Come say “hi” to OCCA this weekend at the Cherry Valley Outdoor Games! June 17th, 18th, and 19th at Alden Field in Cherry Valley. You can find more information about the event and a schedule of events here. The OCCA table will have information about upcoming programming, information about our clean energy campaign, HeatSmart Mohawk Valley, and much more! We look forward to seeing you there.
Due to beaver activity and issues with the spillway, a portion of the Blue Trail at Basswood Pond State Forest is under anywhere from 10 to 16 inches of water across a 50’ span of trail, making it impossible to complete the ~2 mile loop. DEC staff have been attempting to lower the water level for some time but have been unsuccessful so far. We will keep you updated as the situation changes.
Water chestnut (Trapa natans), a highly-invasive aquatic plant, has been found in two areas of Canadarago Lake, as well as in the Susquehanna River channel between Goodyear Lake and the “Stump Lot”. Please join us for the following events aimed at eliminating the spread of this noxious plant:
Wednesday, June 22, noon, at the NYS boat launch on Canadarago Lake, 135 Dennison Road, Richfield Springs, NY. Teams will search different quadrants of the lake for water chestnut and will remove what we find. Bring your own watercraft.
Saturday, June 25, 9am at the Portlandville Fishing Access Site, 42.528447, -74.971165 (~1/3 mile south of County Route 35A). Efforts will be focused on removal of as much water chestnut as possible. Bring your own watercraft or reserve space in an OCCA canoe!
Sign up for either program here.
All lovers of our lakes and ponds, rivers and streams please be on the lookout for aquatic invasive species, and please remember to thoroughly clean, drain and dry (and/or disinfect) all watercraft and gear when leaving the water. Click here for information on clean, drain and dry techniques, and click here for tips on how to properly disinfect your watercraft.
Paddle and Pull at Silver Lake
June 18th, 10am to 2pm
Silver Lake is a beautiful lake with an invasive species problem. Join OCCA and members of the Silver Lake community as we work on ridding the lake of water chestnut and European frog-bit, two highly invasive aquatic plants. At the request of the community, only OCCA canoes will be allowed on the lake, so sign up for your space early! Dress to get wet and muddy, bring sunscreen and a hat. Lunch will be provided. Please register using the form below. Meet at 162 Shore Drive, New Berlin. Please register here.
Paddle and Pull at Goodyear Lake
June 25th, 9am to 12pm
Water chestnut is not going away without a fight. Help us as we work to remove this noxious invasive plant from the waters of Goodyear Lake. Bring your own watercraft or reserve a space in an OCCA canoe. Bring sunscreen, water and a hat, and expect to get a little wet and possibly a little muddy. Meet at the New York State Fishing Access Site on Route 28 in Portlandville. Please click here to register and let us know how many in your party if you need a canoe.