Executive Director wanted by river conservation group

Friends of the Upper Delaware River, a nonprofit conservation group based in Hancock, N.Y., is looking for an Executive Director to lead the organization in its efforts to protect, preserve and enhance the ecosystem and cold-water fishery of the Upper Delaware River System. Click here for full job description and how to apply

Feds give Connecticut River salmon restoration program the hook

After 45 years of trying to restore Atlantic salmon to the Connecticut River the US Fish & Wildlife Service is throwing in the towel. This hatchery supported program has seen about 100 million salmon smolts stocked into the Connecticut River basin with a very low return rate that doesn't justify the continued expense of the stocking program.

The Fish & Wildlife Service plan on redirecting their efforts and staff  to continue restoring other imperiled Connecticut River anadromous fish like the American shad, shortnose sturgeon, river herring, and the American eel.

Orvis to Sell Tenkara USA Products

San Francisco based company Tenkara USA announced that Orvis, industry leader in fly-fishing equipment, will start carrying Tenkara USA’s rods, line and flies and helping promote the Japanese method of fly-fishing called tenkara.

Tenkara is a very simple method of fly-fishing, which uses only a rod, line and fly (no reel). The line is tied directly to the end of the rod, and while the casting technique is similar to Western fly-fishing it is also easier to learn.

Tenkara USA was founded in 2009 by Daniel Galhardo and is the first company to introduce and promote the method and equipment for tenkara outside of Japan. Since its introduction, tenkara has developed a passionate following and growing popularity in the US, Canada and throughout Europe.

Galhardo thinks this partnership with the 156-year old Orvis company represents a huge milestone for the sport.  “Tenkara has generated a lot of heated debate within the fly-fishing community over the last couple of years. Having a well-established fly-fishing company like Orvis embrace the method and promote it to its customers is an irrefutable validation of tenkara”, said Galhardo.

Orvis contacted Tenkara USA in early 2012 expressing interest in their products.  Galhardo says, “The trust a large company like Orvis is putting on Tenkara USA based on the quality they saw in our equipment speaks to our worldwide leadership on tenkara”.

Tom Rosenbauer, Director of Marketing at Orvis, sees a potential for tenkara to remove many of the typical barriers to entry new fly anglers experience. “Tenkara can be a great way for people to get introduced to fly-fishing.  Eliminating the reel and line handling removes a lot of the complexities of the sport, and the ability to get a drag-free float on pocket water makes it easy for novices to grasp this concept.  Plus, it’s inexpensive and the tackle is simple and not intimidating”, said Rosenbauer.

Rosenbauer added that tenkara is not only a refreshing forte into fly-fishing for westerners, but also a good way to introduce children to the sport.  “Tenkara is something fun and new (actually hardly new, but new to Americans) to try for fishing smaller trout streams and panfish ponds.  It’s simple and brings you back to the essence of fly-fishing.  I know I will be teaching my 7-year-old how to fly fish with a Tenkara rod on a local bluegill pond.”

Tenkara USA’s current product lineup includes six rod models, and a couple of different lines, and four fly patterns specifically designed for tenkara. Orvis will initially be offering one of Tenkara USA’s most popular rods, the 12-foot long Iwana model, along with the tenkara lines and flies designed specifically for tenkara.  The tenkara gear is now available on Orvis’ website. 

About Tenkara USA
Tenkara USA is a fully independent, US-based company. Founded in 2009 by Daniel W. Galhardo, Tenkara USA is the first company in the US fully dedicated to bringing the Japanese method of fly-fishing, tenkara, to those in pursuit of a simpler and more effective way to fly-fish.  For more information, visit www.tenkarausa.com. 

About OrvisIn 1856, Charles Orvis founded the Orvis Company in Manchester, Vermont, offering the finest fly-fishing equipment, and priding himself on customer satisfaction and service. Today, along with their world famous fly-fishing gear, Orvis offers distinctive clothing, home furnishings, gifts, and dog products. They are the longest-running mail order business in the United States.  For more information, visit Orvis.com.

Summer on the Upper Delaware River

Summer Trout Fishing on the Upper Delaware River

It’s been an excellent water year so far and that's resulted in some very good fishing on the Upper Delaware. The Main Stem trout fishing has been holding up nicely and the West Branch has excellent cold water flows providing excellent all day fishing opportunities too.

Sulfurs, Olives, Slate Drakes (as many Delaware fly fishers call, Isos), and Cahills have been on the trout’s menu offering some wonderful late evening fishing. This has prompted us to offer a new float trip package for as long as these conditions hold together.


This Summer, join us for a Magic Hour evening float trip where you can try your hand on twilight fishing for the Delaware’s famed wild rainbow trout. This 3 to 4 hour float trip begins with meeting us around 6:00 PM and fishing until dark from the safety and comfort of a drift boat. Catch the excitement of evening spinner falls for just $250 for one or two anglers.


Our Full Day guided trip for up to 2 people is still available for $425. A five hour Half Day’s trip is $325.


Smallmouth Bass Fishing on the Upper Delaware River
Field & Stream Magazine names the Upper Delaware as one of the top five smallmouth bass Rivers in the US - July 2007

The number one reason you should fish for smallmouth bass with us is because it's just downright fun! Perfect for the novice or expert.
On spin tackle or on a fly rod the smallmouth is inch for inch and pound for pound, the sportiest fish in freshwater. As soon as they're hooked a smallmouth lets off with an exciting series of runs and jumps, fighting against the rod and giving the impression that it's a far bigger fish than it is.

Our Full Day guided Smallmouth trips are for up to 2 people, 8+ hours, snacks, soft drinks, and lunch included.

Call us today and get in on the fun!

914-475-6779 or 607-241-7000

email crosscurrent@optonline.net

Capt. Joe Demalderis
2010 Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide of the Year
http://www.flyfishthedelaware.com/

American Rivers launches The Anglers Fund, to connect anglers with river conservation

A new initiative launched by American Rivers, the nation’s leading river conservation organization, is engaging anglers across the country in the effort to protect and restore rivers.

Healthy rivers and clean water are essential to healthy fish and good fishing. The Anglers Fund supports American Rivers’ work to improve river health and fishing by removing obsolete dams, improving operations of existing dams, and safeguarding rivers with Wild and Scenic designations. Members of The Anglers Fund contribute $1000 or more annually.

“Anglers have a unique and powerful connection to rivers. Whether casting to steelhead in the Pacific Northwest, cutthroat trout in the Rockies, Atlantic salmon in Maine, stripers in the Chesapeake Bay, or smallmouth bass in the Southeast, the beauty and magic of each fishing experience begins with healthy rivers,” said Bob Irvin, president of American Rivers.

Recent successes for river and fish conservation spearheaded by American Rivers include the removal of dams on Washington’s Elwha and White Salmon rivers, Maine’s Penobscot River, and Maryland’s Patapsco River, along with Wild and Scenic designations for 400 miles of the Snake River and its tributaries surrounding Jackson, Wyoming.  Additional successes have come in the form of hundreds of dams removed in the Northeast, hundreds of miles of improved fish habitat from reformed dam operations in the Southeast, and over 100 miles of habitat restored for steelhead and salmon in California.

Anglers Fund members receive a variety of benefits including exclusive opportunities to join American Rivers conservation experts on special fishing excursions, as well as briefings on fisheries conservation work.
Donations can be made by phone, using a major credit card (call American Rivers at 877-347-7550); by mail (send contribution to: American Rivers Anglers Fund, 1101 14th Street NW, Suite 1400, Washington DC, 20005); or securely online at www.AmericanRivers.org/AnglersFund.

American Rivers is the leading organization working to protect and restore the nation’s rivers and streams. Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Since 1973, American Rivers has fought to preserve these connections, helping protect and restore more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects, and the annual release of America’s Most Endangered Rivers®.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 100,000 supporters, members, and volunteers nationwide. Visit www.americanrivers.org, www.facebook.com/americanrivers and www.twitter.com/americanrivers.

FREE Fly Fishing Clinics

Fly Fishing 101—Learn the basics; 

Fly Fishing 201—Chance to catch your first fish on a fly!

SUNDERLAND, VT (Spring 2012) – From May through July, Orvis will offer free fly fishing lessons nationwide through Orvis retail stores and participating dealers (www.orvis.com/ff101). This season Orvis hopes to introduce even more outdoor lovers to the sport with Fly Fishing 101 and 201 beginning in May 2012. Classes are complimentary to the public and a great way for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors together.

 “The past two years' success of Fly Fishing 101 is truly amazing and encouraging,” explains Tom Rosenbauer, Marketing Director of The Orvis Company. “Based on the success of the program, we've been delighted to welcome many thousands of novice and advancing students to the joys of fly fishing through Fly Fishing 101 and 201. Our goal is to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to come learn more about the fascination of fly fishing. The classes are unique opportunities to enjoy a new sport and the success of the program speaks volumes to what folks are seeking in terms of healthy outdoor recreational activities for themselves and their families.” 

Trout Unlimited and the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) will be lending their support again this year with volunteers at the event and free memberships to their organization for attendees of the class. 

Fly Fishing 101/201 Highlights -- The 101 course will consist of two parts—one hour of casting instruction and one hour of rigging. Most participants are true beginners so keeping the focus on learning these basic skills is the best place to start. FF201 classes are conducted on the water, with a lower instructor/student ratio. The main thrust of the 201 course is getting those interested in taking the next step in fly fishing on the water at a local location where they have a great chance at catching their first fish. Private water, local bass/bluegill ponds, or a recently stocked river or creek are typical class sites.

Once instruction is completed, each group attendee will receive a $25 coupon off any purchase of $50 or more and other coupons good toward Orvis gear. Additionally, each group attendee will receive a certificate for a FREE Trout Unlimited membership and a FREE membership to the Federation of Fly Fishers—a $70 value. The total free package value including the instruction is valued at over $150.

To get started in fly fishing and to make it more accessible to start in the sport, participants will also receive discounted offers on a fishing lanyard with tools and a beginner's rod outfit—all the basics needed to hit the water after the class. 

Event Dates (exact times determined by store):

Fly Fishing 101
Saturday, May 26 Sunday, May 27	Saturday, June 2 Sunday, June 3 Saturday, June 16 Sunday, June 17 Saturday, June 23 Sunday, June 24
Fly Fishing 201
Saturday, June 9 Sunday June 10	Sunday, July 1

About The Orvis Company
Founded in 1856, Orvis pioneered the mail order industry in the United States, operates more than 80 retail stores in the U.S. and the U.K. including its Flagship store in Manchester, VT; and maintains a network of over 400 dealers worldwide. Orvis donates five percent of pre-tax profits each year to protecting nature. You can read more about Orvis on their website at www.orvis.com

Visit www.orvis.com/ff101 for a full listing of participating stores/dealers.

Orvis Names its 2012 Awards of the Very Finest Sporting Operations

The Orvis Company has announced the winners of the company’s 2012 Endorsed Lodges, Outfitters, and Guide Awards. There are eight categories; three for lodge operations, four for guiding operations and one lifetime achievement award. These awards are chosen based on customer survey feedback that Orvis solicits from their customers who patronize these operations. 

“Every year here at Orvis we ask how we can possibly have a better selection of quality lodges than we do now, and every year we are gratified with an ever remarkable collection of lodges that make up the Orvis endorsed group,” explains David Perkins, Vice Chairman of Orvis. “The difficulty in choosing who to recognize is indicative of the quality of the people who are part of the program. The good news is that winners are selected as a result of the feedback from the people who matter most to all of us, and that is the customer. Each of these operations adhere to the highest Orvis standards for customer service, professionalism, commitment to conservation, and respect for our natural world as well as continue to be an example not only to their peers, but to us at Orvis as well.”

This year’s winners are:

	Wingshooting Lodge of the Year – Highland Hills Ranch in The Dalles, Oregon, a 3,000 acre hunting preserve for ringneck pheasants, Hungarian partridge, valley quail and chukar, offers walk up hunts as well as a limited number of British driven shoots per season.
	Fly-Fishing Lodge of the Year – Falcon’s Ledge in Altamont, Utah is set in a private six hundred acre canyon, providing a bird’s eye view of the surrounding cliffs, stillwaters and wildlife. Utah’s finest fly fishing on unpressured mountain freestone streams, blue ribbon tail waters, or trophy stillwaters is available within minutes of the lodge, and adventures are led by Orvis endorsed guides and instructors.
	International Lodge of the Year – The only Orvis endorsed wing shooting lodge in Argentina, Los Ombues is the ultimate experience for the wing shooter.
	Outfitter of the Year – Anglers Covey in Colorado Springs, Colorado has been providing the services, products and expertise that enhance the experience of the fly fishing angler for over 30 years. Their state-of-the-art facility allows for inside casting when the weather is bad, as well as two casting ponds outside the store.
	Expedition of the Year – Deep Canyon Outfitters in Bend, Oregon specializes in one-to-five day guided Oregon fly fishing trips on the Deschutes River and Crooked River. They are the only Orvis Endorsed operation on the Lower Deschutes River.
	Guide Service of the Year – Jamie Rouse Fly-Fishing Adventures of Heber Springs, Arkansas, considered an instructional outfitter, has something to offer all skill levels from the new fly fisherman to the most advanced angler, and their trips consist of both wade and boat fishing.
	Guide of the Year – Captain Kalil Boghdan of Downriver Charters in Hamilton, Massachusetts has over 25 years of experience on the Essex River and the waters of Crane Beach and Plum Island Sound and is thoroughly versed in the behavior of striped bass and bluefish, as well as the natural history and ecology of the area.
	Lifetime Achievement Award – Buzz Cox of The High Lonesome Ranch, which sits on the Western Slope of the Colorado Rockies, has been recognized with the Orvis Endorsed Guide Lifetime Achievement Award.  His career spans over 3 decades and ranges from the Northeast to the Rocky Mountains.

For over twenty years the Orvis Company has been recognizing excellence in sporting experiences through its Endorsed Lodges Outfitters and Guides program. Each endorsed operation has its own character, but all share the same high standards: great service, great fishing or wingshooting, and an experienced, professional staff. These standards of excellence are continually reviewed by the Orvis staff and evaluated by visiting guests in post-visit critiques sent directly to The Orvis Company. Orvis-Endorsed operations cater to every ability from beginners to experts.

Founded in 1856, Orvis pioneered the mail order industry in the United States, operates more than 80 retail stores in the U.S. and the U.K. including its Flagship store in Manchester, VT; and maintains a network of over 400 dealers worldwide. Orvis donates five percent of pre-tax profits each year to protecting nature. You can read more about Orvis on their website at www.orvis.com.

Bassmaster Names 100 Best Bass Fishing Lakes in U.S.

Bassmaster magazine, the official publication for members of B.A.S.S., announced today the 100 best bass fishing lakes in the U.S.  The list was compiled in a months-long process that included research from state fisheries agencies, nominations from B.A.S.S. Federation Nation tournament organizers and a panel of widely traveled professional anglers, fishing writers and others.

Despite its reputation as a dangerous place to fish, Texas’ Falcon Lake ranked in first place. The 58-year-old impoundment straddles the Rio Grande and is shared by Texas and Mexico. The 83,000-acre reservoir has been in the news as much for drug cartel-related crime as for its enormous catches of largemouth bass.

Falcon produced the record winning catch for the Bassmaster Elite Series circuit when Paul Elias caught 132.5 pounds of bass during four days in 2008. Although the Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments have not returned to the lake since, it regularly gives up tournament-winning catches averaging more than 8 pounds per bass.

Texas tops the list of states with eight lakes or rivers in the Top 100, followed by Florida, which has seven fisheries on the list, including No. 2-ranked Lake Okeechobee. Rounding out the Top 10 are Lake Guntersville in Alabama, Lake Erie in Michigan/Ohio/New York/Pennsylvania, Lake Champlain in New York/Vermont, Lake Amistad in Texas, Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota, San Joaquin Delta in California, Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho and Clear Lake in California.

According to Bassmaster editor James Hall, the idea for ranking the best lakes emerged at a B.A.S.S. tournament during a lively discussion among outdoor writers with definite ideas about the nation’s top performing lakes. Hall decided the debate warranted a more in-depth investigation.

“Instead of just having opinions, we wanted to put science behind the opinion to rate the ‘100 Best Bass Lakes,’” Hall said. “The method was as scientific as we could make it. The result is a list of outstanding fisheries. I think it will be fun for people to consider where their favorite lake stands compared to the best in another state.”

The 100 Best Bass Lakes list was ranked using a variety of qualifiers. Department of Natural Resource representatives provided the five most productive lakes in each state based on electroshock surveys and angler catch rates. B.A.S.S. Federation Nation presidents offered top lake recommendations based on tournament catches, while conservation directors supplied details on lake accessibility and best fish stocking practices.

A blue ribbon panel of outdoor writers, editors, Bassmaster Elite Series professional anglers and fishing industry veterans ranked the final list based on current fishability of each lake, considering its history, big fish and overall quantity potential and aesthetic surroundings of the area.

The list is slated to appear annually. For full details about each of the lakes ranked, as well as more details about each one, visit http://www.bassmaster.com/news/100-best-bass-lakes.

Bassmaster Magazine 2012 100 Best Bass Lakes in the U.S.

1. Falcon Lake, Texas

2. Lake Okeechobee, Florida

3. Lake Guntersville, Alabama

4. Lake Erie, Michigan/Ohio/New York/Pennsylvania

5. Lake Champlain, New York/Vermont

6. Lake Amistad, Texas

7. Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota

8. San Joaquin Delta, California

9. Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

10. Clear Lake, California

11. Rainy Lake, Minnesota

12. Pickwick Lake, Alabama/Mississippi/Tennessee

13. Lake St. Clair, Michigan

14. Oneida Lake, New York

15. Toledo Bend, Texas/Louisiana

16. Kentucky Lake/Barkley Lake, Kentucky/Tennessee

17. Grand Lake, Oklahoma

18. Kezar Lake, Maine

19. Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Texas

20. Columbia River, Washington/Oregon

21. Kissimmee Chain Of Lakes, Florida

22. Candlewood Lake, Connecticut

23. Santee Cooper lakes, South Carolina

24. Roosevelt Lake, Arizona

25. Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin

26. Lake Fork, Texas

27. Louisiana Delta, Louisiana

28. Lake Ouachita, Arkansas

29. Lake Konawa, Oklahoma

30. Lake Of The Ozarks, Missouri

31. Potomac River, Maryland/Virginia

32. Shasta Lake, California

33. Lake Havasu, Arizona

34. Lake Michigan, Wisconsin/Illinois/Indiana/Michigan

35. Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota

36. Florida Everglades, Florida

37. Lake Charlevoix, Michigan

38. Lake Mead, Nevada

39. Choke Canyon Lake, Texas

40. Lake Seminole, Georgia/Florida

41. Congamond Lakes, Massachusetts

42. Table Rock Lake, Missouri

43. Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

44. Falls Lake, North Carolina

45. Umpqua River, Oregon

46. Okoboji Lake, Iowa

47. Red River, Louisiana

48. Pueblo Reservoir, Colorado

49. DeGray Lake, Arkansas

50. Trap Pond, Delaware

51. Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas/Missouri

52. Spirit Lake, Iowa

53. St. Lawrence River, New York

54. Squam Lake, New Hampshire

55. High Rock Lake, North Carolina

56. Arbuckle Lake, Oklahoma

57. Lake Tarpon, Florida

58. Apache Lake, Arizona

59. Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona

60. Perry Reservoir, Kansas

61. Chickamauga Lake, Tennessee

62. Lake Wawasee, Indiana

63. Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

64. Lake Conroe, Texas

65. Noxon Rapids, Montana

66. Diamond Valley Lake, California

67. Summit Reservoir, Nebraska

68. Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey

69. Rend Lake, Illinois

70. Lake Pleasant, Arizona

71. Lake Audubon, North Dakota

72. Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Wyoming

73. Harris Chain Of Lakes, Florida

74. Cobbosseecontee Lake, Maine

75. Ute Lake, New Mexico

76. Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania

77. Wilson Reservoir, Kansas

78. Elephant Butte Lake, New Mexico

79. Lake Oahe, South Dakota

80. Gull Lake, Minnesota

81. Kerr Reservoir/Buggs Island, N.C./Virginia

82. Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee/Kentucky

83. Lake Gaston, North Carolina

84. Bullards Bar Reservoir, California

85. Dworshak Reservoir, Idaho

86. Tygart Lake, West Virginia

87. Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Kansas

88. O.H. Ivie, Texas

89. Lake Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania

90. Lake Murray, South Carolina

91. Lake Sammamish, Washington

92. Lake Eufaula, Alabama/Georgia

93. Enid Reservoir, Mississippi

94. Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee

95. Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana

96. Manasquan Reservoir, New Jersey

97. Lake Mohave, Nevada

98. Lake Lanier, Georgia

99. Sebago Lake, Maine

100. McPhee Lake, Colorado

Falcon Lake, Texas

Lake Okeechobee, Florida

Lake Guntersville, Alabama

2012 Upper Delaware River Fishing Reports

Once again, Cross Current Guide Service & Outfitters will be doing the Orvis Fishing Reports.  These reports will be updated whenever a change occurs, but in any event no less than on a weekly basis.

To Check on the conditions and happenings for the Main Stem of the Delaware River follow this link: http://www.orvis.com/fishing_report.aspx?locationid=600

East Branch conditions and fishing reports can be found here: http://www.orvis.com/fishing_report.aspx?locationid=6004

See whats happening on the Neversink River: http://www.orvis.com/fishing_report.aspx?locationid=7433

For other fly fishing destinations in the US in both fresh and saltwater check out: US Fly Fishing Reports

New York White Nose Syndrome Losses at 90%

The results of the winter survey of hibernating bats in New York are now available, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. This survey was a cooperative effort among state wildlife officials, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and numerous volunteers to monitor the effects of white-nose disease, a fungal infection that has devastated regional bat populations since it was first documented in New York in 2006.

The most encouraging observations came from surveys of the five hibernation caves in the greater Albany area where the disease was first discovered. Previous reports have suggested that little brown bat counts at these sites seem to be stabilizing in recent years. This year's surveys saw substantial increases in little brown bats at three out of five of these caves. The largest and best documented of these sites saw an increase from 1,496 little brown bats in 2011 to 2,402 this year. It is premature to conclude that population recovery is underway for this species, however, because of the small number of hibernation sites that have experienced increases and the fact that alternate explanations are plausible. Bats are highly social animals and observed increases could be the result of consolidation of individuals from other hibernation sites, for example.

"While we remain cautiously optimistic of encouraging trends for some species seen more recently, it will likely take several years before we fully know how to interpret this," said Kathleen Moser, DEC's Assistant Commissioner of Natural Resources. "DEC is assisting in national bat research and with those seeking solutions to the effects of the white nose disease. As a preventative measure we can take now, we encourage the public who enter caves recreationally, to refrain from entering hibernation sites while bats are there."

Based on this year's survey, total observed declines in population attributed to the disease for tri-colored bats have been revised upward. Prior to the arrival of white-nose disease in 2007, a total of 2,285 tri-colored bats were counted at 37 representative hibernation sites in the state. Since that time, a total of 112 bats were observed during surveys of those same sites, suggesting a statewide decline of 95 percent for the species. Northern long-eared bats have also been affected with a 98 percent observed decline (18 individuals observed in 36 sites compared to a pre-disease total of 911 bats at the same sites). Although neither bat was considered a threatened species prior to the arrival of white-nose disease, both species are now extremely rare in New York.

No surveys were performed this year for the federal and state endangered Indiana bat. Previous surveys indicate that losses for this species have totaled 71 percent statewide (15,650 individuals remaining, down from a high of 54,689). The population status of Indiana bats in New York will be reassessed in 2013.

Records of small-footed bats, a rare species even prior to the disease, show only a relatively small decline of 13 percent. This species is difficult to count due to its secretive habits when hibernating, but focused survey efforts this season have bolstered previous observations that the impact of the disease is far less severe for small-footed's than for most other hibernating bats.

Prior to the arrival of white-nose disease, the little brown bat was the most common bat species in New York State and has been observed hibernating in more than 100 caves and mines here. Statewide losses for the species attributed to white-nose disease remain at approximately 90 percent.

For more information on white nose syndrome in New York, visit the DEC website.