.

The rafters, all friends and co-workers from the Cazenovia area, were headed for a day on the Moose River under the direction of ARO guides Alex Atchie and Erika Bodurant.

Mike Warren, unofficial spokesperson for the group, said he and his friends have enjoyed rafting with ARO for the past 20 years.

Upon their return to Old Forge, a roast beef dinner awaited them at the Water’s Edge Inn.

According to ARO owner Gary Staab, last weekend’s sunny and warm temperatures made for an exciting and active first-weekend of rafting on the Moose and Hudson Rivers.

Celebrating its 31st season, ARO will be hosting its annual Locals Day trip on Tuesday, April 26.

Staab said he has scheduled a Locals Day Replay trip for Tuesday, May 3 for anyone not able to fit the April adventure into their schedule.

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SEWARD: Property Tax Cap, mandate relief needed now Senator again urges reluctant lawmakers to give real savings to property taxpayers, schools and local governments

State lawmakers and business representatives met in Albany on Tuesday to urge the assembly to act on a meaningful property tax cap bill.

Among them was local Senator James Seward, who has been a vocal supporter of property tax relief that would result from cuts in state mandatated costs to local counties.

Skyrocketing property taxes are crushing home and business owners in New York state, according to Seward.

In response, Governor Cuomo has joined with tax-cap proponents in Albany.

“The senate has already done its work, passing Governor Cuomo’s property tax cap legislation—now it’s time for the assembly to get with the program and join us,” said Senator Seward.

Seward co-sponsored a bill that passed the Senate on January 31 of this year.

The legislation would limit tax levy growth for school districts and local governments to two percent or 120 percent of the annual increase in the consumer price index, whichever is less.

Along with this property tax cap, the senate also adopted a mandate relief provision that would force the state to fund any new requirements imposed on local governments or school districts.

Seward said the measure would help local schools and governments keep their costs in check.

“[It would] provide greater flexibility and allow officials to concentrate on local concerns not state mandates,” Seward said.

The property tax cap has tremendous support among taxpayers and major business organizations, according Seward, who cited The Business Council of New York State (BCNYS) as an example.

“Enactment of the property tax cap will send a strong signal to business that New York is ready to grow and create private sector jobs,” said Heather Briccetti, Acting President and CEO of BCNYS.

Brian Sampson, Executive Director of Unshackle Upstate said the upstate population has plunged in 17 counties over the past decade.

“With a business tax climate that ranks worst in the country and local taxes that are 79 percent higher than the national average, it’s no wonder,” he said.

Both Sampson and Heather Briccetti are calling on Democrats in the assembly to allow the tax cap bill to pass.

“The governor and senate have demonstrated their leadership on the issue. The members of the assembly majority must follow and provide…property tax relief—the need is critical and it’s time to deliver,” Sampson said.

Then the process can begin to tackle unfunded mandates that ultimately drive up property taxes, he added.

“Further delay on this vital measure is simply unacceptable,” he said.

But the public needs to speak up, according to Senator Seward.

“Additional public pressure is needed to send a loud and clear message to the assembly that the time is now to pass the tax cap,” he said.

Seward is asking for supporters to add their names to an online petition he has been compiling.

It can be found at www.senatorjimseward.com or on facebook at www.facebook.com/senatorjimseward.

Taxpayers can also access it at www.PassTheTaxCap.com.

“Albany is starting to function once again. An on-time state budget that cuts spending, holds the line on taxes and offers substantial job-creating incentives is already complete,” Seward said.

The property tax cap will give families some breathing room and businesses room to grow, he said.

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Helmet bill advances: Senator Little looks to protect young skiers

Legislation to improve skiing safety was advanced by the Senate Judi-ciary Commit-tee on Tuesday.

The bill is being sponsored by Senator Betty Little.

It would require skiers and snowboarders under fourteen years of age to wear a protective helmet when skiing at New York ski areas.

The Ski Areas of New York, Inc. supports the measure, according to Little.

“This is modeled after the bicycle helmet law,” said Little. “Skiing is a relatively safe sport made safer by the use of a helmet.”

Little said more people have been wearing helmets each year.

She said they recognize that a traumatic brain injury is life altering.

“Requiring kids to wear a helmet is a reasonable and smart approach,” she said.

Little said ski areas would post signs at their information boards and on site locations where lift tickets are sold notifying guests of the law.

Lift tickets would also include language about the law and ski areas would need to maintain a reasonable inventory of helmets for sale or rent.

A civil penalty not to exceed $50 would be waived by showing proof between the date of the violation and court appearance date that a helmet has been purchased.

The parent or guardian of the child not wearing a helmet would be issued the summons by local law enforcement.

But there are some significant differences between the ski helmet law and the bike law from which it is modeled. These differences are mainly on the law enforcement side.

Bikes are generally ridden on public roadways that are routinely patrolled by law officers. It is unlikely that local police departments would commit officers to ski mountains to monitor for helmet violations.

In many cases this would require young skiers to carry identification with proof of age.

So from the law enforcement end, if any tickets were to be issued for a helmet violation, they would likely be issued after the fact—after an accident or disturbance call that required a police investigation possibly.

Still, Senator Little said the law would codify safe behavior for young people, and make it easier for ski areas and parents to require that skiers under age fourteen wear helmets.

“This would give mom and dad some added authority by being able to say to their children that it’s the law, you can’t hit the slopes without your helmet,” Little said.

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Webb board passes resolution to extend KOA water district

The Town of Webb Town Board held a public hearing on Tuesday, April 12 to consider a resolution to extend the Town of Webb Water District No. 1, also known as “KOA Water District,” which is located just north of the Old Forge hamlet and comprises the Old Forge Camping Resort.

The district was established in conjunction with the development of the original KOA Kampground in 1972.

The public hearing was opened at 7 p.m., and closed after all in attendance had the opportunity to ask questions and speak for or against the resolution.

During the Town Board’s regular meeting which convened immediately after the hearing, the board voted to approve the resolution with a unanimous vote by those attending—Councilmen J.B. Herron and Mike Ross, and Supervisor Robert Moore.

Board members Kate Russell and Richard Risley had been unable to attend the meeting.

The board effectively determined that all legal requirements of the resolution had been met.

Also that all property and property owners within the proposed district would be benefitted by the resolution, and that all that benefitted were included within the limits of the proposed district.

And it determined that the action taken in extending the district was in the public’s interest.

The resolution, having been approved by the board, is now subject to a permissive referendum, according to Town Attorney Richard Frye.

The expansion issue came about when Old Forge Camping Resort was working with state agencies on a development project, according to Frye.

It was during that process that a clear error was discovered, which had the water district boundary drawn incorrectly, he said.

The action to extend the water district is less an “extension” than a “redrawing” of the district to make it reflect the way it always should have been, according to Frye.

Effectively a mistake had been made early on and not recognized until years later, he said.

Land acquired by John Hanford when he bought the KOA in 1973, had not been included in the water district maps and description as it should have been, according to Frye.

During the public hearing former Supervisor George Hilte-brant, who is familiar with the KOA district, asked the town board for details about the Camping Resort’s water usage and payment arrangement.

Attorney Frye confirmed that the campground pays according to actual water usage and not the property’s assessed value.

Supervisor Robert Moore explained that the purpose of the resolution is to make the legal paperwork reflect what had been taking place in actual practice in the water district for years, and what had previously been assumed to be the situation.

In essence, certain land, that had been part of the KOA property since 1973, and had been intended to be part of the water district, had been excluded by oversight.

“The purpose of the proposed extension is to incorporate all lands currently served by the district into the legal description of said district,” Moore said.

And this involves no cost to the town or others in the water district, he added.

“All costs associated with this proposed district extension are the responsibility of Old Forge Campgrounds, LLC,” he said.

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