Regional

Caitlin Ferrante, who chairs the conservation council, told the town board that the council, which will meet twice a year as the task force, “has the knowledge and has the time and the ability to make sure that what we’re trying to plan for in the town is actually good.”

Bear hunters had a record-breaking season, the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation announced this week.

Since the state started keeping track in 1955, the 1,759 black bears killed this season is second only to the toll in 2003.

A total of 450 Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education students competed in the regional SkillsUSA competition on March 18; forty-five won medals and will now compete in the state competition in Syracuse next month. Winners of that event will advance to the national competition in June.

The state has released a roadmap to deal with harmful algal blooms, known as HAB.

The 11-page report says that HABs in freshwater consist of cyanobacteria, which are also referred to as blue-green algae.

The annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14.

Warmer temperatures and rain have spurred the start of annual migrations of amphibians that breed in vernal pools.

Throughout the Hudson Valley, Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings Project volunteers are surveying roads to safeguard frogs and salamanders who cross roads to mate.

ALBANY COUNTY — Along with a broad swath of New York state, Albany County is under a wind advisory for Saturday.

The advisory is under effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 14.

West winds from 15 to 25 miles per hour are expected with gusts up to 50 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

Unstable conditions in the Catskills and Adirondacks have led the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation to warn hikers and skiers they should “exercise an abundance of caution” and consider alternative plans.

Jeffrey Kuhn, a Democrat representing Delmar and Glenmont who sponsored the resolution, said, “The Trump administration has mandated that ICE and Border Patrol arrest at least 3,000 immigrants a day …. ICE has cut the classes that teach the Constitution, our legal system, firearms training, the use of force, lawful arrests, proper detention, and the limits of officers’ authority.”

“Birds can be enjoyed by anyone at any time and anywhere. Birds bring us joy and help us discover wonder in the world and connect with the needs of our ecosystems. Happy birding!” said Jenn Lodi-Smith, Ph.D., founder and director of The Spark Bird Project.