As the final fireworks exploded last Fourth of July weekend above Hinckley Reservoir, it was the finale of more than just the annual Independence Day display. It also marked the end of the boating season on the reservoir because the water level had dropped too low for it to continue – something that normally doesn’t happen until about Labor Day. On July 4, 2007, people still were launching smaller boats, but larger boats were already having trouble, said Carol Weidner, owner of the Trail’s End Campground on the reservoir. “And it was just downhill from there,” Weidner said. “And that was it. Fourth of July was our last boating weekend last year.” One year later, many people whose businesses or summer plans rely on the reservoir are hoping changes being put in place at the direction of Gov. David Paterson will result in an enjoyable holiday weekend and a summer without a water crisis. A ‘ridiculous’ 2007 Reservoir levels this year got off to a scary start. Due to a lack of precipitation this spring, the levels were below average again, canal spokeswoman Erin Agans said, but since then there has been significant precipitation, and the levels are back to average for this time of year. Robert Kraeger of Whitesboro, his family and four other families he is close to have been staying at Trail’s End Campground for 20 years. The past four years, they’ve stayed there seasonally. Sitting earlier this week at his campsite wearing a ...
Anytime
As the final fireworks exploded last Fourth of July weekend above Hinckley Reservoir, it was the finale of more than just the annual Independence Day display. It also marked the end of the boating season on the reservoir because the water level had dropped too low for it to continue – something that normally doesn’t happen until about Labor Day. On July 4, 2007, people still were launching smaller boats, but larger boats were already having trouble, said Carol Weidner, owner of the Trail’s End Campground on the reservoir. “And it was just downhill from there,” Weidner said. “And that was it. Fourth of July was our last boating weekend last year.” One year later, many people whose businesses or summer plans rely on the reservoir are hoping changes being put in place at the direction of Gov. David Paterson will result in an enjoyable holiday weekend and a summer without a water crisis. A ‘ridiculous’ 2007 Reservoir levels this year got off to a scary start. Due to a lack of precipitation this spring, the levels were below average again, canal spokeswoman Erin Agans said, but since then there has been significant precipitation, and the levels are back to average for this time of year. Robert Kraeger of Whitesboro, his family and four other families he is close to have been staying at Trail’s End Campground for 20 years. The past four years, they’ve stayed there seasonally. Sitting earlier this week at his campsite wearing a ...