Banner Photo:; Detail of new USGS photomosiac topographic map showing Middle Lake of the Cassadaga Lakes.
Note! The times for this event have changed.
Boats need a registration or use permit. Meet at Howes True Value at 1:00 p.m. or the boat ramp on Route 899 in Forest County at 2:00 p.m. Note that Dennis plans to cancel the trip if it is raining. Leader Dennis Anderson, 716-483-2288.
Meet at 5:30 p.m. at the Jamestown Audubon Center on Riverside Road. Ride to Akeley Swamp and return. Leader Pat Spicer, 814-757-8331, 9 to 11.
Meet at the Jamestown Audubon Center at 5:30 p.m. Transport bikes to Scandia. Ride to Hatch Run and back to Russell. Leader Pat Spicer, 814-757-8331, 9 to 11.
Walk around Lily Dale optional. Meet at the Jamestown Park and Ride at 10 a.m. or the boat launch at north end of Lower Lake near the entrance to Lily Dale at 10:30 a.m. Leader Cathy Moore, 814-723-8985.
A new style of topographic maps are now available from the U.S. Geological Service. The new maps are similar to the USGS topo maps that outdoorsmen have long been using but with improvements that make visualizing the land easier and show some features in greater detail than can be achieved with symbols. Also, they can be downloaded for free from the USGS web site.
Detail of the map in the banner photostrip without the photo-mosaic layer. This and other effects are available when using the free digital download version..
The new maps have as a background a mosaic of aerial photographs aligned to make a single picture of the area. Users of Google Maps will be familiar with these from their use of the “satellite” view. Laid atop the photo-mosaic are the contour lines and elevations that show land shape. These lines will be familiar to anyone who uses topo maps. Over the countour layers are layers are symbols and names of water features; streams, lakes, ponds, etc. Over that are layers for road symbols and names; then layers for boundaries and geographic names. On top all this are layers that show grid lines and coordinate values. The printed versions of these maps of course show all the layers all the time, but with a downloaded digital version the user has the option to pick and choose which layers to show.
For more information on the new USGS topo maps click here.
The kayak and canoe regatta at Bradford is nearing and eyes are on the water levels. The Tuna Valley Trail Association is grateful for the rains that are expected before this coming Saturday and hoping the water stays high. The West Branch is expected to be navitable but the East Branch needs plenty of water to help overcome the many challenges found there. The regatta routes end at the Crook Farm grounds where there will be a pig roast with live music. You can hike there – the Crook Farm Trail passes by the site – or drive there; but everyone is encouraged to bring their kayak or canoe and arrive via the Tunungant Creek. Find out more by CLICKING HERE FOR THE TVTA WEB SITE.
Memorial Day Weekend is soon so get your reservations for the Butler Outdoor Club's Ourdoor Extravaganza. Base camp for the event will be Breakneck Campground near McConnell’s Mill and Moraine State Park.
This year BOC is promising a weekend full of outdoor activities; trail, road and mountain biking; canoeing or kayaking on lakes and streams; rafting; rock climbing; sailing; horseback riding; nature walks; various levels of hikes as well as historical and fun excursions.
There’s more; workshops such as Birding, Building Your Own Sailboat, Making & Playing a Can-jo, Wildflower Project, Nature Photography, Yoga, Long Distance Hiking/Running and Dead Fish Polo (a canoe game). Kids Fun Workshops and Family Activities will also be planned. There's excursions to historical places such as Harmony, Old Economy Village, museums, working grist mill, and historic oil pump demo. Bike ride planned through an area rich in history and geology.
If you go you will need to register ahead of time. Early is best as participants in many events as well as camping spots are limited. For complete information and registration CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE OUTDOOR EXTRAVAGANZA WEB SITE.