Cornell University and Great Camp Sagamore Present
Exploring the Conservation of Brook Trout in the Changing Adirondack Climate
Open Public Events, June 4th and 5th, 2021
The Cornell Cooperative Extension Offices of Herkimer and Hamilton counties, Trout Power and Great Camp Sagamore present a series of free programs for the public highlighting the effects of climate change on Adirondack Brook Trout and other cold water fish species on June 4th and 5th. The programs will be held in conjunction with Great Camp Sagamore, a National Historic Landmark in Raquette Lake. Sagamore built in 1897 by William West Durant was the wilderness retreat of the Vanderbilt family. Set on its own lake in the Blue Ridge Wilderness, Sagamore has a long history with both sport angling and environmental preservation.
The event begins with an evening talk by Dr. Cliff Kraft on Friday, June 4th at 7pm on the work of Cornell’s Adirondack Fisheries Program highlighting the over 60 years of research on the health of the park’s waterways. Continuing on Saturday a series of free programs for the public in the forest preserve surrounding Sagamore that were once part of the Vanderbilt estate. Activities include Natural History walks along the historic powerhouse trail, demonstrations of environmentally friendly angling, fly fishing and trout research techniques.
The Exploring the Conservation of Brook Trout in the Changing Adirondack Climate program presents to the public the work of the Adirondack Fishery Research Program (AFRP) of Cornell University. For over 60 years Cornell researchers have been researching the impacts of environmental change on Brook Trout and other cold water fish species in the Adirondacks. The work of AFRP has helped set policy to protect and preserve the natural heritage of our region’s waterways including documenting the effects of acid rain and climate change impacts.
Recently, a group of committed outdoor enthusiasts formed Trout Power, a Citizen Science non-profit that works with scientists to document native trout populations and advocate for environmentally safe fishing practices. Some of their pioneering studies were done at Sagamore Lake and its watershed.
As a capstone to the weekend’s activities on Saturday June 5th Great Camp Sagamore will present a concert by Adirondack Folk Musician Dan Berggren singing Music Inspired by Nature at 7:30pm in the camp’s historic barn for free. The preservation tours of Sagamore require an admission fee. All proceeds support Sagamore’s on-going restoration efforts.
These CCE events are free and open to the public no registration is necessary. For more information, contact:
Garet D. Livermore
Executive Director / Ag Issues Leader
(315) 866-7920 X 232
gdl56@cornell.edu
