Just in case you were looking for something to do this weekend.

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DEC to Host 25th Annual Salmon River Fish Hatchery Open House on Sept. 28

09/18/2024

DEC to Host 25th Annual Salmon River Fish Hatchery Open House on Sept. 28 Free Event Celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Day; Features Tours, Displays, Information, and Games for Families Opportunities Support Governor Kathy Hochul’s ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ Campaign New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today invited the public to the 25th annual Salmon River Fish Hatchery Open House and Family Day on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free, rain-or-shine event celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Day and complements Governor Kathy Hochul’s ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ campaign to encourage New Yorkers to put down their phones and screens and spend time in nature. The Salmon River Fish Hatchery is located at 2133 County Route 22, Altmar, Oswego County.  “DEC welcomes outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, abilities, and interests to continue the tradition or start a new one at the 25th annual Salmon River Fish Hatchery Open House on September 28th,” said Interim Commissioner Mahar. “Join DEC’s regional staff and local partners for a behind-the-scenes look at how DEC contributes to world-class trout and salmon fishing in Lake Ontario and its tributaries, including the exceptional Salmon River.” National Hunting and Fishing Day was designated by Congress in 1972 to encourage people to experience, understand, and appreciate traditional outdoor sports and recreation and natural resources. This day also recognizes hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation.  DEC will lead tours of the facility between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., providing rare behind-the-scenes access to the hatchery's inner workings. Guests can visit the redesigned fish observation decks, which are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and offer new and improved views of salmon as they migrate. Visitors can also observe New York fish in the hatchery's indoor aquaria and learn about rare and threatened fish species in New York State. Outside on the grounds, youth can learn how to cast a fishing rod. The tour of the hatchery includes one flight of stairs. To complement scheduled program events, several conservation organizations, fishing and hunting clubs, and outdoor recreation groups will present displays and activities to share information about their role in the Salmon River corridor and the Lake Ontario ecosystem.  Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay said, “The Salmon River Fish Hatchery is the perfect setting to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day. It’s a place I’ve visited many times, and a great venue to showcase New York’s natural landscape and everything our outdoor resources have to offer,” said. “This event is a fantastic opportunity for families and residents of Oswego County to connect with our state’s rich heritage of fishing, and enjoy tours, displays and games. I commend the staff at the Salmon River hatchery for organizing this event and promoting the unique benefits of spending time outdoors.” New York State Tug Hill Commission Executive Director Katie Malinowski said, “Congratulations to the Salmon River Fish Hatchery for holding this family-friendly event for 25 years! The hatchery facility is key to the success of the Salmon River fishery, such an important part of the natural resources-based economy of Oswego County and Tug Hill. The behind-the-scenes tours for area residents and out-of-town visitors provide an increased understanding of the science and effort involved, and the opportunity for partner organization displays adds enhanced educational opportunities to the day.” New York State Conservation Fund Advisory Board (CFAB) DEC Region 7 Representative Shari Dann said, “This Open House gives families a great way to celebrate the fishing heritage that the Salmon River gifts to us. Nearly 90 years ago, New York State sportspersons advocated for a unique way to pay for conservation – by setting aside license fees into what we now know as the Conservation Fund. There, these monies are protected and then matched by a Federal excise tax on recreational gear. Today, there is a diverse group of us as members of the CFAB who are charged with overseeing this Fund for the benefit of places like the Salmon River watershed.”  Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District Manager Joe Chairvolotti said, “Oswego County SWCD has participated in this outstanding and well-attended outreach event nearly every year since the beginning. We offer congratulations for the upcoming milestone anniversary and look forward to being a part of the 25th annual event. We will have a hands-on display featuring over twenty natural resource related items, along with informational brochures and handouts, and a coloring table for children.” Oswego County Community Development, Tourism and Planning Deputy Director Daniel Breitweg said, “Oswego County is home to some of the best fishing in the Northeast – due in no small part to the efforts of the state DEC’s Salmon River Fish Hatchery. Its stocking program helped establish Lake Ontario and its tributaries as a premier fishing destination. Anglers from across the country and around the world travel to this area to try to reel in a fish story of their own. We applaud the hatchery and its staff, not only for its stocking program, but for providing community events like this open house. It’s a great opportunity for residents and visitors to get a behind-the-scenes view of what it takes to maintain a world-class fishery.” The event complements Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign and recent announcement encouraging New Yorker’s participation in statewide Fish and Wildlife Day events on Sept. 28. New York’s kids and families are encouraged to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings, and put their mental and physical health first. The campaign builds on the Governor's efforts to promote healthy living among young people and families, including signing first-in-the-nation legislation to protect kids from addictive social media feeds and shield their personal data from online platforms.  The Salmon River boasts a world-class fishery for migrating Lake Ontario trout and salmon. Bring your fishing gear and experience the thrill anywhere along the 12 miles of public access, served by 12 DEC parking areas and several other access points in the village of Pulaski. DEC also recommends visiting Salmon River Falls Unique Area, located approximately six miles from the hatchery. The area offers hiking trails, including a short quarter-mile accessible crushed stone trail leading to two observation points for a 110-foot waterfall that offer views of spectacular scenery.  Visit DEC's website for more information about the Salmon River Fish Hatchery, Salmon River Falls Unique Area, to view the Salmon River management and restoration plans, and for more information about the State Conservation Fund Advisory Board.  For specific questions about the open house, please contact Betsy Ukeritis, DEC Environmental Educator, at (315) 314-0768. The hatchery is open to the public for self-guided tours 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., every day, April through November.