News Summary
This holiday weekend in the Adirondacks saw successful fishing outings and wildlife conservation efforts amid significant rainfall and firefighting challenges. While rain replenished the region, dry conditions increased fire risks, prompting caution among visitors. A Loon was rescued and successfully released after treatment, showcasing community commitment to wildlife. The Old Forge Garden Club held a productive plant sale despite weather challenges, and the ‘90-Miler’ Adirondack Canoe Classic showcased the resilience of outdoor enthusiasts. These events highlight the dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the area.
Old Forge, NY – A holiday weekend in the Adirondacks was marked by successful fishing trips and notable wildlife conservation efforts, alongside significant rainfall and ongoing fire management challenges. Rainfall brought much-needed moisture to the area, with thunderstorms delivering an inch of rain on Thursday, September 4, and light rain contributing another half-inch on Saturday, September 6. However, much of this precipitation was absorbed by the forest, leading to very little runoff, leaving local ponds – including one that remained roughly a foot low – dry.
Despite the rainfall, the expected migration of shorebirds around the pond’s bare edge did not materialize, as they have been seen in past similar conditions. At Woodhull Lake, individuals enjoyed a fruitful fishing day. Typically submerged sunken stumps were now visible and were concealing bass, providing excellent fishing opportunities for those who ventured out.
Concerns arose regarding fire hazards in the region. Dry conditions resulted in significant leaf drop, increasing the potential for surface fires in wooded areas. Visitors were advised to exercise caution by clearing burnable materials away from campfires. A fire incident in the Moose River Area illustrated these risks. Campers inadvertently sparked a fire while building a campfire on dry duff, consuming approximately three acres of land. The incident required intervention from local forest rangers who utilized portable pumps flown in to aid firefighting efforts.
A thunderstorm later provided nearly two inches of rain while the firefighting operations were underway. However, the fire continued to burn, primarily underground, complicating the control efforts. To manage the situation, Forest Ranger Jerry Husson oversaw the construction of a fire line around the affected area using a bulldozer.
In addition to fire management, wildlife conservation efforts were highlighted with the rescue of a Loon found in a construction parking area south of Boonville. After rescue, the Loon received treatment at the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation. Following health examinations, the bird was banded and successfully released back into the wild.
The local community also engaged in environmental stewardship and horticulture during the weekend. The Old Forge Garden Club hosted its annual plant sale at the Old Forge Library on September 6, despite inclement weather affecting attendance. The event showcased over 200 flowering plants, many of which are deer-resistant and expected to thrive in gardens across the Old Forge area next summer. Club member Tara Potempa creatively dressed as a flower lady to attract customers, contributing to the event being labeled as the club’s most successful sale to date.
Finally, the “90-Miler” Adirondack Canoe Classic event took place, showcasing the resilience and spirit of those involved. Although challenges arose throughout the event, participants continued to demonstrate their commitment to outdoor activities in the region.
The stories of fishing triumphs, wildlife rescues, and community involvement exemplify the dedication to preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Adirondacks. The experiences shared over this holiday weekend brought together both visitors and residents, emphasizing the importance of conservation and outdoor recreation in the area.
With a background of over 35 years as a Forest Ranger and active participation in wildlife conservation, the insights shared about the enduring efforts to protect and enhance these natural spaces underscore a collective responsibility to sustain the Adirondack environment for future generations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore 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 the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
