News Summary
The holiday weekend in the Adirondacks showcased a blend of successful fishing, conservation initiatives, and community events despite challenging weather. Successful catches were reported at Woodhull Lake, while vigilant conservation efforts included the rescue and rehabilitation of a Loon. The Old Forge Garden Club held its most successful plant sale yet, amidst ongoing concerns about fire risks due to dry conditions. The weekend also featured the traditional ‘90-Miler’ Adirondack Canoe Classic event, underlining the community’s commitment to preserving their natural surroundings while promoting outdoor activities.
Old Forge, NY – The holiday weekend in the Adirondacks was marked by successful fishing trips and ongoing conservation efforts, even as weather conditions complicated activities in the region. A series of thunderstorms on Thursday, September 4, brought well-needed rainfall of nearly an inch, with an additional half-inch on Saturday. Although this rainfall was generally absorbed by the forest, it did little to replenish local water bodies, including a local pond that remained significantly low.
Notably, no migrating shorebirds were sighted around the pond’s bare edge, indicating a change in conditions compared to past years when such birds were commonly observed in similar situations. In contrast, at Woodhull Lake, fishing proved fruitful as local anglers, including community members, reported successful catches of bass hiding amid visible sunken stumps now exposed due to receding water levels.
While the rain brought some relief, the prior dry conditions resulted in a significant leaf drop, prompting concerns about potential surface fires in the woods. Campers and visitors are advised to clear burnable materials away from campfire sites to mitigate fire risks in the area. Recent incidents underscore these concerns, such as a fire that consumed approximately three acres in the Moose River area. This fire was reportedly ignited by campers who built a fire on duff, highlighting the need for caution and responsible fire management.
Amid the firefighting efforts, a thunderstorm complicated operations, dropping nearly two inches of rain. Despite this, the fire continued to burn, primarily underground in the duff layer. Response teams worked diligently, with Forest Ranger Jerry Husson coordinating the efforts to dig a fire line around the blaze using bulldozers. In a remarkable account, a local pilot assisted in surveying the situation while portable pumps were flown in by Forest Rangers to aid in containing the fire.
A separate incident highlighted the importance of wildlife conservation when a Loon was found in a construction parking area south of Boonville. The bird was rescued and taken to the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation for rehabilitation. After examinations, the Loon was banded and subsequently released back into its natural habitat, a testament to ongoing conservation efforts.
Despite uncertain weather, the Old Forge Garden Club successfully held its annual plant sale at the Old Forge Library on Saturday, September 6. The event featured over 200 flowering plants, with club member Tara Potempa adding a creative touch to attract attention by dressing as a flower lady. The sale turned out to be the club’s most successful to date, with many plants being deer-resistant and expected to bloom across the Old Forge area in the upcoming summer.
The weekend also saw the “90-Miler” Adirondack Canoe Classic event proceed with relatively few challenges, drawing participants from across the region. This annual event is crucial for promoting outdoor activities in the Adirondacks and has become a tradition for canoe enthusiasts.
Background context reveals that many of these events and conservation efforts benefit from the decades of experience of local experts, including former Forest Ranger Gary Lee, who has 35 years of service and extensive involvement in wildlife conservation initiatives.
Overall, the combination of successful fishing and vigilant conservation efforts reflects the community’s resilience and commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Adirondacks while promoting sustainable recreational activities.
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Additional Resources
- Adirondack Almanack: Fishing with Grandson Jake & Rescuing a Loon
- Wikipedia: Fishing
- UticaOD: Remsen Man Drowns While Fishing
- Google Search: Adirondack Lake drownings
- Dougherty Funeral: James Woodhull Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Adirondack Almanack: New Rules for Fishing in the Adirondacks
- Google News: Fishing Rules Adirondacks
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
