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Paddling on the Hoosic River |
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Paddling the Hoosic River from Eagle Bridge to the Johnsonville Dam
For a leisurely scenic 8.5 mile paddle on the Hoosic River, put in at the Rensselaer Land Trust public boat launch and fishing access site and paddle downstream to the Johnsonville Dam. Drop a car or bicycle off at the take out spot if you do not want to paddle back. The public fishing and boat launch site is located ½ mile west of Eagle Bridge or 1 ½ miles east of Buskirk on RT 67 in northern Rensselaer County. There the Hoosic River is the county border between Washington and Rensselaer County. The site has a boat slide for car top boats and parking for 8-10 cars. It is not possible to launch a boat from a trailer at the site. In spring when the water is still cold, trout can be fished from the site. Later on in the season as the water warms, bass can be caught.
The Hoosic River has a mild current at the put in site and you can paddle in both directions however, the current becomes strong heading upstream to Eagle Bridge. Heading downstream, the river meanders around some bends where we saw northern flickers, swallows, ducks, geese, and other birds that we was unable to identify. If you enjoy bird watching, bring binoculars. At approximately 2.5 miles you will reach the Buskirk covered bridge. The covered bridge was constructed in 1857 and is the last surviving covered bridge in Rensselaer County. After the bridge, the water become flat and slows with forested banks and a few farms and houses. The next 5.5 miles is very calm and at the end resembles a long flat shallow lake. You will see several bays worth exploring for wild life along the way.
The take out spot is just before the Johnsonville Dam on the left bank. It is a canoe launch and fishing access site constructed by the Erie Boulevard Hydropower L.P. To get to it, turn towards the river onto RT 111 in Johnsonville and take a right onto River Street by the Fire Station. You will see the canoe launch and public parking spot shortly on your left.
RLT Board Member Francille Egbert
Hoosic River between Eagle Bridge and Buskirk
Buskirk Covered Bridge
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Rensselaer Land Trust Breaks into Radio |
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Board President Nick Conrad on Capital Green Scene with Brian Nearing
On Saturday, January 21, on 88.3 FM WVCR, Board President Nick Conrad spoke with Times Union environmental reporter Brian Nearing about RLT's 25-year history, work with landowners, cooperation with other preservation groups, and recent acquisitions and awards. Visit the Green Blog to learn more and hear a recording. |
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Spring 2010 Newsletter |
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Our Spring 2010 Newsletter and 2009 Annual Report is now available.
You can download a pdf version here. |
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2009 Outings and Events |
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Welcome to Rensselaer Land Trust's 2009 Outings and Events!
RLT programs range from indoor presentations to leisurely strolls to more strenuous hikes with a variety of terrain and difficulty levels. Please choose outings based on your and your party's physical ability and comfort. We make every effort to accurately describe the difficulty level of each outing, but it is still a subjective description. We recommend that for outdoor events you dress appropriately for all weather and trail conditions, and wear long pants and hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes. Always carry adequate water and food. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact the listed trip leader.
Sunday, July 26 9 am Snow Hole
The Snow Hole, a favorite destination of hikers along the Taconic Crest Trail, is a deep crevice where snow and ice can be found year-round. We will hike the Taconic Crest Trail from Petersburg Pass to get to the Snow Hole, passing views to the west and white quartz rocks. The hike is 6 miles round trip, but relatively easy walking with little ascent except a very short steep hill right at the start (wear hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes and a hat).
Meet at the parking area at the top of Petersburg Pass on NY Route 2 in Petersburg, east of Route 22 and just before the border with Massachusetts. RLT leader is Sharon Bonk. For further information, contact: July 16 or earlier -- Sharon at (518) 674-0042 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
; July 17 or later -- Nick Conrad at (518) 279-1963 or
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.
Bring a lunch to eat at the Snow Hole, at least a quart or liter of water, and dress for the weather.
VOLUNTEERS WELCOME!
Do you know of a scenic or natural spot in Rensselaer County that would make a good location for a hike? Are you interested in helping to plan and lead a hike or other outing? RLT's Outings Committee welcomes all of your ideas for future hikes and outings, and we welcome volunteers to help us plan and lead them. Please contact Nick Conrad at 279-1963.
Earlier 2009 Outings
Sunday, April 26 9:30 am Waterfalls along the Wynantskill
Saturday, May 16 9 am New Trail in the Capital District Wildlife Management Area
Sunday, May 17 7 am - Birding 10 am - Brunch and Presentation on the NYS Breeding Bird Atlas at the Grafton Inn followed by Birding at Dyken Pond
Saturday, May 30 9 am Spring Wildflowers at the Geiser Preserveatest updates to this schedule.
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Rensselaer Land Trust Establishes Robert Ingalls Preserve in Stephentown |
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The Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT) has permanently protected a 30-acre property in Stephentown, and will open it to the public as the Robert Ingalls Preserve. Black Brook, a native brook trout spawning stream, flows through a scenic ravine on the forested preserve. The Robert Ingalls Preserve will be open for catch and release fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, birding, and environmental education. RLT plans to improve a parking area, lay out formal trails, and install a kiosk and interpretive trail signs. RLT will offer a guided snowshoe hike/ski at the Preserve in March. The property, located at the intersection of Horse Heaven and Garfield Roads, was brought to the attention of RLT by a neighbor. RLT then negotiated a donation of the property, and costs associated with closing and clean-up are being donated by members of RLT and the local community. The Robert Ingalls Preserve is named in memory of RLT’s Vice President and long time Board of Directors member, who passed away in November.
The Preserve is located on the Rensselaer Plateau, one of RLT’s priority areas in for land conservation in Rensselaer County. The Rensselaer Plateau’s large forests blocks provide wildlife habitat, protect water quality, offer outdoor recreation, and support local economic activity. “The successful protection of the Robert Ingalls Preserve is the result of the former landowner, community residents, and RLT working together. Establishment of the Robert Ingalls Preserve offers the public additional access to open space and additional opportunities for outdoor activities,” said Nick Conrad, RLT President.
RLT will have several work days in 2011 for the clean-up, to create the trails, improve the parking area and install the kiosk and signage. We welcome your help on these work days. Please check our website again for specific dates and times for the work days. |
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