May 6, 2017: 11th Annual Wildlife Festival at the Montezuma Audubon Center –

The Montezuma Audubon Center’s 11th Annual Wildlife Festival on Saturday, May 6th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will celebrate the Montezuma Wetlands Complex as a critically important habitat for millions of migratory birds with activities for all ages. Games, crafts, music, and theatrical performances at the Family Theater and Activity Tent are just some of the events that will entertain the large audience expected at the festival this year.

“There will be something for everyone at our largest event of the year,” said Chris Lajewski, Center Director at the Montezuma Audubon Center. “The weather is warming, the sun is shining, and the birds are returning to Montezuma’s forests, wetlands and grasslands. Spring is a great time to experience the impressive bird migration and we look forward to seeing families from across the Finger Lakes Region at this exciting and unique event.”

Live animal shows, music, food, guided canoeing and bird watching walks, children’s activities, local artisans & crafters, prizes, and a huge bounce house. 10am to 3pm. MAC, 2295 Route 89, Savannah. (315) 365-3588.  For more information visit http://ny.audubon.org/montezuma

Are you a farmer or rancher whose operation has been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic? USDA is implementing Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Applications will be accepted through December 11, 2020

CFAP 2 will provide up to $14 billion to eligible producers of certain row crops, livestock, dairy, specialty crops, aquaculture, and more. All eligible commodities, payment rates, and calculations can be found on farmers.gov/cfap. CFAP 2 is a separate program from the first iteration of the program (CFAP 1) and interested producers must complete a new application to be eligible for payment for CFAP 2.

Application Options

Producers have several options for applying to the CFAP 2 program by the Dec. 11 deadline:

Using an online portal at farmers.gov/cfap. This allows producers with secure USDA login credentials, known as eAuthentication, to certify eligible commodities online, digitally sign applications and submit directly to the local USDA Service Center. Completing the application form using our CFAP 2 Application Generator and Payment Calculator found at farmers.gov/cfap. This Excel workbook allows customers to input information specific to their operation to determine estimated payments and populate the application form, which can be printed, then signed and submitted to their local USDA Service Center.

Downloading the AD-3117 application form from farmers.gov/cfap and manually completing the form to submit to the local USDA Service Center by mail, electronically, or by hand delivery to an office dropbox. In some limited cases, the office may be open for in-person business by appointment. Visit farmers.gov/coronavirus/service-center-status to check the status of your local office.

USDA Service Centers can also work with producers to complete and securely transmit digitally-signed applications through two commercially available tools: Box and OneSpan. Producers who are interested in digitally signing their applications should notify their local FSA office when calling to discuss the CFAP 2 application process. You can learn more about these solutions at farmers.gov/mydocs.

Producers of commodities with payments based on acreage will use acreage and yield information provided by FSA through the annual acreage reporting process. Producers have the option to complete their application by working directly with their local FSA office or online through the CFAP 2 Application Portal.

For more information visit https://www.farmers.gov/cfap

Williamson Town Park Loop Trail

a message from NYS DEC:

During the current COVID-19 public health crisis, getting outdoors and connecting with nature is a way to help maintain our mental and physical health. Scientific studies show that time outside in nature, especially among trees, significantly reduces stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, improves mood, energy, and sleep, and boosts the immune system.

Hiking

While indoor spaces and restrooms at NYSDEC environmental education centers, hatcheries, and other public facilities are closed out of an abundance of caution to prevent community spread of COVID-19, the grounds and trails are open to welcome visitors during daylight hours, seven days a week. Any entry fees are waived. Public trails in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks and State Forests throughout the state are also always open (please note: there is still snow in many areas, please check local conditions). Find a location near you on the DEC’s website. As always, State Lands and facilities are being monitored by DEC Forest Rangers and other staff, though interactions with visitors will incorporate social distancing to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.

Families with children at home during this time are encouraged to visit DEC’s education webpage to find activities to help explore nature and fun outdoor activities under “Kids G.O (Get Outside)” and “Nature Activities,” plus lesson plans on a variety of topics for different grade levels in “Educator Lesson Plans” and “Hudson River Lesson Plans.” In addition, students can read about nature in “Conservationist for Kids.”

In addition, New York State sporting licenses for anglers and hunters are available on DEC’s sporting license webpage.

DEC will provide updates periodically via email, social media, and at www.dec.ny.gov. We will also be available to respond to questions or concerns regarding visitation opportunities at contact@dec.ny.gov.

While enjoying outdoor spaces, please continue to follow the CDC/NYSDOH’s guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19:

  • Try to keep at least six (6) feet of distance between you and others.
  • Avoid close contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, and kissing.
  • Wash hands often or use a hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs, handrails, and playground equipment.

The NYSDEC recommends avoiding busy trailheads. Find the trails less traveled and visit when trails may not be as busy during daylight hours. Remember to always be safe and sustainable when recreating outdoors. Learn more about how you can protect natural spaces when exploring outdoors by following the seven principles of Leave no Trace. Please note that campgrounds, boat launches, and other gated facilities that do not typically open until late spring or early summer will open and operate as usual. Visit the campground and day-use area webpage for more information.

Please visit nature and the outdoors responsibly and stay safe.

Thank you.

New York State is truly The Big Apple for a reason. It is the second largest apple producing state in the United States.

Wayne County NY, located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, is the number one apple producing county in New York State. Travel our scenic country roads, ablaze in autumn glory from market to market. Take this opportunity to explore the essence of the apple. Each stop is unique, as is the taste and texture of apples. Discover the flavors, colors, and sizes…apples are as individual as we are! Everyone can be an expert!

Apple taste testing is one way to learn the differences in apples including taste, texture and scent. Drive yourself from market to market and taste the different varieties and take the “Apple Taste Test”. Enjoy apples, baked goods, cider, fresh produce, door prize drawings and more!

20th Annual Apple Tasting Tour

Tour Challenge – October 1 – 31, 2017
Click here for a link to the apple tasting tour challenge form and brochure. Collect stamps at each stop for a gift basket giveaway

Tour Feature: Tasting Weekend is October 6 – 9, 2017.
Each stop is unique during this special weekend. Apple tastings, food samples, door prizes, great events and lots of fun!

www.facebook.com/AppleTastingTour
www.AppleTastingTour.com

NYS DEC’s new spotted lanternfly look-alikes poster

The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a pesky invasive pest that feeds on lots of important New York plants, such as apple trees and hops vines. With the recent finding of spotted lanternfly (SLF) on Staten Island, it’s never been more important for people to be on the lookout for this invasive insect. Since SLF spreads primarily through human activity, we really can make a difference.

A spotted lanternfly egg mass on the left, next to a gypsy moth egg mass on the right (Photo credit: Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State Extension)

When you’re keeping a watchful eye, know that SLF can be confused with other common insects you might spot flying around this fall. This time of year, the eastern boxelder bug or even gypsy moth eggs may catch your eye. The NYS DEC SLF poster is here to help, with photos of SLF as well as some common look-alikes.

The eastern boxelder bug has black and red markings similar to those of an invasive spotted lanternfly nymph, but the elongated body and red eyes of the eastern boxelder bug help set it apart from SLF. You might find eastern boxelder bugs lounging in sunny spots or even in your home but not to worry – unlike spotted lanternfly they’re harmless.

With high rates of gypsy moth infestation in New York this year, you’re more likely to see their eggs than SLF eggs but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be on the lookout. If you find an egg mass remember, spotted lanternfly eggs look a bit like mud that has dried and cracked. You can find SLF eggs just about anywhere including on firewood, trees, or even cars. Gypsy moth eggs, on the other hand, are lighter in color and fuzzy in texture. You’ll spot gypsy moth eggs on trees, firewood, or piles of rocks, but not on household items like SLF egg masses

Everyone can help protect New York?s agriculture by keeping an eye out for spotted lanternfly. Be sure to download the new NYS DEC’s SLF poster to help your friends and family know what to look for. If you believe you’ve seen the invasive spotted lanternfly, please send a photo and the location to spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov.

International Joint Commission (IJC) Seeking Comments on Phase I Review of Water Levels Plan

The Great Lakes Adaptive Management (GLAM) Committee has completed its Phase I review of Plan 2014, the plan for regulating Lake Ontario outflows. The Plan went into effect in 2017 and was preceded by extremely wet conditions, causing significant flooding impacts to both US and Canadian communities. In response to public concerns, the IJC asked the GLAM Committee to launch an expedited review.

There are two review phases, the first phase focused on providing information to the IJC’s International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board (ILOSLRB) during this ongoing period of near-record high inflows from Lake Erie. It analyzed the impact of high water levels on shoreline homes, marinas, commercial shippers and more. Early results in 2020 helped the ILOSLRB set Lake Ontario outflows more effectively in the spring of that year. The full review of Phase I is now complete and available for public comment.

Comments can be submitted on the IJC’s website until April 14, visit www.GLAM-Engage.ijc.org

Read the Report

The second phase will address extreme high and low water levels over the longer term. In this phase the GLAM Committee will advise the ILOSLRB on whether adjustments to the plan might make sense, not just for the current conditions, but overall. That review is expected to be completed by late 2024.

Any changes to Plan 2014 would need to be approved by the IJC and agreed to by the Governments of Canada and the United States.

wetlands_work_for_usThe Nature Conservancy has been awarded a $193,521 grant from the Sustain Our Great Lakes program to restore and enhance more than 115 acres of wetland habitat in Sodus Bay by reconnecting floodplain  habitat and assessing road-stream crossings that prevent fish from reaching spawning habitats.

The effort is a partnership among Save our Sodus, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), the Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and The Nature Conservancy. With contributions from partners and private funders, the total budget for the project amounts to more than $362,000.

“Sustain Our Great Lakes and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) have been critical partners in protecting wetlands,” said Jim Howe, executive director of The Nature Conservancy’s Central and Western New York Chapter. “Healthy wetlands filter our water, absorb storm surges and provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife. They’re vital to maintaining a healthy Bay and the benefits it provides―recreational boating, fishing, swimming and tourism―to our local economy.

The Nature Conservancy will first assess the effectiveness of 10 existing road stream crossings in improving passage for fish to upstream spawning habitat. Then, beginning in winter 2017 when the wetland mat is still frozen, an excavator will be used to create a more natural wetland with a meandering stream corridor, at least two acres of backwater potholes and new channels that connect streams to their floodplains. The revitalized wetland will offer new and improved habitat for species like northern pike, black ducks, green winged teal, least bitterns and potentially even black terns, a NYS-threatened species that hasn’t been observed breeding in the area in 10 years.

“The southern Sodus Bay wetland is one of only a few remaining coastal wetland complexes in the Lake Ontario basin,” said Gregg Sargis, director of ecological management for The Nature Conservancy. In addition to restoring wetland habitats for fish and wildlife, this project will make the shoreline of Lake Ontario more resilient for people by absorbing storm surge, increasing flood storage and reducing the amount of nutrients and pollutants entering Sodus Bay.”

This wetland restoration project will be a great benefit to the entire watershed community, economically and environmentally,” said Save Our Sodus Board Member Edward Leroux. “Not only will the project benefit fish and wildlife, but the improved functioning of the wetland will significantly reduce nutrient loading from tributaries flowing to the Bay. Projects such as this one are an important contribution to the preservation of our recreation- and tourism-based economy as well as shore owners.

This project will also build upon invasive species management efforts currently underway across Sodus Bay while helping to deepen partnership for the benefit of the region,” said Lindsay Gerstenslager, District Manager for the Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District. “The District is glad to have worked with many partners to improve water quality and invasive species management over the years, and adding The Nature Conservancy to these efforts will broaden our scope and expertise.”

“We are excited to work with The Nature Conservancy on this important project,” added Gregory Boyer, Director of Great Lakes Research and Professor of Biochemistry at SUNY-ESF. “While this project will improve fish habitat in the wetlands, we are hoping it will have an equally important role in limiting the nutrients entering Sodus Bay via Sodus Creek. This should lead to long-term benefits such as improved water quality and a reduction in harmful algal blooms that have plagued the Bay in past years.”

Additional private funds will be needed to complete this vital environmental restoration initiative. The Helen & Ritter Shumway Foundation has provided a grant in support of the effort, and The Nature Conservancy will be looking to raise additional funds over the next year.

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership that supports habitat restoration in the Great Lakes basin. Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a significant portion of program funding is provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), a federal program designed to protect, restore and enhance the Great Lakes ecosystem. In 2016, the Sustain Our Great Lakes program awarded The Nature Conservancy $1.19 million for Great Lakes coastal wetland conservation projects in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and New York.

Full press release can be found here.

PRESS: The Nature Conservancy and Partners to Restore Sodus Bay Wetlands for People and Nature Sustain Our Great Lakes grant will help revitalize more than 115 acres of coastal wetland habitat along Sodus Bay

Contacts:
November 15, 2016 Contact: Kate Frazer
For Immediate Release Communications Manager
kfrazer@tnc.org, cell: 339-222-2014

On October 30th the Genesee Land Trust will host a “work party” at Alasa Farms to help with trail improvements. ( Registration required)

According to the Genesee Land Trust’s website, “Work Parties are family-friendly weekend events where volunteers work alongside Genesee Land Trust staff on the trail and habitat improvement projects. If you’ve got some time on the weekends and an interest in giving back to the local conservation lands we invite you to join in on the work party fun.”

To attend you must sign up  (click here to sign up)    Once you register an e-mail reminder will be sent the week of the event with directions and parking details. Contact Kevin Farrell at kfarrell@geneseelandtrust.org with questions.

Alasa Farms, located in North Rose, has had over 350 acres of woodlands, two creeks that feed Sodus Bay, marsh along the Bay, and rolling orchards on fields of fertile soil. The woods, fields, and wetlands provide resting areas for migrating songbirds on their journeys north to Canada and after their long flights from as far away as South America.

Conservation Event:

When: October 30th
Time: 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Where: Cracker Box Palace
6420 Shaker Rd
North Rose, NY, 14516 (map)

 

 

The public comment period for New York’s Draft Great Lakes Action Agenda 2030 (GLAA) has been extended until November 25th. Feedback can be provided by emailing greatlakes@dec.ny.gov.

Public webinars to review the GLAA and discuss it with NY Great Lakes basin stakeholders were held on October 25th and November 14th. The presentation slides and recording from the October webinar can be found here. A recording of the November 14th webinar is available upon request.

State Agriculture Commissioner Announces Application Now Open for NYS Grown & Certified Agricultural Producers’ Grant Program
$5 Million Available Statewide to Help NYS Farmers Meet Food Safety Standards and Participate in the New York State Grown & Certified Program

Funding Provided in the 2017-18 New York State Budget Deadline for Eligible Applicants to Apply through the State’s Regional Economic Development Councils Consolidated Funding Application is Friday, July 28

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced that eligible applicants can now apply for the $5 million New York State Grown & Certified Agricultural Producers’ Grant Program. Funded through the 2017-18 New York State Budget, the program is part of the Regional Economic Development Councils process. It was created to assist New York State agricultural producers meet food safety standards and join the New York State Grown & Certified program.

 

More information on the Agricultural Producers’ Grant Program here, or contact District Technician, AEM Specialist Ian Priestley
Email: priestleyswcd@rochester.rr.com

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