It’s been a long, frustrating April for many folks. We didn’t get the same level of severe weather that devastated the Souteast and mid Atlantic, but seemingly daily rains, cool temps and then flooding destroyed our hopes for a “normal” spring season. Now it appears those conditions have extended into the month of May, much to many outdoors people’s frustration.
It’s not as though we haven’t seen lousy springtime weather before. In fact, we had a similar situation three years ago, but this year’s version seems worse because it’s been so consistent. Whether it’s turkey hunting, fishing, gardening, or general outdoor tasks, conditions have been unfavorable to do them effectively. Now, just trying to keep our lawns mowed has become a challenge.
In reality there’s not much we can do to improve conditions, so the alternative is pretty simple – wait for the northern jet stream to move farther north and in a more normal pattern. However, if those previous springs that were basically washouts are any indication, we may jump ahead rather suddenly into summer-like conditions. As I and others have noticed in recent years, we often don’t have traditional spring and autumn weather seasons now, but rather summer and winter seasons, with little transition periods in between.
The worse thing about not having a normal spring season is it impacts so many activities. The below normal temps and above normal precip delay hen turkeys from nesting and also slows turkey mating activities. If it continues too long, it can also decimate the year’s poult production and survival, meaning fewer turkeys for not just this year but next year as well.
With the recent flooding, anglers eager to fish our local rivers will be handcuffed until waters drop to more normal levels. The month of May is a favorite time for anglers to fish for walleye in our local rivers, but that may have to wait a few weeks until rivers settle to more normal levels. Even pond and lake anglers will see slower fishing success due to the water temps being lower and fish less active. Trout anglers may have a bit better since streams and brooks should see their levels drop and return to normal faster than the rivers will. In addition to trout, the old reliable fish of spring?the bullhead?should be readily catchable despite the poor conditions. Also for anglers, a complete listing of 2011 warmwater fishing hotspots recommended by DEC biologists can be found at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/64710.html.
Gardeners, if they’re anything like me, must be frustrated at the lateness of normal spring planting conditions. The ground soil is so saturated that tilling is, at best, questionable, and planting many of the earlier vegetables is a a “hope they don’t rot” situation. That is, if you can work your plot(s) up so planting can be done. No doubt the normal garden variety weeds will get a jump-start, which will demand more intense and frequent cultivating throughout this year’s growing season.
Those who enjoy hiking – be it on trails or bushwhacking – may find their way encumbered by washouts, downed trees and large branches or normally small streams too high to transverse.

Earth Fest This Saturday
Friends of Rogers (FOR), a not-for-profit group in Sherburne, invites the public to attend Earth Fest 2011 on Saturday, May 7 from noon to 4 PM at Rogers Environmental Education Center. It will be a day of fun activities and participants can learn many ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
With something for the whole family, visitors can try their hand at kayaking or canoeing on the Cunningham Ice Pond, learn how to tie flies and cast them, see how to keep bees, make a cement bird bath, build a bluebird box, and learn about recycling and saving energy. Investigate solar and geothermal energy systems for your home along with many simple ways to save money and energy while improving the health of the planet.

NRA Trailblazers Banquet Set For May 20
The Annual Friends of the NRA Trailblazers banquet will be held at the American Legion in Norwich on May 20. This is an event that will be both fun and rewarding. A portion of all money raised stays in our community.

Adirondack Fishing Expo at Old Forge
The Adirondack Fishing Expo will be held May 21-22 in Old Forge. It will be at the Community Center on Park Ave, located behind Souvenir Village at the “Five Corners.” Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. It is sponsored by Souvenir Village and the New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame with proceeds to benefit Hall of Fame youth programs.
There has been a renewed interest in fishing the Adirondacks but many people are unaware of the potential that exists there, or the methods to take advantage of it. With exhibits, demonstrations, and seminars the attendees of the Expo will have a much better idea of where to go and how to fish for the species they desire. There will be information on fishing various lakes, ponds, and rivers, as well as the “fish finder” maps available from FishNY.com. Explore the options of getting to fishing waters ranging from roadside boat launches to flying in by seaplane, packing in by horseback, or traveling by canoe. Meet the outfitters and learn from their presentations on what to take and how to pack.