A multiyear collaboration between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the NFCT continues to make progress rehabilitating outdoor recreation infrastructure on Valcour Island.
The NFCT’s roving stewardship crew returned to Valcour Island in June for year four of the ongoing project. The crew consists of NFCT Assistant Trail Director Alex Delhagan and three seasonal interns — Nathan Lennard, Isla Chadsey and Lillian Cadwell. The NFCT also received support from DEC staff and 11 volunteers.
This year’s projects were funded with support from a Lake Champlain Basin Program Education and Outreach grant as well as revenue generated by the NFCT’s Adirondack Race Series, which includes the ‘Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race, the Long Lake Long Boat Regatta and the Adirondack Canoe Classic, more commonly known as the 90-Miler.
“Our appreciation for Valcour Island grows each year we return,” Delhagen said. “Valcour is a bridge between past and present: it’s a recreation area that allows us to connect with history and enjoy a wild place that’s easily accessible, right off the coast of the Plattsburgh and Peru communities. We’re thrilled to see more and more people enjoying the paddling, hiking, fishing and camping opportunities Valcour provides in abundance.”
To date, the focus of the collaboration has been the rehabilitation of old camping, hiking and paddling infrastructure. Previous work included: replacing old privies; rebuilding campfire pits, bog bridging, and pathways from shoreline to campsites; and general maintenance on campsites.
This year’s work saw crews rebuild 150 feet of boardwalk on the Cross Island Trail. The NFCT also repurposed slate native to the island to rebuild four concrete fireplaces, helping to restore campsites to a more primitive character using natural materials. Trash and debris was also collected and transported off the island to be disposed of properly.
As the only dedicated water trail crew in the Northeast, the NFCT’s stewardship crew specializes in projects at the interface of land and water, including campsites, portage trails and access points. The NFCT’s roving crew works in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine throughout the paddling season; a second crew is based in the Allagash.
To learn more about the NFCT’s stewardship work, including volunteer opportunities, contact Trail Director Noah Pollock at noah@northernforestcanoetrail.
