Attendees Learn About a Series of New Ecological and Recreational Projects Throughout the Onondaga Lake Watershed
Thousands of Central New York families participated in and learned about a number of outdoor recreational opportunities during the 2019 Honeywell Sportsmen’s Days. The Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs hosted the annual event September 28 and 29 at Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery in Elbridge. The event was created as a tribute to National Hunting and Fishing Day and is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in New York State, featuring several hands-on activities, engaging presentations, and information on new local projects.
Community members of all ages enjoyed outdoor activities with local woodsmen and sports enthusiasts, including archery, fly fishing, trout fishing, canoeing, and turkey calling. Professional fishermen answered questions and offered tips, and attendees had the chance to meet conservation officers and forest rangers who made guest appearances throughout the weekend.
Left: Grace Millet, 9, of Liverpool, fishes for trout in the public fishing pond at Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery.
Right: Six-year-old Robert Murray, of Elbridge, tries his hand at archery with instruction by Jim Kilmartin from the Clay Sportsman’s Club.
Central New York residents learned about outdoor recreation, and habitat and wildlife conservation, through presentations and displays by area wildlife artists, professional chefs, Hall of Fame sportsmen, and retriever and pointer dog trainers. Experts led demonstrations and hosted displays on live pheasants, birds of prey, survival skills, and taxidermy.
Left: Six-year-old Dexter Rinaldi, of Warners, paddles a canoe across the pond with his father, Damian. “This is a good family event. There is lots to learn and do,” said Damian Rinaldi, who attended Honeywell Sportsmen’s Days this year for the first time.
Right: New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame President Stephen Wowelko demonstrates fileting and cooking pickerel, one of many cooking demonstrations that took place throughout the weekend.
Left: Ten-year-old Allison Darling, of Auburn, prepares to throw a hatchet while keeping her eye on the target in the hatchet-throwing area.
Right: Walden Schild, 5, of Liverpool, reels in his line while trout fishing. Walden is already an avid fan of fishing.
At its booth, Honeywell shared information about joining the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps, updated attendees on habitat restoration progress achieved as part of the Onondaga Lake cleanup, and shared information about new recreational and ecological projects underway. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are overseeing the implementation of a series of projects to restore and protect wildlife habitat and water quality, and increase recreational opportunities at Onondaga Lake.
Project highlights include connecting the Erie Canal Trail from Camillus to Onondaga Lake, extending the Loop-the-Lake trail, creating 100 acres of native grassland habitat, providing increased access for fishing and recreation, and preserving wetlands, restoring habitat, and conserving more than 1,400 acres within the Onondaga Lake watershed.
Left: Property along the Seneca River was developed for use as a public boat launch, featuring a concrete boat ramp, floating boat dock, a platform compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, and a parking area.
Right: Rendering of the future Kenneth P. Lynch Boat Launch at Onondaga Lake for trailered motorboats and car-top boats such as canoes and kayaks. Lynch is a retired DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner and former DEC Region 7 Director. The free, public boat launch will be located off of Exit 7 on I-690 West and is expected to open in 2020.
Bill Lansley (left), Onondaga County Parks Commissioner and President of the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, gives Honeywell’s John McAuliffe a tour of the trout ponds at Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery.
“The Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and other local habitat and conservation groups have shared valuable feedback with Honeywell that has helped shape habitat restoration efforts and recreational access at Onondaga Lake and its tributaries,” said John McAuliffe, Honeywell Remediation Director, Design and Construction. “This event provides a wonderful opportunity for community members to enjoy recreational activities in our own backyard.”
“Honeywell Sportsmen’s Days showcases local conservation efforts and outdoor sports for thousands of Central New York families,” said Bill Lansley, Onondaga County Parks Commissioner and Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs President. “Honeywell’s partnership with our member organizations and Onondaga County Parks is critical to the success of this annual event.”
View more photographs of Honeywell Sportsmen’s Days at Carpenter’s Brook.
For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, please visit www.lakecleanup.com.
