The Friends
are proud to announce that we have secured the following capacity
building grants that will greatly help us in strengthening our
organization for the benefit of Connetquot River State Park Preserve:
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FOC Newsletter, Chairman’s Letter, Winter 2009
Happy New Year!
As we start a new year, let's hope we can look
forward to a prosperous, healthy 2009. I'd like to
thank the Board of Directors, all members, donors,
volunteers, and park staff for making 2008 a
successful year.
The hatchery closing remains our major concern. The
Friends have been trying diligently to convince New
York State park authorities and the Department of
Environmental Conservation to either abandon or at
least postpone the closing, scheduled for December
31, 2008. The DEC insisted that all fish in the
hatchery be released before that date. Therefore,
all the fish were released from the hatchery ponds
into the river or transferred to the main pond and
Slade's pond. The State has submitted an application
to the DEC to begin a test procedure to raise fish
from eggs using well water. Eggs will be obtained
from an outside source. Pond number ten will be
sanitized for this purpose. As of this writing,
there has been no decision made by the DEC, and no
permit issued. Stay tuned for results.
Fishing resumed on January 2, with a creel limit of
ten fish per angler, per session. With all those
fish in the river and ponds fishing should be well
above par.
The restoration of the mill continues to progress
smoothly. The new sill beams and floor joists are in
place. The mill has been lowered onto its new
foundation. There is a significant amount of work
remaining to replace posts and beams damaged by dry
rot and powder beetles. The new flooring will then
be installed and new roof and siding shingles will
follow. The Hollien crew is doing a superb job. If
the weather holds out, we should see significant
progress in the weeks ahead. We are still seeking
grants and donations to offset the costs.
The Board is considering several options to arrive
at an appropriate strategy for protecting the river
from potential hazardous spills at the overpass on
Veterans Highway. We will keep you informed.
It was exciting to spot a mature Bald Eagle that has
been present since late November. Many park patrons
have reported sightings. There seems to be a reduced
migration of birds and waterfowl this year. Less
ducks than usual are occupying the main pond. I hope
that as the winter progresses we will see more of
them returning.
Visit the park. If you have never done so, take a
house tour (available on weekends).
Sincerely,
Bob Labuski
