Balsam Swamp is a sprawling state forest that stretches almost 5.5 miles east-west across 4 towns. The area is very rural, and the landscape surrounding the State Forest is predominantly forested. Balsam Swamp State Forest is comprised of a mix of native hardwood forests, hemlock swamps, and conifer plantations. There are no designated recreational trails on the forest, but there is ample opportunity for self-guided day hikes to explore the diversity of habitats represented on this State Forest. Additionally, the western section of Balsam Swamp State Forest is adjacent to Five Streams State Forest to the south.
The main attraction of this forest is Balsam Pond. The impoundment is approximately 152 acres and is a popular destination for fishing and paddle boat sports. Balsam Pond is a warm water fishery that contains a mix of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, brown bullhead and sunfish. Tiger muskellunge have been stocked in the past with the last stocking occurring in 1995. However, there have been very few reports of anglers catching any of the adult tiger muskies. A shallow gravel boat launch is suitable for launching small fishing boats.
A small rustic camp ground is also located at Balsam Pond. Camping spaces are available at no cost on a first-come, first-serve basis and there is no running water or electricity. A fire ring, outhouse, and picnic table are provided for each camping space. A sign on Balsam-Tyler Road in Pharsalia designates the entrance to the boat launch and camping facility. This is a carry-in carry-out facility. Please do not litter.
This table shows the land area of each town in Albany County. It does not include land under water. The Town of Berne is the largest town in the form of area in Albany County.
I saw another bag of dog shit walking the trail today. Seems silly to pick up your dog’s shit and then leave it in a little bag along the way.
I don’t like pets. While I’m all for raising livestock for meat, milk, eggs or even manure to fertilize the soil, I’ve always seen owning a dog or cat to be rather deprived. I can’t imagine having to scoop up and carry a bag of dog shit around town. Dogs and cats are omnivores and their poop is loaded with pathogens. If you need a friend maybe you should join a community organization or try online dating rather than subjectating a domestic animal.
Pet ownership is gross in my book. Livestock is fine in a barnyard, I have no problem tying a dog on a chain in a barn to keep away predators or a barn cat to control mice. But in the house, just yuck. Especially with my allergies. Maybe a dog is fine for hunting and duck retrieval but I can’t see being such an empty person that needs a dog for companionship.
I saw that post on Facebook the other day and isn’t that life? Temporary measures are hard to give up, especially if they enhance power and prestige of an institution or simply work well enough and aren’t in our faces every day.
If Jesus Christ was brought up on trial today for the crime of treason, I often wonder how would the media cover the trial. Would he be portrayed as an angry mad-man, leader of an angry cult that committing unthinkable crimes against the state? Somebody declared a menace to God and man, most deserving of his painful death on cross? I am sure the District Attorney would be featured in a press conference, discussing how long-sought after justice was finally served against Jesus Christ — and that his death on the cross would deliver long-needed closure for the victims.
The television would also bring on voices of people who were victimized by Jesus Christ, for his acts of treason, organizing people against the lawful orders of the state. They might briefly mention his work on behalf of the common man, but argue that the way he went around confronting the Alderman and the rich power brokers, isn’t the way forward. The media would attach all of the bad actions of his followers to Jesus Christ, the violence, the hatred, all of which Jesus was not responsible for as the leader of the common man against the rich.
But I can’t imagine there are many wealthy people who live in New York for the low taxes. I really can’t think of a single person I know who chooses to live in New York for the low taxes — wealthy or otherwise. People live in New York for the unique accommodations in New York City, or even the things available in Upstate New York.
Sure you can live in Kansas or Idaho and pay a ton less in taxes, and that’s really good if your a homesteader, or want to farm. If cows are your thing and don’t already own land or have local family connections, then great. But not so good if you want to go to five star restaurants, Broadway shows or all the the high-end accommodations only available in a major metropolitan region. If you relatives and business partners all live in New York, then your kind of screwed if you go anywhere else. And taxes are based on the number of days you spend in New York — so if your commuting in from other state or have a vacation home in New York — you’ll still pay.
So I think it’s kind of silly argument to be opposed to the wealthy paying a bit more, just so that we can provide a good education to students or healthcare to seniors.
You know, I do think a carrying capacity study would be worthwhile for the Adirondacks, especially in context of new UMPs. I think it’s worthwhile to consider inducted when adding new facilities and expanding or improving existing ones. Often I see that as a topic that is glanced over with UMP documents.
That said, truth be told I don’t follow them as carefully as I once did because it’s not my issue, and I’m less invested in New York State then I once was with other places to go and no long term plans to stay forever. There are other wild lands in other parts of country.
