NNY Outdoors Spring-Summer 2016

Outdoors NN Y

Spring / Summer 2016 Volume 3 No. 1

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Opening shot SPRING-SUMMER 2016

C OV E R

20  A fishing paradise Northern New York boasts some of the most abundant waters for sport fishing in the state and country.

F E AT U R E S

13  Protecting the Tug For a quarter century, the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust has worked to educate the public about the region’s land and preserve its character.

18  Of hearts and minds The Project Healing Waters program aims to help wounded warriors and veterans recover from the inside out.

23  The ‘fish parents’ The Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Oswego County works to bolster sport fishing in the north country.

C OLU M N S

10  The right angler Eastern Lake Ontario holds many uncaught trophies as waters warm.

30  Treestand chronicles A local naturalist goes deep into the woods and finds some company.

DE PA RT M E N T S

6  Contributors 6  Marketplace 7  Editor’s view 8  Outside in brief 27  Outdoor adventures Pro Angler Billy McCaghren, Mayflower, Ark., moves a bass he caught from a live well to a bag for weighing in Waddington as part of the 2015 Evan Williams Bourbon Bassmaster Elite Series.

ON T H E C OV E R

Competing for the catch A fisherman shows his haul during last year’s Bassmasters Elite Series Tournament in Waddington.

JASON HUNTER | NNY OUTDOORS SPRING / SUMMER 2016

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CONTRIBUTORS Gabrielle HOVENDEN is a former Johnson Newspapers staff writer and freelance writer. In ‘Preserve and Protect,’ she writes about the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trusts’ efforts to preserve the character of the region’s land and educate the public about the area. (p. 13)

BOB DICK is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain who owns and operates Moby Dick Charters in Henderson Harbor.

He is a member of the New York State Outdoor Writer’s Association.

In ‘The Right Angler,’ he writes about summer fishing in Eastern Lake Ontario. (p. 10)

Thousand Islands

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Chairman of the Board John B. Johnson Jr.

Editor & Publisher John B. Johnson

Co-Publisher

Harold B. Johnson II JOLEENE MOODY is a freelance writer, blogger and speaker who lives in Oswego with her husband and daughter. In ‘Healing hearts and Minds,’ she writes about the flyfishing program Project Healing Waters that aids wounded warriors and veterans. (p. 18)

NORAH MACHIA is a freelance writer and veteran Watertown Daily Times reporter. In our cover story, she writes about New York state and the north country as top national fishing destinations. In ‘Hatching a fish story,’ she writes about the Salmon River Fish Hatchery. (pgs. 20, 23)

Jay M. Matteson is a south Jefferson County -based outdoorsman, naturalist and Boy Scout leader who holds a degree in wildlife biology. In ‘The Treestand Chronicles,’ he writes about his adventures in the woods with a friendly group of porcupines. (p. 30)

MARKETPLACE Antique Boat Museum .......................... 7 Bill’s Feed Service ................................ 31 Blevins Yamaha & RV Center ............... 8 Buck-N-Bears Gun Shop ..................... 31 Carthage Market ................................. 31 Chapman’s Sport Shop & Marina ....... 26 Clayton Chamber of Commerce ...... 24 Clayton Marina .................................... 14 Cross Island Farms ............................... 26 Discover Oswego County ..................... 3 Fence Depot ........................................ 31 Fishing for Freedom 1000 Islands ......... 4 Fun Unlimited ....................................... 31 Gerald A. Nortz Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep ...................................... 26 GoBoatNY.com .................................... 17 GoFishNY.com ..................................... 17 GoTourNY.com .................................... 16 Gray’s Gun Shop ................................. 19 Herb Philipson’s ...................................... 3 Lets Go Fishin’ ...................................... 31 Lewis County Chamber ...................... 19 6

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Mad River Club .................................... 15 Montague Inn ...................................... 24 Moser’s Custom Trim ............................. 9 North Country Storage Barns .............. 32 North Wood’s Outfitters ....................... 26 Precision Marine at Peos Bay ............... 7 R.C. Congel .......................................... 29 Reiter’s Marina ..................................... 28 S&L Tree Service ................................... 11 SharpShooters Gun Store .................... 31 St. Lawrence River Walleye Association ............................ 31 Tailwater Lodge ................................... 15 Triple A Building Center ...................... 24 Tuggers Grill, Bar & Campground ...... 25 Visit1000Islands.com ............................. 2 Waite Toyota ........................................ 22 Waite Indian Motorcycle .................... 28 Weichert, Realtors Thousand Islands Realty ..................... 12 Woodchop Shop .................................. 11 Wratten RV Sales .................................. 12

Magazine Editor

Kenneth J. Eysaman

Magazine Associate Karee Magee

Contributing Writers

Norah Machia and Joleene Moody

Photography

Justin Sorensen, Jason Hunter, Amanda Morrison and Stephen Swofford

Director of Advertising Michelle Bowers

Magazine Advertising Manager Beth Hornbarger

Ad Graphics, Design

Brian Mitchell, Heather O’Driscoll, Scott Smith, Todd Soules, Rick Gaskin

Circulation Director Mary Sawyer

NNY Outdoors magazine is published annually by Northern New York Newspaper Corp., 260 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601, a Johnson Newspaper Corp. company. © 2014-2016. All material submitted to NNY Outdoors becomes property of Northern New York Newspaper Corp., publishers of the Watertown Daily Times, and will not be returned.

Editorial Submissions Send all editorial correspondence to Editor Ken Eysaman keysaman@wdt.net Advertising For advertising rates and information in Jefferson and Lewis counties, email bhornbarger@wdt.net, or call 661-2325 In St. Lawrence County, e-mail blabrake@ogd.com, or call 661-2507 Printed with pride in U.S.A. at Vanguard Printing LLC, Ithaca, N.Y. a Forest Stewardship Certified facility. vanguardprintingllc.com (607) 272-1212

Please recycle this magazine.

EDITOR’s view

Time for some fun in our great outdoors It’s hard to believe that another year has passed since we published our annual NNY Outdoors magazine. Despite what feels like a fast trip through time, I am relieved that another north country winter — albeit a mild one — is now behind us and in the record books. No matter our lack of significant cold and snow days last winter, I still counted down to warmer temperatures, weekends on the water and daylight lasting well into evening hours. At this writing, we’ve already had a handful of days that have topped 70 degrees and my calendar hasn’t yet rolled to June.

With the passage of spring, and soon the start of summer, we again have much to look forward to across Northern New York.

Signs of summer abound as the countdown to community festivals, farmers markets and fresh produce is well underway.

If that’s not a good sign, the mighty St. Lawrence River is completely free of ice and the Seaway has been open to traffic for several weeks. Boaters and fishermen are

once again out in force on our lakes and rivers across the region and, in a couple more weeks, swimming in Lake Ontario won’t be an insane icy plunge.

In this, our third Ken Eysaman spring-summer issue, we are pleased to present a lineup of content that offers something for all who love our great outdoors. From writer Gabrielle Hovendon’s feature about the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust and its 25-year mission to preserve the character of the region’s land to writer Norah Machia’s cover story about the bounty of our waters and the world-class sport fishing to be had, we hope you’ll agree.

Also in this issue, writer Joleene Moody highlights a fly-fishing program that aims to help wounded warriors and veterans

heal from the inside out. Norah Machia also takes readers inside the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Oswego County where exciting things are happening. Finally, outdoorsman Jay Matteson recounts his experienced deep in the woods of southern Jefferson County as he encounters an active bunch of porcupines.

I hope you enjoy this new issue of NNY Outdoors. It features stories and content that you’ll only read in the great north country.

We’d like to start posting photos to our website of prize-winning fish that local fishermen and woman catch this season. So don’t be bashful and send your best “fish story” to keysaman@wdt.net. Photos should be saved as a .JPG in high-resolution digital format, minimum 300 dpi. Meanwhile, if you have any ideas or suggestions for future stories, call me direct at 661-2399.

See you on the trail,

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OUTSIDE IN BRIEF PA R K S & H I K I N G

on Lake Champlain features many campsites with water views.

Visit NYSParks.org to learn more about New York state parks.

b oating

Bill exempts reporting when entering Canadian waters

NNY OUTDOORS FILE PHOTO

The area from the Thousand Islands region to Franklin County has much to offer including outdoor activities like hiking around Wellesley Island State Park or kayaking on the St. Lawrence River.

State parks offer a mix of scenery, recreation

Stretching from Lake Ontario north along the St. Lawrence River to Lake Champlain, the region is a stunning mixture of woodlands, islands and water, and known for some of the best boating and fishing in the world.

Wellesley Island State Park on the St. Lawrence River is the largest camping complex in the state with tent and trailer sites, cabins and cottages, a marina and boat launches, and activities at its Minna Anthony Common Nature Center.

Robert Moses State Park, on the St. Lawrence River near the Eisenhower Lock, is part of the Seaway Trail. Pitch a tent or rent a cabin, enjoy some of the best fishing in the northeast, picnic, swim, and hit the trails. Southwick Beach State Park on Lake Ontario is popular with campers and day-use visitors for the outstanding swim-

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ming and sunbathing on its long sandy beach.

For quiet and seclusion, try camping at Coles Creek and DeWolf Point and particularly the island parks Canoe-Picnic Point, Cedar Island and Mary Island State Parks, which offer rustic settings and outstanding boating and fishing.

Kring Point State Park is on a peninsula that extends into the St. Lawrence. From any point in the park you can see the water and many of the 1,700 islands from which the region gets its name.

Take a history break and tour Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, the command center of the American naval and military operations on Lake Ontario during the War of 1812.

At the far Eastern portion of the region is Point au Roche State Park, with expansive vistas of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.

This scenic park offers swimming, hiking, a boat launch and more, while nearby Cumberland Bay State Park, with 2,700 feet of beach

A member of Canada’s Parliament introduced a bill in May that would prevent pleasure boaters entering Canadian waters from having to report their presence to authorities as long as they do not anchor or dock in the country.

Member of Parliament Gordon Brown from Leeds, Ontario, has been promoting the issue since 2011, when a Thousand Island Park resident drifted from American waters into Canadian waters while fishing the Gananoque Narrows.

The man, who had been fishing in the area for years without reporting his presence to the Canadian Border Services Agency agents, had his boat seized by agents and needed to pay a $1,000 fine before he could retake possession of the vessel.

The fine was ultimately reduced to $1 after Mr. Brown and former U.S. Rep. William L. Owens became involved. Both men subsequently pushed for either clarification of or changes to the Canadian Customs Act, which requires that pleasure boaters entering Canadian waters report their presence at designated entry points to border agents.

The act requires that penalties for violating the entry requirements be paid on the same day as the boater is assessed the penalty and gives agents the authority to seize the boat through forfeiture if the boater cannot come up with the money. Fines can be as much as $25,000 under the act.

Mr. Brown’s bill, which is listed as “pending” before Parliament, seeks to amend the Customs Act to provide an exemption for “marine pleasure craft” from having to “present themselves at a customs office upon arrival in Canada.” The proposed exemption would waive the reporting requirements

OUTSIDE IN BRIEF for any person “aboard a marine pleasure craft that does not carry passengers who have paid for passage and that is used exclusively for pleasure while proceeding from one place outside Canada to another place outside Canada without anchoring or docking in Canada.”

Boaters landing in Canada would still be subject to reporting requirements. Boaters from Canada drifting into, but not landing in, American waters do not have to report to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Website offers information about state’s Great Lakes

A new website is presenting itself as a clearinghouse of information about the Great Lakes region of New York.

The new site, http://nyseagrant.org/ nygreatlakes, features information on topics such as ecosystems, water quality, fisheries and invasive species.

It was developed by the New York Sea Grant, which said the site was made for audiences ranging “from environmental researchers and agency personnel to teachers and students.”

TRAILS

Oswego County releases an interactive trail map

With more than 40,000 acres of public land filled with wooded terrain, trails, lakes, streams and ponds, Oswego County offers endless opportunities for hiking, walking, fishing, and outdoor recreation throughout the 12 months of the year. Residents and visitors can now plan their trip and track their progress on a new interactive trail map developed by the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning.

The map is posted on visitoswegocounty. com and may be accessed directly at arcg. is/1Y2patP. It displays nearly 200 miles of multi-use trails and roads in 25 natural areas

across Oswego County with corresponding photos identifying trailheads, landmarks and various other features.

“The map was created by using the ArcGIS (geographic information system) mapping platform,” said David Turner, director of the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning.

It’s a work in progress that includes natural areas and trails that are suitable and accessible to the public for hiking, cross-country skiing and other uses. The platform can be easily shared with others over social media.”

The platform contains external links to the state DEC website and other sources of information about locations of parks, trails and natural areas in Oswego County.

For additional information on Oswego County parks and trails, please visit visitoswegocounty.com/the-great-outdoors, or call 1-800-248-4FUN.

camping

Choices abound for scenic campgrounds in area

St. Lawrence County has a wealth of state campgrounds available for enthusiasts of all sorts, from remote tenting to camp sites with full amenities and electrical hook-ups.

Home to several state-operated campgrounds including Cedar Island State Park, Coles Creek, Cranberry Lake State Campground, Eel Weir State Park, Higley Flow State Park, Jacques Cartier State Park and Robert Moses State Park, the county has something for everyone.

Located on an island in the town of Hammond, Cedar Island State Park is a favorite destination for boaters looking for beautiful scenery and excellent fishing.

Day-use areas are available as well, perfect for boaters in the St. Lawrence River looking for a place to have a picnic.

In Waddington, Coles Creek State Park has wooded and open campsites adjacent to a beach right on the St. Lawrence River. It’s a great location for boaters and fishers with a marina on the mouth of Coles Creek. A pavilion, playing field and playground round out the amenities at Coles Creek, making for a great getaway.

The Cranberry Lake State Campground has a picnic area, shower house, tent and RV campsites and a fishing pier available with 173 sites total.

Located near 50 miles of well-developed trails, Cranberry Lake is a good destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

A beach is also available as well as day-use picnic areas and a pavilion.

The Eel Weir State Park is situated on the Oswegatchie River, two miles north of Black Lake and just a short drive away from the St. Lawrence River.

The area is known for excellent bass fishing and the canoeing and kayaking in the region is ideal. Thirty-eight campsites are available along with picnic areas and a pavilion.

On the Raquette River, located in South Colton, Higley Flow State Park has campsites separated by pine trees and beautiful trails and river scenery to explore.

The Beaver Pond Nature Trail is a must see with signs detailing the six habits the trail passes through.

Another great place for boaters and fishers, Jacques Cartier State Park in Morristown sports large, open lawns and terrific views of the St. Lawrence River.

A playground and picnic area are also available.

The Robert Moses State Park in Massena is also located along the St. Lawrence River and has great fishing. Besides campsites, the park also offers cabins, a marina and a boat launch.

A beach, picnic area, tennis court and nature center are also located at the park.

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The right angler

Eastern Lake Ontario’s spring, summer fishing seasons in swing with excellent Black-Eyed Peas, Green Wiggler, Yellow many anglers look forward to the summer action. Some Killer and Carmel Dolphin, but colors can season and deep water fishing. Many of our favorchange daily. Our best flies that we use believe on the eastern end of Lake Ontario ites are Green are “A-Tom-Mik” flies made in Oswego. that it’s the best time to target a variety of Wiggle, Orange Glo-Pro-Am Hammer, Sweet Pea and species of fish. King salmon, brown trout, Gator, UVMirage are our favorite flies. steelhead, lake trout and bass are all avail- Mixed Veggies, Trophy walleye fishing starts in August able with walleye entering the picture in UV Black Tuxand can be hot in September. Best places later summer. The big difference between edo, Rosemary’s are off Calf Island spit, Little Galloo Island, the outstanding spring fishing and sumBaby, Killer Big Galloo Island, North Pond and Gas mer is king salmon and bass are available.

Tangerine, Buoy. Most run planer boards or inline Many novice fishermen are not familiar Yellow Jacket, planers with leads of 100 to 200 feet. WorkBob Dick with what the eastern end of Lake Ontario Sunkist and ing water in the 20- to 60-foot depths usuis like or offers. This is a unique area in Michael Jackson ally is best fishing on and off points and that it features not only wide open lake, to name a few. humps. Reef Runner lures have always but areas of flat sandy bottoms, rocky King salmon fishing really picks up been a favorite to most walleye fishermen points, shallow but we like deep to deep walls diving Husky and islands with Jerks in size 12. exceptional strucBest colors are ture which in turn the normal blacks, holds lots of bait. blues, gold, fire Novice fishertiger and purples men ask: Where which can are some of the change daily. best places to find “Home of the a variety of fish?

Black Bass” was One of the best on a sign leading places to start into Henderson would be the Harbor since the trench, just out’30s. There are side Henderson hundreds of places Harbor between to fish this feisty the mainland fighter which and Stony Island. many consider Other “hot spots” “pound for pound, are Stony Point inch for inch” the wall – west of mightiest fighter Stony Point light; of them all. Most southwest of Gallike fishing crabs, loo and Calf isminnows, leeches | MOBY DICK CHARTERS SPECIAL TO NNY Outdoors lands and around or worms with Syracuse University Men’s Head Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim caught this trophy 22½ pound lake what’s called “the ultra-lights getting trout with Capt. Shawn Dick of Moby Dick Charters, Henderson Harbor, earlier this spring. finger” – 3 miles the best pounce off Stony Point light. Downriggers are the for the ounce. Best places are same places as in the same areas as brown trout in July. preferred method for taking fish, usually Pretty much most use the same techniques walleye, also Ray’s Bay, Sawyer’s Bay, pillfishing down 60 to 125 feet in 100 to 165 boxes, Gull Island, Bass Island, Chaumont as browns, but maybe going to the bigger feet of water. Depths can change as water Bay, Black River, Campbell’s Shoal and Bull Michigan Stinger Stingrays. temps change.

Rock Point to name just a few. Best depths As it gets into late July, August and Best lures to use for brown trout? We are usually 8 to 35 feet of water.

September, many switch to flasher-fly like Michigan Stinger lures which troll Lake trout fishing has been fantastic combinations. We like Michigan E-chip well at slow, medium and fast speeds in July and early August. Many fish in flashers in Mountain Dew UV, Pretty Girl, With winter and spring almost gone

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TREE SERVICE FULL TAKE DOWNS & STUMP GRINDING LOT CLEARING • CORD WOOD FULLY INSURED • REASONABLE RATES

MOBY DICK CHARTERS | SPECIAL TO NNY Outdoors

Brooke Reilly from Jordan caught this 12½ pound trophy walleye with Moby Dick Charters.

the 12- to 24-pound range with an occasional bigger one are taken. Best places are north, south and west of the “finger” off Stony Point light and south of Galloo Island. Many like using cowbells in watermelon. Monkey Puke, blue, fire tiger and chartreuse-silver followed by glogreen, chartreuse, blue peanuts or Spin & Glo’s, flat fish and fire plugs. We like using flasher-fly combinations same as you are using for king salmon. Fishing with downriggers close to the bottom in 110 to 160 feet of water produces a great catch.

Always keep an eye on depths around the “finger.” Off the “finger” you can bump bottom with no problem as it is flat.

Don’t hesitate to try some fantastic catfish fishing in the Black River out of Dexter and Sackets Harbor. Best place is the deep hole by the islands heading toward Black River Bay. Best baits are usually chicken livers and shrimp. Stop and see Judy Kirch at B&J Bait on the water in Dexter for best info.

Best place to call for info on fishing is Henchen’s Marina in Henderson Harbor.

They usually have updates on current fishing reports to get you pointed in the right direction. Many novice fishermen hook up with charter captains with pen and pad in hand to learn techniques and places to fish to get a jump on the knowledge needed to go out into the big lake.

I hope these few basic tips help the novice get a start on fishing the area but try to remember to have fun and take a kid fishing. n capt. bob dick is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain and owns and operates Moby Dick Charters in Henderson Harbor. He is a member of the New York State Outdoor Writer’s Association.

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306 James Street, Clayton, NY & 22103 Fabco Road, Watertown, NY Thousand Islands Realty

315-686-5500 www.TiHomes4sale.com

Here is the hunting parcel you have been looking for. Imagine 175 acres of wooded land bordered on 2 sides by state land. A pond is partially on this lot. The sellers have cleared a spot down by the water and also built a shelter and a fire pit. If you are looking for a quiet spot to build a rustic off the grid camp this will fit the bill.

Value priced at $115,000. For details call 315-686-5500.

r u o y d fin Away we can help.

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environment

Joshua EaveS | COURTESY TUG HILL TOMORROW Land TRUST

The Maple Ridge Wind Farm is seen in the distance from Gramps Farm on the Tug Hill Plateau. The Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust works to preserve open spaces in the 2,100-square-mile Adirondack Tug Hill region east of Lake Ontario, north of Oneida Lake, and west of the Adirondack Mountains.

Preserve and protect Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust marks 25 years of stewardship

By Gabrielle hovendon | NNY OUTDOORS

East of Lake Ontario, north of Oneida Lake and west of the Adirondack Mountains lies Tug Hill. It’s a region characterized by wetlands and working farms, by fisheries and northern hardwood forest and river headwaters, and it’s a region that’s remained largely undeveloped — until now.

According to Linda Garrett, executive director of the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust, the 2,100-square-mile area is being increasingly fragmented by cabins, retirement homes and recreational camps.

“It’s happening sporadically, but it’s happening,” she said. “If you look at a build-out of the last 10 years, you’d be shocked at how much subdivision and development that’s gone on. Areas that used to be used for snowmobiling trails and such are now blocked off because people don’t want them in their backyards.”

To help stop this fragmentation, the not-for-profit Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust works not to change the region’s wild lands or close them off from human activity but rather to preserve the existing character of the land and educate the public about the area. To date, the organiza-

tion has protected more than 15,000 acres of land with conservation easements, and its work isn’t done yet.

The 25-year-old land trust was officially incorporated in 1991 as a result of public forums held by the New York State Tug Hill Commission, a state agency based in Watertown, and by a local consensus that permanent protection was needed for the land. Today, the trust is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, making it one of about 300 of the nation’s 1,700 land trusts that has this accreditation.

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work,” said Robert R. “Bob” Quinn, chairman of Tug Hill Tomorrow’s board of directors and a longtime forestry expert.

“When it got started, it had some volunteers, one part-time employee and just a couple of conservation easements. Like lots of young organizations, it was kind of stumbling, finding a way to do its work, to raise money to support the projects. Now, it’s almost 25 years old and a wellknown and respected — Linda land trust, and it has a fulltime staff of three that works all over the region.”

Among the land trust’s current projects is the Army Compatible Use Buffer Program, a partnership with Ducks Unlimited and Fort Drum to protect the buffer area — mostly farms and undeveloped land — around the base from development. Through this program, local landowners have been paid to keep more than 6,000 acres undeveloped, which help protect residents from noise and wildlife from habitat destruction.

According to Mr. Quinn, the organiza-

‘‘

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many other specific areas for protection.

These hotspots include areas in the town of Trenton, on West Canada Creek (the site of one of the state’s premier catchand-release trout streams), around Oneida Lake and on the East Branch of Fish Creek as well as farms in Champion, Rutland, Philadelphia, Antwerp and beyond.

“We identified the places where the hotspots were, and we thought if we protect these areas, Garrett, executive director, Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust we’ll be doing the most good,” Ms. Garrett said. land trust, the Adirondack Mountain Club “Tug Hill is really a working landscape, and so protecting the wild lands, the and the New York State Department of farms and the managed forests is helping Environmental Conservation. the basis of the economy of our region.”

“Unusually hardy skiers and snowmo “One of the guiding principles of our bilers get to see these corners, but there land trust is realizing that farm and aren’t a lot of people who would take a forest land can make a contribution to hike across Tug Hill,” Mr. Quinn said, Tug Hill just by being wild, by being explaining that construction on the trail is something you could enjoying hiking slated to begin next summer. or skiing or snowmobiling through,” Thanks in part to the Audubon Society, Mr. Quinn added. “There’s also the Cornell University graduate students extra benefit of farmland and managed and a sophisticated computer modeling forest land making a contribution to the system, the land trust has designated economy. We’re very much in support of conservation easements protecting the land but encouraging good use of the land at the same time.”

In addition to helping private landowners create conservation easements on their properties, the land trust takes several other approaches to protect Tug Hill. It does extensive education work, putting on programs for school groups, sponsoring public field trips and hosting birding treks, wildflower walks, and other guided hikes with area experts.

Other educational initiatives include working with landowners to better manage their land, which can include maintaining hedgerows, limiting construction footprints and putting out wildlife cameras to engage landowners and track the species that visit the area.

The organization also publishes outdoor guides and hosts exhibits at the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park.

It prides itself on doing work that most land trusts don’t – everything from lending snowshoes to people who want to try out the sport to administering Tug Hillthemed painting exhibitions by local artist Loretta Lepkowski.

Other Tug Hill Tomorrow projects — including the Trenton Greenbelt recretion is also in the late planning stages of a new hiking, skiing and snowshoeing trail that cuts through the center of Tug Hill’s core forest. Called the Tug Hill Traverse Trail, the project will be manned by volunteers and by a partnership between the

Our goal is to increase awareness and appreciation of the region so people understand, love and steward better what they have in their backyards.

ational trail network, a 144-acre wildlife sanctuary in town of Rutland and the Staying Connected wildlife corridor partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society, Adirondack Land Trust, and New York State Department of Transportation — highlight the huge amount of work undertaken by the land trust’s small staff.

“The region is gigantic,” Mr. Quinn said. “It scares me sometimes, how much work we have to do over such a big area.”

That said, the trust spends a lot of time correcting misconceptions about its work.

“The big thing that I always hear people say is that the land trust will tell them what they can do with their lands and that we’re going to keep it in a ‘forever wild’ condition,” Ms. Garrett said, adding that other people object to the idea of conservation easements because they think they will be told to abandon their farms or their properties. “That’s not what we’re about at all. We’re concerned with working lands, working forests.”

Another common misconception, she said, is that idea that putting a conservation easement on a parcel of land turns it into a public property, which is simply not true. Public access is up to the landowner, and tax benefits are a possibility but not a guarantee for those who do establish easements on their properties.

Ms. Garrett also said that she encounters many people who don’t know that the land trust is a nonprofit, not a statefunded agency. It relies on a combination of project-specific grants, private donations and contributions from local businesses and community foundations to support its work.

As long as people continue making donations — of time, of money and of properties in crucial areas — Tug Hill Tomorrow will be able to continue its mission of education, protection and conservation well into the future.

“Our underlying goal is to increase the awareness and appreciation of the region so that people understand, love and steward better what they have in their backyards,” Ms. Garrett said. “Sometimes we kind of take it for granted. You drive through and you think, why would you need to protect this? It’s open space.

Well, it won’t always be open space if you don’t protect it. It’s a big job for a small land trust.”

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n GABRIELLE HOVENDON is a former Watertown Daily Times reporter and a freelance writer studying for her Ph.D. at the University of Georgia, Athens.

Contact her at ghovendon@gmail.com.

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FEATURES

Dragonfly Image Partners | SPECIAL TO NNY Outdoors

Above, fly fishermen cast their lines in the Salmon River near Pulaski. Below, a fly fisherman holds his line. Project Healing Waters is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities, including education and outings.

Mending hearts and minds Project Healing Waters casts a line for wounded warriors, vets

By JOLEENE MOODY | NNY OUTDOORS

When the snow melts and the rushing waters of Northern New York come alive again, anglers and fly fishermen of all kinds begin tying knots and prepping poles. Fish are beginning to move, and so are the soldiers and veterans who are part of an incredibly powerful endeavor known as Project Healing Waters.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities, including education and outings.

Even when the fish aren’t biting, these incredible military men and women are 18

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working the program and healing from the inside out.

“You can see it in their eyes and you can hear it in the conversation,” said Michael Rist, program leader of Fort Drum Project Healing Waters. “They spark up every week, whether we’re tying flies in the winter months or fishing in the spring

and summer months. I was where they are now, and I know some people are in a dark place. Fly fishing is an outlet. There are many different programs out there, but this one really seems to work.

Mr. Rist believes ON THE WEB: one of the ways To volunteer, participate it works is based or learn more, visit on the amount of projecthealingwaters.org concentration required to tie a fly and perfect the cast. When a wounded or troubled soldier can focus on the art of the sport, they learn to move their mind toward something other than their personal struggle.

“Some of our military men and women have physical disabilities and some have

behavioral disabilities,” Mr. Rist said.

“Tying a fly in different ways requires good hand-eye coordination and concentration. It gives them the opportunity to move their mind away from a not so good place to a better place. And the fact that they are with other people going through the same types of stressors also helps slow them down.”

Despite long winters the north country endures, Project Healing Waters is a year-round experience. Participants and volunteers of the nonprofit program meet indoors where they learn how to tie different knots, study the entomology how to tie a of bugs, and build turtle knot: There are several differtheir own rod. ent ways to tie a fly fishGood conversation ing knot. Here’s how to is a given, and is tie a turtle knot. Use this one of the greatest knot to make a straight healing pieces of connection between the program. the fly and the leader: When spring 1) Pass the end of begins to bloom, the leader through the rods come out. the hook’s eye from Every Wednesday the front and slide the from 11 a.m. to 1 fly up the leader. p.m., eager fisher2) Make a loop with men cast a line into a slipknot in the end Remington Pond of the leader. on Fort Drum, 3) Pull the loop over practicing catch and around the fly, and release and bringing the free end improving their around twice, like a fly-fishing skills double overhand knot, with every cast. and tighten.

Special outings 4) Pull the leader and are also part of wrap the loop around the program. On the back of the hook’s the first and third eye. Tighten and trim Thursday of every the end. month, the group ventures to Gander Mountain where a professional fly fisherman teaches them different types of patters and knots to tie. The group even visits different water holes one Saturday a month where fishermen focus on catching a different species of fish. There are no hard and fast rules to Project Healing Waters, which makes the program flexible to anyone that wants to experience it.

“It’s a revolving population,” Mr. Rist said, “but we do have a core group of regular volunteers and participants. Anyone can show up once or they can show up a dozen times. It’s their program. We want them to feel comfortable. If they want to come every week, that’s fine. If they want

type of learning. But by focusing on the cast, the fish and the presentation, you’re not focusing on the other stuff.

It kind of washes it away.”

The program meets all year, except for holidays, Wednesdays from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to military personnel and disabled veterans. For those interested in wetting the line, Mr. Rist and the other volunteers are eager to help.

to come once a month, that’s fine, too. It’s what works for them.”

Since 2009, the organization has healed many hearts and minds and looks forward to healing thousands more. The well-being of our military is important to the volunteers and program leaders of Project Healing Waters. And it all begins knee deep in Remington Pond.

“There’s nothing better than catching a fish on a fly that you tied on a rod that you put together,” Mr. Rist said. “It takes mindfulness to fly fish. It’s not an easy task. It’s truly a crawl, walk, run

n Joleene moody is a freelance writer, blogger and speaker who lives in Oswego County with her husband and daughter. Contact her at takeyourvoiceback.com.

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COVER STORY

Angling in a sport fishing

paradise New York third in the nation as recreational destination

By NORAH MACHIA | NNY OUTDOORS Trivia Question: Which state ranked third in the nation for the number of residents who participated in fishing and hunting activities during 2011?

New York state, behind only Texas and Florida, according to a report issued last year by the Office of the New York State Comptroller.

The report noted “with more than 7,500 lakes and ponds, 70,000 miles of rivers, streams and coastline, and millions of acres of forest and open space, New York is home to world-class opportunities for fishing, hunting and trapping.”

While nearly two million residents hunt, fish and trap in the state, more than 90 percent of New Yorkers who engage in these activities either fish, or fish and hunt, while only 9 percent participate in hunting exclusively, the report stated.

Along with hunting and trapping, consumer spending on fishing activities totaled more than $5 billion in 2011. Nearly $1.9 billion was for trip-related purchases including transportation, food and lodging.

The north country has been benefiting 20

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from the fishing industry for quite some time, according to local chamber of commerce leaders.

“Recreational fishing is a big tourist draw for St. Lawrence County,” said Brooke Rouse, the county’s Chamber of Commerce director. “The county is a diverse fresh water fishery with more than two hundred rivers, lakes, ponds and streams available to anglers.”

The chamber has made numerous outreach efforts to encourage people to visit the county for fishing opportunities, she said.

“Besides advertising St. Lawrence County in popular angling publications, the chamber has attended a number of sportsman shows in key locations throughout the northeast,” Ms. Rouse said.

This year, the chamber was an exhibitor at sportsman shows in Buffalo and Hamburg, along with out-of-state shows in West Springfield, Mass and Erie, Pa. The most popular fishing spots in the county include the St. Lawrence River, Black Lake, and Cranberry Lake, Ms. Rouse said.

In fact, St. Lawrence County was ranked

as having the 8th Best Bass Fishing Waters in the United States in 2015 by Bassmasters.

In 2013 and 2015, the Bassmasters Elite Series was held in Waddington.

“It’s also internationally known as one of the top carp fishing waters in the world, known for world-record class muskellunge,” she added.

Black Lake has been ranked among the top ten bass waters in the nation by national publications, Ms. Rouse said.

That area is an “angler-friendly” community and has numerous campgrounds, cottages, boat rentals, marinas, bait shops and more, she said. It’s also home to New York’s newest wine trail, the St. Lawrence Wine Trail, along with other attractions such as the Hammond Barn Quilt Trail.

The Cranberry Lake area was one of the last regions of New York State to be settled and remains one of the most remote areas of the Adirondacks. Cranberry Lake covers nearly 7,000 acres, where 40 of the 55 miles of shoreline are state-owned and undeveloped, according to the chamber director. The fishing in Cranberry Lake includes brook

NNY Outdoors FILE PHOTO

Fans and anglers pause for the national anthem before the start of the final day of the 2015 Evan Williams Bourbon Bassmaster Elite on the St. Lawrence River near Waddington. The river has been the site of the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament twice in the past four years.

trout, smallmouth bass, pan fish and pike.

“The great thing about fishing in St. Lawrence County is that an angler can target just about any species of freshwater fish,” she said. “Within an hour’s drive, you can go from targeting trophy-class Muskie on the St. Lawrence River to fly fishing native brook trout in the Adirondacks.”

Some of the most popular species throughout the county include bass, walleye, pike, muskellunge, trout, carp and pan fish, Ms. Rouse said. Fishing opportunities are available year round.

“Fishing in St. Lawrence County is definitely a year-round activity,” she said.

Anglers will typically find safe ice for fishing from December through March, depending on the weather. Popular ice-fishing destinations include all of the St. Lawrence River bays from Chippewa to Massena, Black Lake and Cranberry Lake.

The chamber promotes many other features of the area to encourage those who enjoy fishing to bring their entire family to St. Lawrence County, Ms. Rouse said.

One example is the Frederic Remington Art

Museum in Ogdensburg.

“We always make sure that we highlight the area’s complementary assets,” she said.

“Not only are people encouraged to come to our county to fish, but they are also encouraged to paddle our many waterways and hike to our waterfalls.”

In St. Lawrence County, fishing became so popular that the FISHCAP initiative was launched to attract anglers from all over the world to the county for its many varieties of freshwater fish.

That organization played a key role in attracting the Bassmaster Elite Series fishing tournament to Waddington. The FISHCAP Advisory Board includes community leaders as well as local fishing experts.

The nationwide publicity surrounding an event such as the Bassmaster tournaments held in Waddington helps to promote fishing tourism throughout the north country, said Kylie S. Peck, president and CEO of the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce.

Recreational fishing has also become a big tourist draw to Jefferson County, she said.

“With several charter options available on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, fishing has become a favorite past-time for tourists and locals,” Mrs. Peck noted. “It is a great, affordable, family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed by all ages.”

Some of the most popular fishing spots in Jefferson County include Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, the Black River and Butterfield Lake. The most common species of fish populating the waterways in Jefferson County are largemouth bass, Muskie, pike and perch, she added.

“Ice fishing is also a very popular winter activity,” Mrs. Peck noted. “There are several derbies held throughout the north country that benefit local nonprofits and organizations.”

The chamber has worked to encourage not only fishing throughout the county, but also other recreational and tourist opportunities for family members to explore as well, she said.

“When planning for an activity that revolves around a particular family member, we always encourage additional planning SPRING / SUMMER 2016

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NNY fishing tournaments Alexandria Bay — Saturday, Sept. 17:

n Fishing for Freedom Thousand Islands Bass Tournament, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bonnie Castle Resort and Marina, 31 Holland St. Serves as a fundraiser for Carthage Area Hospital Foundation and the Fort Drum USO. Cost: Contact for prices. Information: Bonnie Castle Resort and Marina, 482-4511, or fishingforfreedomti.com

Cape Vincent — Saturday, Oct. 15:

n Cashion Rods Tour Northern Open, St. Lawrence River, Cape Vincent. Cashion Rods Tour is a team bass fishing tournament. Cost: $210.

Info: 1 (800) 880-2714 or cashionrods.com/ cashion-rods-tour.

Chaumont — Sunday, Sept. 18:

n Chaumont Bay Points Tournament, Town Launch. This is a Salt City Bass Masters tournament. Cost: Pro, $40; amateur, $30.

Info: Mike McKay, 857-8638, tourdirector@ saltcitybass.com or saltcitybass.com.

Clayton — Thursday, July 21 — Saturday, July 23

n Costa FLW Series — 1000 Islands, 6 a.m., Clayton Village Ramp, 899 Mary Street. Hosted by the Clayton Chambr of Commerce Registration due by July 20.

Cost: Contact for prices. Info: 686-3771 or 1000islands-clayton.com/bass.

Clayton — Saturday, Sept. 17:

n St. Lawrence Points Tournament, French

to enhance the experience,” Mrs. Peck said.

“There are several businesses that promote family involvement such as miniature golf, boat tours, shopping, dining or hiking.”

In addition, many festivals are held “within fishing communities that are family-friendly and are scheduled during peak fishing season,” she added.

For those age 21 and older, “we always encourage them to explore the many wineries, distilleries and breweries throughout the county,” she said.

“The expansion of agribusiness in our region has created opportunities for visitors to explore beyond the water communities,”

Creek Marina, 250 Wahl St. This is a Salt City Bass Masters tournament sponsored by Steet Toyota of Yorkville. Cost: Pro, $40; amateur, $30. Info: Mike McKay, 857-8638, tourdirector @saltcity bass.com or saltcitybass.com.

Henderson Harbor — Sunday, Sept. 11:

n Lake Ontario Points Tournament, Lake Ontario, Henderson Harbor. A New York Bass Nation tournament hosted by the Henderson Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce. Deadline to register, July 3. Cost: Boater, $125; nonboater, $75. Info: nybassfed.com.

Fineview — Sunday, June 12:

n Children’s Fishing Derby, 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, 44927 Cross Island Road. The derby is open to children aged 14 and under. Prizes will be awarded to participants in three categories: longest fish, heaviest fish, and the most fish. Cost: $2. Info: 482-2479 or macnaturecenter.com.

Massena — Sunday, Sept. 18:

n Northeast Team Bass Tournament, 6:30 a.m., St. Lawrence River, Massena Intake Launch. Cost: $200. Info: Anna Hanchett, (518) 532-7953 or netbfishing.com.

Ogdensburg — Sunday, July 17:

n St. Lawrence River Points Tournament, St. Lawrence River, Ogdensburg. A New York Bass Nation tournament hosted by the Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce. Deadline to register, July 3. Cost: Boater, $125; nonboater, $75. Info: nybassfed.com.

Mrs. Peck said.

Anne Merrill, the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce director, has attended ten outdoor shows since October, and said “our biggest request for information is on fishing.”

In addition to fishing brochures printed for distribution at these shows, the chamber has information on its tourism website, adirondackstughill.com that has specifics to fishing in Lewis County, Mrs. Merrill said.

Advertising is also done in the state DEC Fishing Regulations magazine, she added.

“Of course whenever we have visitors to the area, it brings in additional revenue and helps our local economy,” Mrs. Merrill said.

“The anglers have had a positive effect on our small businesses in the county.”

During the summer months, anglers enjoy fishing for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, pan fish, brown trout and lake trout on Lake Bonaparte, she said. It’s especially busy during the ice fishing season as well.

The West Branch of the Oswegatchie River and Long Pond are both popular places for anglers who want to fish for brook trout. There are annual stockings at both locations, Mrs. Merrill. The best fishing at these locations is during the spring and fall.

“Some of the best trout fishing in the county” occurs in the more than eightmile stretch from the Lewis County line to Lyons Falls, where anglers can find both brown and rainbow trout, she added.

Just downstream from Lyons Falls, there is fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel and northern pike, Mrs. Merrill said.

“Of course, we have all the little gems where the locals go to their fishing holes as well,” she said.

Several other popular fishing spots in Lewis County include Soft Maple Reservoir, which is “the best place for muskies,” Mrs. Merrill said.

“Francis Lake is home to pan fish and chain pickerel, and fly fishing is popular in the upper-most portion of the Black River,” she added.

To learn more about north country fishing, visit dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html.

This is a very comprehensive site that gives a detailed breakdown of the physical features, species stocked and those occurring naturally, special regulations and public access throughout the region. n norah machia is a freelance writer who lives in Watertown. She is a 20-plus-year veteran journalist and former Watertown Daily Times reporter. Contact her at norahmachia@gmail.com.

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Let's Go Places

FEATURES

ANTHONY MACHIA | NNY OuTDOORS

Francis Verdoliva, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation special assistant for the Salmon River, overlooks the rearing ponds at the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar. The hatchery produces more than two million fingerlings and nearly one million yearlings each year.

Hatching a fish story Salmon River Fish Hatchery bolsters recreational fishing

By Norah machia | NNY oUTDoorS

The highly Trained employees who

work at the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar like to refer to themselves as the “parents of the fish” that will eventually be returned to their native waters.

The Altmar hatchery is one of 12 statewide that were established to enhance recreational fishing opportunities throughout the region. The hatcheries are managed by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

The numbers are impressive — each year the Altmar hatchery produces more than two million fingerlings — the young fish that measure 3 to 5 inches

long — and nearly one million yearlings, the fish that are one year or older.

The hatchery supplies fish to more than 100 public waters in 11 counties.

A major supplier of fish for Lake Ontario and its tributaries, along with the Salmon River, the hatchery specializes in raising Chinook and Coho salmon, landlocked salmon, steelhead and brown trout.

“This is one of the largest and most modern hatcheries” for salmon and trout, said Francis J. Verdoliva, DEC special assistant for the Salmon River.

Although the facility was built in 1980, the hatchery has undergone several renovations since, including the recent

construction of an indoor aquarium at its visitor center.

Just last year, the hatchery was allocated $228,625 in funding from the New York Works program for the purchase of two large stocking trucks and associated equipment, Mr. Verdoliva said. An additional $618,562 was provided from the same program to cover the cost of a roof replacement.

Additional monies have also been allocated from a special fund established as a result of New York’s natural resource damage claim against the Occidental Chemical Corp. for pollution of Lake Ontario and its tributaries.

The chemical company reached a settleSPRING / SUMMER 2016

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ANTHONY MACHIA | NNY OuTdOOrs

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salmon river Fish Hatchery manager Thomas Kielbasinsky holds fertilized fish eggs.

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ment several years ago with the state to pay millions for the establishment of a fund that would support projects to improve the area’s recreational fishing.

The state had Salmon RiveR filed a lawsuit FiSh haTCheRY: against the chemiWheRe: 2133 cal company for County Route 22, pollution problems one mile northeast of resulting from its the village of Altmar, main chemical manOswego County. ufacturing plant in hoURS: 8:30 a.m.

Niagara Falls. State to 3:30 p.m. daily through Nov. 30 officials had argued ToURS: Organized that Lake Ontario groups should call and its tributaries the hatchery managhad been severely er in advance, 298impacted by dis5051, to arrange charges from the tours in advance. chemical company. online: dec.

As recently as ny.gov/outdoor/ last year, monies 21663.html from that fund provided $184,000 for three ground water wells on the hatchery site to be refurbished, Mr. Verdoliva said. Another $628,000 will be used for the reservoir/hatchery pipelines to be cleaned out and have valves replaced this spring, he added.

The special fund also provided $100,000 for upgrades to the Salmon River Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, including the new aquarium system, new audio and visual equipment, and an underwater camera placed in the fish ladder for visitors to view the fish activity on a large screen television.

It was pollution from several sources that killed off many of the fish in the Great Lakes in the 1960s, including lake

trout and Atlantic salmon, Mr. Verdoliva said. Following the pollution abatement efforts in the Great Lakes, there was a move to introduce certain fish species into the lakes, including the Pacific Salmon (Chinook and Coho).

But the growth of recreational fishing faced another challenge: the sea lamprey, a parasitic eel-like fish which was attaching itself to other fish in the Great Lakes.

These parasites would suck out the blood and other bodily fluids of fish, destroying many in the process. It had a damaging effect on Great Lakes fisheries and, as a result, many jobs related to the fishing industry were lost.

Biologists developed a selective chemical to control the sea lamprey population in the early 1970s. It was introduced into the Great Lakes tributaries to kill the sea lamprey in their larva states, Mr. Verdoliva said. Another method was to create barriers and traps to prevent the upstream migration and reproduction of the sea lampreys.

“A stocking program would not be effective unless the sea lamprey population could be controlled,” he said. “Without it, there would be no fishing.”

Some of the salmon released by the hatchery will find their way back to the Salmon River on their own, through the Beaver Dam Brook that runs behind the facility and directly into the river.

— Francis Most will return to the hatchery later to spawn, with a little help from the fish ladder that was installed as part of the overall operation.

“Fish will return to the place they were born,” Mr. Verdoliva said.

The success of the hatchery operation

‘‘

ANTHONY MACHIA | NNY OuTdOOrs

A salmon river Fish Hatchery employee feeds fingerlings in the rearing ponds in Altmar.

The largest Chinook salmon in New York State and the Great Lakes was caught in the Salmon River in 1991, weighing 47 pounds 13 ounces.

The Salmon River alone attracts an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 visitors annually, and between 50,000 and 75,000 people come to the visitors center each year J. Verdoliva, DEC special assistant for the Salmon River. in Altmar, he said.

While the main aspect of the hatchery is to raise fish, “education is and has spurred economic growth in also a top priority at the facility,” he said. areas such as Pulaski.

“You have the opportunity in this area n NORah machia is a freelance writer who to catch a trophy fish that you would lives in Watertown. She is a 20-plus-year veteran spend thousands to fish for in Alaska,” journalist and former Watertown Daily Times reporter. Contact her at norahmachia@gmail.com.

Mr. Verdoliva said. has helped to expand recreational fishing throughout the Lake Ontario region, he said. The Salmon River has developed into a popular fishing destination,

You have the opportunity in this area to catch a trophy fish that you would spend thousands to fish for in Alaska.

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Outdoor ADVENTURes Adams Center

Saturday, Aug. 27

n Annual TaTa Run, 9 a.m., F.X. Caprara Harley-Davidson, 17890 Goodnough St. The Watertown Chrome Divas are hosting the 9th Annual TaTa Run to benefit local breast cancer agencies. Cost: Riders, $20; passengers, $15. Information: 583-6177.

Alexandria Bay Friday, June 24 — Saturday, June 26

n Thousand Islands River Run, 2 p.m.

Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday, downtown Alexandria Bay. Includes a performance by the Vertical Outlaws, a motorcycle stunt group from Maine, a vendor area that shows off parts and custom bikes, and Dyno technician Rob Swartz owner of Rob’s Dyno Service, Massachusetts.

Cost: $20. Information: tiriverrun.com.

Friday, Aug. 5 to Sunday, Aug 5

n 1000 Islands Strongman Competition, 11 a.m. Friday to 2 p.m. Sunday, downtown Alexandria Bay. This inaugural event will benefit the National Association of 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum Chapter, including its two programs, the 10th Mountain Division Wounded Warrior Support Fund and the 10th Mountain Division Scholarship Fund. Cost: $50 to compete. Information: visitalexbay.org

Black River

Sunday, June 26

n Michael J. Cerroni Memorial 5K Run/ Walk, 7 a.m., 101 Public Works Drive. Benefits Michael J. Cerroni Memorial Scholarship. Post-race festivities include food, live music, raffles and awards. Race day registration and packet pickup 7 to 8:30 a.m.; race start, 9 a.m.; awards ceremony, 10 a.m.; start of door prizes, 10:30 a.m.

Cost: preregistered, $25; race day, $30.

Information: racedirector@michaelcerroni5k.com or michaelcerroni5k.com.

Cape Vincent Sunday, July 17

n Tibbetts Point Run, 10 a.m., Town of Cape Vincent Recreation Park, 602 S. James St. Includes 10K and 5K races following the St. Lawrence River. Cost:

Contact for prices. Information: Cape Vincent Chamber of Commerce, 654-241 or capevincent.org

$15 rental fee. Preregistration required. Information/register: tilandtrust.org, treks@ tilandtrust.org or 686-5345.

Friday, Aug. 14 — Sunday, Aug. 16

Saturday, July 30

n Celeste Letendre Memorial Tennis Tournament, All Weekend, Cape Vincent Recreation Park, 602 S. James St. Tournament events include men’s and women’s open, men’s and women’s doubles, men’s and women’s 45 and over and mixed doubles. Cost: Singles, $10; doubles, $12.

Information: Jerry LeTendre, 654-2512.

Carthage

Saturday, July 30

n Annual Shootin’ Trap for Trips, 8 a.m., Carthage Rod and Gun Club, 4500 Cold Spring Park Road. The annual 50-bird shoot will benefit Lewis County programs offered by the Volunteer Transportation Center. Cost: Individual, $25; team, $30.

Information: 788-0422, extension 223.

Chaumont

Sunday, Aug. 7

n Lyme Sprint Triathlon, 7 to 11:30 a.m., Chaumont Fire Hall, state Route 12E. Includes 600-meter swim or 3-mile kayak/ canoe, 17.6-mile bike, and 4-mile run.

Preregistration 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1. Race day schedule: registration 7 to 8 a.m.; pre-race meeting, 8 a.m.; canoe/kayak start, 8:30 a.m.; swim start, 9 a.m.; kids fun run, 11 a.m.; awards ceremony, 11:30 a.m. Cost: before July 25: individual, $40; teams, active military and younger than 20 years old, $30 per person; after July 25: individual, $50; teams, active military and younger than 20 years old, $40 per person. Checks payable to Lyme Parks and Recreation Committee, 27267 Three Mile Point, Chaumont, N.Y. 13622.

Information: Lyme Parks and Recreation Committee, 783-0995 or 649-2929; chaumontny.org/triathlon.htm.

Clayton

Wednesday, July 6

n Thousand Islands Land Trust’s TeenTrek Paddle Board Adventure, 4 to 6 p.m., meet at Mary Street boat launch. Explore French Creek by paddle board or kayak. Limited number of paddle board rentals available,

n Run for the River 5K/10K, 9 a.m., Frink Park, downtown. Registration at 7:30 a.m. Register online, by mail or in person.

Awards for top male and female in each age category. Cost: by June 30: 5K, $25; 10K, $30; after June 30: 5K, $30; 10K, $35; Save the River members, $5 discount.

Information: Save the River, savetheriver. org, 686-2010 or info@savetheriver.org.

Sunday, Aug. 28

n River Rat Triathlon, 7 a.m., Centennial Park. Proceeds to benefit Children’s Miracle Network. Consists of 600 meter swim or 3-mile kayak/canoe/stand up paddleboard, 16.75-mile road bike and 3.3-mile run. Check in 7 a.m.; kayak/canoe/stand up paddleboard start, 8:30 a.m.; swim start, 9 a.m. Cost: by Aug. 1: individual, $50; team, $40 per person; Aug. 2 to Aug. 16: individual, $60; team, $50 per person; $10 additional fee to register race day. Register: active.com. Information: mbocciolat@shsny.com.

Hammond

Wednesday, June 15

n Thousand Islands Land Trust’s “Silver” Crooked Creek Kayak, 10 a.m., Crooked Creek Preserve. Includes basic kayak instruction; appropriate for all levels and senior-friendly. Limited number of kayaks available; $15 rental fee. Register in advance. Information/register: TILT, 686-5345, treks@tilandtrust.org or tilandtrust.org.

Henderson Harbor Saturday, July 9

n 2016 Henderson Harbor Triathlon, 8:30 a.m., Henderson Harbor Boat Launch, Route 178. An annual triathlon and aquabike race that benefits the Children’s Home of Jefferson County. Cost: Individual, $75; team, $130. Information: hendersonharbortriathlon.com.

Lowville

Saturday, June 11

Udderly Muddy Rugged Run, 8:30 a.m., SPRING / SUMMER 2016

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Outdoor ADVENTURes Lewis County Fairgrounds track. Checkin 8:30 a.m.; race, 9:30 a.m. Starts at fairgrounds, north on Route 812 and East Road to team challenges at Maple Ridge Centers. Cost: $20. Information: Mike or Jeanna Judd, 376-2640.

Ogdensburg

Saturday, Aug. 6

n Maple City Triathlon, 8 a.m., Dobisky Center, 100 Riverside Drive. Includes 750-meter swim, 20K bike and 5K run.

Cost: before May 31: individual, $65; teams, $80; June 1 to July 31: individual, $100; teams, $115; non-USAT members, additional $12. Information/ register: Facebook.com/CGSWRacing and cgswracing@gmail.com.

Old Forge

Saturday, June 25

n Kiwanis Old Forge Paddle Classic, 9:30 a.m., Hemmer Cottage. Includes 6-mile and 12-mile races. Categories include canoes, kayaks and guideboats.

A post-race barbecue will take place at Hemmer Cottage. Cost: Adults, $30; children 12 and younger, $15. Information: Sheila Brady, 315-369-3872 or thorshannon@frontiernet.net.

Sunday Aug. 14

n Old Forge Triathlon, 7:50 a.m., Old Forge Pond, Lakeview Ave. A Competitive swimming, biking and running event through the Adirondack mountains and lakes. Cost: $80; teams, $125. Information: ATCEndurance.com.

Friday, Sept. 9 — Sunday Sept. 11

n Adirondack 90 Miler Canoe Race, three-day race from Old Forge to Saranac Lake. This is flat water race follows the original highways of the Adirondacks.

The course offers a mix of lake and river flat water paddling with several carries.

Participants receive a T-shirt, mileage pins, awards, camping, snacks, boat shuttles and a post-race meal. Cost: $150; AWA members; $125. Information: (518) 891-2744.

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Saturday, Sept. 10 n Old Forge Half Marathon, 8:30 a.m., George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center, 225 North St. The Half-Marathon and 5K runs will take place on established bike trails that run between the northeast portion of Old Forge, just north of the Water Safari, and Big Moose Lake. Cost: Half-Marathon advance, $55; after June 30, $60; 5K advance, $37.50; after June 30, $60. Information: willowhwc.com/#!oldforge-half-marathon--5k/cxlm

Oswego

Saturday, June 18 n Tri-Oswego Sporting Events, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Breitbeck Park. Tri-Oswego offers a Sprint Distance Triathlon, Sprint Distance Relay, Duathlon, 5k, Youth Splash and Dash, and a Children’s Fun Run. Proceeds from the event benefit ongoing youth development programs throughout Oswego County through the 501 C 3 organization Oswego County Sunset Group. Cost: Contact for prices.

Information: tri-oswego.com

Saturday, Aug. 6 n Oswego County Paddlefest, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oswego River. A community event for kayakers, canoeists, and visitors to paddle the locks from Fulton or Minetto to Oswego. This year’s Paddlefest Benefits Oswego County Opportunities. Cost: Early registration, $20; after July 29, $30; children10 and under, free. Information: oswegopaddlefest.com.

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Outdoor ADVENTURes Sackets Harbor Saturday, July 16

n Annual Kite Fest, 1 p.m., Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, 504 W. Main St. Free kites will be provided while supplies last. Cost: Free. Information: sacketsharborbattlefield.org.

Saturday, July 30 n SpokerRide 2016, 9 a.m., 411 W. Washington St. SpokerRide is a charity cycling event and all proceeds are donated to the Volunteer Transportation Center and the American Cancer Society. Cost: $35. Information: active.com/sackets-harbor-ny/ cycling/races/spokerride-2016

Saturday, Sept. 10 — Sunday, Sept. 11

n Incredoubleman Triathlon, 8:15 a.m., Westcott Beach State Park, 12224 state Route 3. Select from sprint, Olympic or half-distance triathlons, aquabike, duathlon or relays. To earn Incredoubleman achievement, participant must complete 1.25-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run each day. Inperson registration 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; race-day registration, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. each day. Cost: $65 to $360, depending on race combination choices; non-USAT members, additional $12. Information/register: incredoubleman.com or wayne@doublevisionracing.com.

Onondaga Community College, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike. The Corner Store Country Run is a farm-themed 5K with folks encouraged to dress in their finest country duds and stick around afterwards for a country fair with free sponsor swag, live music, food, carnival games, face painting and two free beer tickets for adults.

Cost: $10. Information: (210) 223-2772 or cornerstorerun.com.

Sunday, Aug. 7 n Iron Girl Syracuse, 7 a.m., Oneida Shores Park, 9248 Mckinley Ridge Road, Brewerton. Women’s only triathlon includes 600 meter swim, 30K bike ride and 5K run. Must be 15 years old to participate. Cost: $130. Information: irongirl. com/Events/Syracuse.

Watertown

Saturday, June 18 n The Longest Day Memory Ride and Run, 8:30 a.m., Stone Presbyterian Church, 140 Chestnut St. Includes a

duathlon, as well as 5K and 10K fun rides.

Benefits the local Alzheimer’s Association.

Cost: Contact for prices. Information: 4054950 or act.alz.org/goto/shsnny.

Saturday, June 18 n Madden’s 5K Color Blast, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thompson Park. Benefits programs and initiatives sponsored by Heartbeats for Madden. Cost: Advance registration for adults, $25; at the event, $27.47; advance registration for children, $5; at the event, $6.27. Information: eventbrite. com/e/2nd-annual-maddens-5k-colorblast-tickets-22692870988

Saturday, Sept. 10 n 2016 Run for Recovery, 9 a.m., Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds, 600 William T. Field Drive. A 5k/10K run and 5k walk in memory of Ashley Grant and Tyler Gentry.

Includes free face painting, prizes in seven age categories, music, and a silent auction.

Cost: Advance, $20; race day, $25. Information: watertownurbanmission.com.

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Saturday, Aug. 27

n Pat Stratton Memorial Bicycle Ride, 8 a.m., Mount Pisgah Ski Area, 92 Mount Pisgah Road. Century ride scheduled for 8 a.m.; 50-mile ride 10:30 a.m.; 25-mile ride, 11:30 a.m.; children’s ride, 2 p.m. Rides start and end Mount Pisgah Lodge. Day to include food and music. Benefits Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club youth programs. Cost: century ride, $45; 50-mile, $40; 25-mile, $35; children’s ride, free; active duty military and law enforcement, free. Information/register: Dan Reilly, 518-891-1616 or adkbuild@roadrunner.com; bikeadirondacks.org/events/stratton.

Syracuse

Saturday, Aug. 6 n Corner Store Country Run, 8: 30 a.m.,

Rt. 12, Alex Bay (315) 482-5109 Rt. 11, Cicero (315) 699-2144 SPRING / SUMMER 2016

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The treestand chronicles

An otherwise quiet morning with porkies There must be a “draw” I can’t detect

that causes wildlife other than my quarry for the day to impact my hunting experiences. Does really happen to other hunters?

In the past, I’ve had gray squirrels pee on my treestand arm rest while I sat there.

I’ve had squirrels climb the oak tree above me and seemingly knock down every possible acorn they could on my head. Coyotes have come in and followed me while hunting rabbits with my beagle. Turkeys have scratched every leaf on the ground underneath my stand while I sat in the tree hoping a deer might come along. Have all the critters made a pact to gang up on me when I’m in the woods? I thought my group of Boy Scouts were tough enough on me, but I think the creatures in the woods have the scouts beat.

It was a beautiful late October morning and I had been hunting on state forest land for several weeks. Other than coyotes, I hadn’t had much luck with whitetail deer.

Earlier in the week I noted a buck had started a scrape line down a hard wood ridge.

The ridge ran through big open hardwoods and then into one of my favorite places to spend time, a nice stand of hemlock trees overlooking a small mucky stream flowing through the woods. I often don’t care if deer use the area; I thoroughly enjoy the chance to sit in the peace and quiet of a hemlock forest. The aroma of the forest floor with its newly acquired leaf mat from the trees around me and the sound of the breeze as it wafts through the canopy take away the stresses of work and life.

A few days before, I sat with my son, Nate, with our backs against a hemlock, and watched the alpha male of the coyote pack come down through a valley and approach us to stand on a fallen log about 30 feet away, surveying his territory. For my son, it was his closest experience with a coyote and he later expressed his thrill in the truck, telling me how the hair on his neck stood on end.

On this crisp autumn morning though, I sat against the same tree alone. I was in before first light, highly anticipating at any moment the arrival of a buck that had been working the scrape line. The air was cool and calm. The sun would soon rise and begin to warm the air through the forest.

Across from the small ridge in the hemlock forest, opposite a small dry stream bed, the hemlocks were thick and a thicket of green 30

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briars formed where enough sunlight reached the ground. I sat motionless on my stool, listening and scanning, hoping to hear the movement of a leaf or snap of a twig that would Jay Matteson signal the buck approaching.

Finally, it came from across the valley, on the other side of the green briar thicket.

This would be a good place for the buck to approach from and the slight breeze would take my scent away. I heard the light sound of fallen leaves sliding against each other.

“I’ll finally have my chance,” I told myself, anticipating the approach of the huge monster buck that must be working across the other ridge.

But the slight sound turned into scampering. The scampering quickly turned into a melee and the melee became the sounds of wrestling and squealing. “What the heck” I thought, listening to all of this. It sounded like an intense battle going on but I wasn’t sure what was engaged.

From within the green briar thicket, a dark little creature appeared which, at that distance, gave the appearance of a fantasy from a medieval story. The creature was moving faster than I would have thought across the wooded valley toward my side.

Behind him, another small creature of the same thorny, mossy appearance came, quickly in pursuit.

The first creature gave out a squeal followed by a squeal from its pursuer. As they approached the middle of the valley another squeal from the thicket followed by scampering sounds revealed more of these beasts emerging from the woods. A fourth critter appeared behind the third and suddenly I found myself alone in the woods with four dark, thorny, mossy creatures running through the woods in pursuit of each other.

Never before had I witnessed this.

Over, under, around, and through, came the four creatures, using felled trees and rocks, thickets and hemlocks for their game of war or whatever it was.

I sat on my seat as still as possible, leaning against the hemlock, hoping they

wouldn’t notice me. I was amazed by the amount of noise they made, especially the loud squealing sounds and growls that came from them.

Finally, after their game of tag in the woods in front of me, they ran over to a large stump on which rested the old fallen tree, but what I then realized was a hollow log resting about 3 feet of the ground. The critters ran over to the stump and proceeded to play their game of tag all over the stump and fallen tree. I sat about 15 yards away, amazed.

By then I realized my medieval creatures were porcupines. I had watched many porcupines in the time I’ve spent in the woods but never like this and never so loud. They chased each other all over the stump. They were alternating squealing like little pigs, then whimpering and calling to each other.

For a while I was enthralled by the scenes unfolding in front of me but then I began to realize just how much noise they were making while I sat and tried to hunt. Unbelievably I noticed they had two more buddies coming across the valley to join them in this noisy interruption of my morning hunt.

That was the final straw. I took action and lept to my feet. I had to end this craziness. I walked toward the two now coming to join the rest. Their little eyes had the deer-in-the-headlights look as I moved toward them. They quickly turned and scurried back across the streambed and into the green briar thicket. I turned and went to do battle with the four remaining creatures on the stump.

They looked at me and whimpered.

Quickly they dove into the hollow log.

As I got closer and heard their whimpering sounds I felt bad for interrupting their morning play time. From within the log one of them turned and looked back at me with a nasty glimmer in his eye as if to say, go ahead, make my day.

I decided that was enough to quiet these little beasts down so I went back to sit on my stool against the hemlock for another hour or so and heard more whimpers from the hollow log but the beasts didn’t like the big ugly critter camped out next to them and stayed in until after I left. Of course, I didn’t see the buck I was hoping for that morning. n Jay M. Matteson is an avid outdoorsman, naturalist and Boy Scout leader who lives in southern Jefferson County with his wife and son. He graduated from Unity College in Maine with a degree in wildlife biology. His column appears in every issue.

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Thousand Islands

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