Contact:  Mary Penney, 315-312-3042

ALTMAR, NY, September 15, 2008 - On Saturday, September 27 at the Salmon River Fish Hatchery at 2133 County Route 22 in Altmar, Salmon River Steward Greg Chapman will be available from 11am to 3pm to answer questions about the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive forest pest that threatens invasion of the Tug Hill region.

Chapman says, “Learning now about the Emerald Ash Borer which may appear in New York in the near future may help us deal with an invasive species that could damage Tug Hill forests.”

The Salmon River Stewards Program is offering information on this forest pest as part of the National Hunting and Fishing Day Open House and Family Days at the NYSDEC Salmon River Fish Hatchery. Free activities at the Salmon River Fish Hatchery will include Hatchery tours, fly tying, flycasting, on-stream fishing demonstrations for Pacific salmon and by the Lake Ontario Steelhead Association, a rare and unusual fish display, the Laser Shot Game, boat safety with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and cross-country skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and conservation exhibits from 9am to 4pm. The Salmon River Steward Program is also offering guided nature walks at the Salmon River Falls Unique Area at 9:30am and 3pm that day.

For more information on the forest pest programs, contact Salmon River Steward Program Coordinator Mary Penney at 315-312-3042. For details on National Hunting and Fishing Day activities at the NYSDEC Salmon River Fish Hatchery, call 315-298-7605.

To reach the Salmon River Fish Hatchery, follow State Route 13 to County Route 22 north to Altmar. The Hatchery is on the left.
 
To reach the Salmon River Falls Unique Area, from the Salmon River Fish Hatchery, take County Rotue 22 north approximately 4.6 miles, turn right onto Falls Road, go approximately .6 miles east and park in the lot on the right.